International Caucus/UN Connection
The International Caucus, as a UN accredited NGO (non-governmental organization) represents WCA as delegates to the UN DPI (Department of Public Information)/NGO section of the United Nations.
A non-governmental organization (NGO) is a not-for-profit, voluntary citizens’ group, which is organized on a local, national or international level to address issues in support
of the public good and UN initiatives, such as the UN Millennium Goals and UN Women Focus Areas. Some NGOS are organized around specific issues, such as human rights, the environment or health. Their relationship with offices and agencies of the UN system differs on their location and mandate. WCA is organized around women’s issues.
Through associated NGOs, UN’s Department of Public Information (DPI) seeks to reach
People around the world and help them better understand the work and aims of the
United Nations. The DPI/NGO section is a liaison between the United Nations and NGOs
and other civil society (not government or private sector) organizations. DPI organizes
NGO briefings, communication workshops, an NGO conference held each year in September in a different world city, and an annual orientation program for newly NGOs
and/or their delegates.
The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is responsible for coordinating the economic, social and related work of 14 UN specialized agencies.
The Council consults with civil society groups – including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, and is the main body that recommends consultative status to NGO whose work covers issues on the agenda of ECOSOC. NGOs with consultative status (WCA does not currently have this) are allowed to participate, present written contribution and make statements to the Council and its subsidiary bodies, in other words, have
more input in decision making processes.
*The NGO must be of recognized national or international standing
*The NGO should operate solely on a not-for-profit basis and have tax-exempt
status.
*The NGO must have the commitment and means to conduct effective information
programs with its constituents and to a broader audience about UN activities by
publishing newsletters, bulletins and pamphlets; organizing conferences, seminars
and round tables; or enlisting the attention of media
*The NGO should have statutes/bylaws providing for a transparent process of
making decisions, elections of officers and members of the Board of Directors.
Evaluation, review and accreditation process
NGOs undergo an annual evaluation, review and accreditation process data. In the WCA, the data for this process comes partly from the Art & Activism database of related national
and/or chapter WCA projects. The International Caucus maintains and updates this database annually.
In order to remain in good standing, NGOS associated with the DPI must fulfill
each of the following requirements:
*complete the evaluation and review form annually. It is important to update
contact information (WCA office, WCA president, WCA International Caucus
Chair and WCA International Caucus UN alternate representative)
*promote knowledge of the Untied Nations
*disseminate information about the principles and activities of the United Nations
*receive NGO Relations’ emails which are sent out to inform NGOs about United
Nations activities. These are sent to the WCA International Caucus Chair.
*We will ensure WCA will remain an NGO in good standing with the UN DPI/NGO
by filing the annual evaluation/review/accreditation form and meeting other stated
requirements.
*We will represent WCA at NGO briefings (when appropriate) and the annual
DPI/NGO conference.
*We will seek opportunities to expand WCA’s voice and presence with other
DPI/NGO members from around the world by participating in workshops, panels
and/or exhibitions at the United Nations and/or the annual DPI/NGO conference.
Accredited WCA representatives to the UN
Up to four members of an NGO may be named as accredited representatives and receive annual passes to participate in UN activities such as briefings and workshops. These names must be submitted during the annual evaluation, review and accreditation process.
The persons eligible are: the President/Chief Administrative Office of the NGO, the
Main Representative (WCA International Caucus Chair) and two alternate representatives (members from the WCA International Caucus chosen by the WCA International Caucus Chair). The alternate representative roles may rotate each calendar year; however it is desirable to have someone who can go to meetings at the UN when the subject matter to be discussed is relevant to WCA. An individual attending a UN meeting is expected to
write a report on the meeting to brief the rest of the committee and to submit to the WCA newsletter, Facebook page, WCA International Blog and/or WCA International website.
Expenses to attend and travel to the UN are borne by the individual.
WCA representatives to the UN DPI/NGO Annual Conference
Up to six adults plus two youth representatives (must be ages 18-24) may attend the annual DPI/NGO conference in early September. These generally include the WCA
President and the WCA International Caucus Chair. However, any WCA International
Caucus member may attend up to the maximum number. These are chosen by the
WCA International Caucus Chair and may rotate annually. If WCA is presenting a
Workshop, we may be able to bring an additional member. Expenses to attend and
Travel to the UN DPI/NGO Conference are borne entirely by the attending individuals.
