GALE The Global Alliance for LGBT education
We define the network as a learning community. The learning community consists of individual members. The learning community intends to keep the working arrangements of the learning community transparent and as simple and informal as possible. We try to deal with differences of view by formulating hypotheses, negotiating ways to test these and going on to develop methods to test effects in the real world. Our principles, guidelines for acceptable behaviour and procedures are described in the Alliance Guidelines.
The network focuses on exchange and active collaboration. By doing so, the community enhances quality for the implementation of LGBT education projects. The Alliance gives space to all participating voices involved. Participation of members is arranged by offering space to working groups, activism and promoting collaboration. We decided not to become a formal association to avoid shifts in our attention and distraction from our main goals.
We chose to keep the legal identity of the Alliance as simple as possible. GALE is registered as a foundation under Dutch law. Unfortunately, under the current Dutch anti-terrorism laws, it has become extremely difficult and costly to formally register as an international foundation. This is why the preliminary board has decided to become an advisory body, rather than a formal board.
The management of the Alliance takes place on 3 levels:
The Global Alliance for LGBT Education Foundation will not have staff, but will source out any acquired funds. The projects will be managed and implemented by independent partner organizations. For every project, a contract will be made between the lead local organization, HIVOS and Empowerment Lifestyle Services, the founding bodies of GALE.
Funding and co-funding will preferably be routed through HIVOS. This will strengthen the position of HIVOS and it's commitment to support the Alliance.
A working group appoints a small steering committee of a Chair, a Secretary and a Treasurer. The first aim of the steering committee is then to formulate a mission statement, objectives for the first year, a draft working plan, and profiles for the members. When enough members have been recruited and registered, the draft working plan is finalized and put forward to the Executive Council. The group proceeds to divide tasks and to carry out the working plan. However, if the Executive Council thinks problems or issues might arise from this, it may temporarily veto parts of the working plan, and will bring the issues for consideration to the Advisory Board. The working group meets online at set times, probably every month or every two months. In between these virtual meetings, communication happens by e-mail list.
The Executive Council facilitates and coordinates the activities of the Working Groups by framing them in a 4 year strategic plan and annual working plans, which are discussed by the Advisory Board.
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