Introduction
Civil society organizations play a pivotal role in serving the community and promoting sustainable development. However, their success and continuity require adherence to a set of principles and standards that ensure the integrity and effectiveness of their work. The following are the most important requirements that civil society organizations should comply with.
1. Aligning the organization’s goals with people’s needs
Civil society organizations must address the social, economic, and political needs of their communities, and their members must prioritize these needs above any personal interests. This can only be achieved through a clear mission and objectives grounded in the realities of the community.
2. Holding the organization accountable
Civil society organizations must comply with the legal requirements of the state and be accountable to all stakeholders, including funders, members, partners, target groups, and the local community in which the organization operates.
3. Working with transparency
The organization must commit to publishing and making available essential data relating to organizational, programmatic and financial aspects in a timely manner, enabling the public to know the organization’s goals and mission, and to be informed about its activities, projects, financial status and sources of funding.
4. Adopting multi-leadership leadership
An organization controlled by a single individual is neither legitimate nor secure, as this can lead to personal interests prevailing over the common good. Shared leadership and management are essential to ensure checks and balances that prevent the misuse of organizational resources.
5. Announcing funding sources
If civil society organizations are demanding transparency and combating corruption in government institutions and the private sector, then they should first subject themselves to accountability and periodically disclose their sources of funding and financial transactions.
6. Compliance with the organization’s bylaws
Most legal problems faced by civil society organizations stem from non-compliance with the provisions of their bylaws. Therefore, it is essential to adhere to all articles of the bylaws in a legally sound manner and to avoid making decisions based on personal whims.
7. Protecting the rights of volunteers
Those in charge of the organization should respect the efforts of volunteers and not exploit them, preserve their moral and material rights, and inform them of these rights before they begin volunteering.
8. Not exploiting volunteer work for personal gain
Volunteer work should not be used as a means to gain political or social positions, or as a tool for showing off and improving one’s personal image; rather, its primary goal should be to serve the community.
9. Improving the public image of volunteer work
Those in charge of civil society organizations must realize that irresponsible behavior and disrespect for the law not only damage the organization’s reputation but also harm the sector as a whole. Therefore, they bear the responsibility of promoting a positive image of volunteer work in society.
10. Avoid conflicts of interest
The board of directors is established to serve as a supervisory body, not an executive one, and these two roles cannot be combined. Furthermore, the board of directors must be separate from executive committees and staff, and board members should not receive any salaries to avoid conflicts of interest.
11. Activating the role of the General Assembly
- Approval of the Board of Directors’ reports.
- Approval of the annual plan and review of the financial statements, budget, and final accounts.
- Monitoring and holding the Board of Directors accountable, and reviewing the annual activity report.
- Approval of the annual budget, final accounts, and auditor’s report.
In summary, the commitment of civil society organizations to these principles enhances their credibility, ensures their good management, and contributes to achieving their noble goals of serving the community and building trust with various parties.
