Advisory Committee strengthens GALE international strategy

October 12, 2008 - From 9 till 11 October, the GALE International Advisory Committee met in Colombo, Sri Lanka for her annual meeting. The Committee evaluated the developments in the past year and discussed the strategic plan for the next five years. Also, the organizational structure and management of GALE were strengthened.

Ideology and values

The Committee discussed the values and ideology of GALE. These were specified: the theory of the norm of heterosexuality and humanistic values were adopted as a common framework. GALE will also install a formal non discrimination policy. The mission statement was edited to encompass sexual orientation, gender identity and their expression.

Strengthening management and decentralization

GALE grows very quickly from a small informal network to a more formal international network with a range of projects, each with their own funding. This poses some challenges for the management of the organization. A range of decisions were made to clarify roles and responsibilities. In addition, GALE decided to decentralize some tasks and to appoint regional coordinators.

Empowering South West Asia and North Africa

GALE decided to appoint a coordinator for South West Asia and North Africa (SWANA region). Because organizations in this regions are still in an initial phase of development and mainstream education work is almost impossible, GALE will mainly co-sponsor events organized by HIVOS to support and empower SWANA organizations.

Professionalization of fundraising

GALE discussed the fundraising strategy and made some decisions to professionalize these efforts. Where possible, GALE will collaborate with HIVOS Regional Offices to strengthen project management and regional coordination. GALE will also experiment with micro funding.

Worldwide storytelling campaign

GALE decided to develop a worldwide campaign against prejudice. The campaign will focus on storytelling, both interactive and through different (especially mainstream) media. The campaign will be evidence based and will rely on intergroup contact theory and role modeling. Early 2009, a campaign briefing will be developed with clear success indicators. The worldwide storytelling campaign will be interlinked with local GALE projects.

Survey on the right to education

In 2009, GALE will start to survey and monitor the right to education worldwide. The initial contacts with UNESCO will be further developed. The plan to start a project on fundamentalism did not get priority for 2009. GALE will start a listserv to exchange ideas and involve experts, but does not have the resources for a full project at this time.