About
The Southeastern Anatolia Region Civil Society Network (GAB CSO Network) consists of representatives from civil society organizations who gathered in Diyarbakır on November 29–30, 2019, facilitated by Hayata Gülümse Association.
Mission
To embrace the principle “Our differences are our richness” and strengthen the capacities of member civil society organizations operating in the Southeastern Anatolia Region, enabling them to participate in decision-making mechanisms.
Vision
To contribute to regional development by promoting a more transparent and accountable civil society culture based on solidarity and diversity.
Objective
The GAB CSO Network works to expand the culture of democracy and enhance citizens’ participation in decision-making by strengthening the capacities of civil society organizations in the region. All network activities are planned in line with this goal, and partnerships are developed with international, national, and local stakeholders. The network aims to expand information-sharing and joint efforts among CSOs through study visits, referrals, and support mechanisms.
Network Goals
- Strengthen the capacities of CSOs in the Southeastern Anatolia Region (GAB),
- Promote a participatory, transparent, and accountable civil society culture and thus contribute to regional development,
- Enhance the structure, resources, influence, and outreach of member organizations,
- Establish working groups to develop joint solutions to shared problems,
- Organize workshops, events, and visits to promote networking and partnerships,
- Establish Public-CSO Dialogue Groups on shared issues,
- Create cooperation opportunities between CSOs and public institutions, professional organizations, and local authorities.
Fields of Activity
- Training and capacity development
- Organizing meetings, seminars, and workshops
- Organizing study visits
- Data collection and research
- Reporting
- Making public statements on mutually agreed issues
Common Working Principles and Values
- Embrace differences as a source of richness
- Be sensitive to gender equality principles
- Maintain a neutral approach
- Prioritize public benefit
- Offer solutions to the problems of disadvantaged groups and produce creative approaches
- Avoid exclusionary and discriminatory language
- Ensure transparency in activities, decision-making, and use of resources
- Ensure all activities are accessible to persons with disabilities
- Prioritize environmental awareness in all activities
- Recognize anyone under the age of 18 as a child and prioritize the best interest of children and youth
- Take utmost care to preserve the historical and cultural values of the region in all work
Member Responsibilities
Each member CSO must designate a representative to regularly participate in GAB CSO Network activities. Representatives are responsible for contributing to the network’s work plan and communicating decisions and activities back to their organizations. Members are expected to participate in working groups relevant to their areas of work.
Institutional Identity
The institutional identity work of the network (website, logo, social media visuals, and other visibility materials) is carried out by the Secretariat under the guidance of the Executive Board. Network members are encouraged to seek funding for these materials.
Communication Among Members
Communication among network members is ensured via email and WhatsApp groups, as well as phone calls coordinated by the Secretariat. It is the responsibility of the Secretariat to establish and manage these channels.
Expenses
Expenses related to network activities are covered by members. If members are unable to cover the costs, support can be sought from cooperating institutions or sponsors. Procedures and rules regarding this are determined by the General Assembly, and the Executive Board implements the decisions.
New Memberships
Expanding the network is one of GAB CSO Network’s goals. CSOs that endorse the network’s working principles and accept member responsibilities can apply to join. A candidate organization must be referred by a current member and will be presented to the Executive Board for a vote through shared platforms (online, phone, group messages, meetings, etc.). With a majority vote, the organization is accepted. New members are reported to the General Assembly. Although the network was established for the Southeastern Anatolia Region, it can accept members from other regions of Turkey. If over 20% of the members are from outside the region, a proposal may be made to change the network’s name.
Structure and Governance Bodies of the Network
The governing bodies of the network are:
General Assembly, Executive Board, Supervisory Board, Secretariat, and Working Groups.
- General Assembly: Consists of representatives from all member organizations.
– Convenes at least once a year upon the call of the Executive Board.
– Decisions are made by majority vote of those present.
– Elects the Executive Board.
– Reviews and approves the strategic plan and activity calendar prepared by the Executive Board and Secretariat. - Executive Board: Elected by the General Assembly.
– Composed of 7 principal and 7 substitute members.
– Substitute members replace departing principals in order of votes received.
– Serves for a 2-year term.
– Meets at least 3 times a year and more if needed (in-person or online) to maintain continuity of the network’s operations.
– Reviews and decides on new membership applications and informs the General Assembly.
– Represents the network in national and international meetings/events.
– Ensures that activities align with the strategic plan and monitors adherence to the network’s working principles.
– Works with the Secretariat to generate resources and ensure sustainability, including logistical, communication, and financial aspects. - Supervisory Board: Elected by the General Assembly.
– Composed of 3 principal and 3 substitute members.
– Replaces departing principals with substitutes in order of votes received.
– Begins its mandate together with the Executive Board and serves for the same term.
– Monitors whether activities align with the network’s objectives and principles.
– Audits financial expenditures for compliance.
– Submits annual audit reports to the General Assembly. - Secretariat: The Secretariat of the GAB CSO Network is operated by Hayata Gülümse Association.
– Coordinates activities upon approval by the Executive Board, conducts related correspondence, and shares information.
– Collaborates with the Executive Board on resource mobilization and visibility efforts.
– Archives membership records and all activities.
– Represents the network in meetings and events with the knowledge of the Executive Board.
– Organizes and archives General Assembly and Executive Board meetings.
– Works with the Executive Board to implement the network’s institutional identity. - Working Groups: Established by the initiative of the Executive Board based on need.
– Prepare position papers on their area of focus and share them with the Secretariat and Executive Board.
– Identify needs and carry out work accordingly, with the knowledge of the Executive Board and Secretariat.
– May focus on areas such as women, children-youth, disability, environment, fundraising, communication, visibility, or other areas identified by the General Assembly.
