Our VisionTo see the people of Ethiopia secure their full potential in a context that respects human dignity based on the constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) and international conventions.
MissionWe see CANGO as a voluntary network that collectively builds an enabling environment at all levels in which Ethiopian people are empowered to reach their full potential and have control and voice in their own development. We further see CANGO as a network that serves as an instrument in ensuring that international assistances, including our own, are effectively utilized.
Our ValuesWe see CANGO as a network that is guided by “Equality within diversity”. Specifically the partnership cooperation will be governed by the following values/principles:
- Integrity
- Respect
- Accountability
- Transparency
- Participation
- Shared Responsibility
CANGO Organizational Chart
The General Assembly is the primary decision-making body of the Canadian Network of NGOs. It is composed of all recognized CANGO Network Partners, each holding equal status. At present, it is composed of 20 Partners. The General Assembly meets every two months at the Ethiopian Canada Cooperation Office (ECCO) or at members’ offices as required.
Any decisions concerning the structure of CANGO, its resources or its mandate are the sole responsibility of the General Assembly. Decisions are to be made by consensus whenever possible and are decided by a majority vote if necessary. The General Assembly is the last instance of conflict resolution within CANGO. Any conflicts arising among the Network Partners in other elements of CANGO may be brought to the General Assembly for review.
The role of Network Lead (Chair) is held by one organization, at the Country Director or Representative level. The Network Lead is appointed by nomination or volunteering of an organization and decided through group consensus (a majority vote if required) of the CANGO General Assembly. All members of CANGO are eligible to hold this position. Daniel Leonard, Country Representative for the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), is presently the Network Lead (Chair) until June 2012 after which Right to Play (RTP) will rotate to the position of Network Lead (currently Vice Chair).
The Network Lead is primarily responsible to chair General Assembly meetings, sits on the Management Committee (described below) and represents the best interests of CANGO whenever and however possible. The Network Lead (and Coordinator) also maintains open communications with CIDA representatives in Ethiopia, supervises and supports the implementation of decisions made by the General Assembly and Management Committee, and represents CANGO Network Partners to external stakeholders, upholding the interests of the Canadian Network of NGOs.
Previous Network Leads:
The Management Committee (MC) is comprised of three network members in role of Network Lead (Chair), Vice Chair, and one other supporting member. Each member on the MC will serve in all three roles during their term for a total period of 18 months.
This Management structure of CANGO was changed in April 2010 to accommodate the need for greater flexibility and the decision to remove thematic groups from CANGO. As per the new structure, there will be a rotation every six months in which the chair will rotate off, the vice chair will become chair, the other member will become vice chair and one new member will be nominated to rotate on. This arrangement is intended to preserve institutional memory in CANGO’s management structure to enable consistent and continued activity and functioning.
Each organization is expected to be on the MC at one point. Selection of MC members will be decided at GA meetings. Members can nominate themselves for wider group consensus.
As elected representatives for the other CANGO Network Partners, the members of the Management Committee have a larger degree of responsibility to preserve the interests of CANGO. They are empowered with the mandate to do so. The role of MC is to work with the Coordinator to provide guidance and input into strategic network matters and play a leadership role on CANGO initiatives and planning on behalf of the membership. They will also oversee administrative and financial matters with the Coordinator. Members are required to attend monthly MC meetings with the Coordinator.
The Management Committee is presently composed of the following three members:The objective of the CANGO Coordinator is to assist member organizations in achieving their objectives of sharing information, promoting cooperation and enhancing collective action. Specific objectives are set out in an Annual Coordinator Work Plan.
The Coordinator’s key responsibilities are to:
CANGO Canada-Based Focal-Person
Recognizing the importance of Canadian interests in the achievement of CANGO goals and objectives, the Network Partners are determined on preserving a Canadian representation. This offers the possibilities of improved communications with Federal Canadian institutions, CANGO representation at critical events or functions and closer linkages with Canadian constituents. The CANGO Network Partners identified the need for a Canada-based Focal-Person to act on their behalf in Canada, when circumstances require.
Communications is of particular importance to this position. The general purpose of the Canada Focal-Person is to facilitate the transmission of information between the Ethiopia based CANGO Network and Canadian stakeholders and public. As such, the Canada-based Focal Person:
The Canada Focal-Person shall:
The current Canada Focal-Person is Nicholas Moyer, Former CANGO Coordinator (2006/2007) and currently the Coordinator for the Humanitarian Coalition based in Ottawa, Ontario (website details provided on related link pages).
Working Groups
CANGO Working Groups are formed on an ad hoc basis around one specific project or initiative and are dissolved upon its completion. The Working Groups page shows past and current working groups formed under CANGO. Roles and Responsibilities of Working Groups will be defined by the members of each Group on the occasion of their first meeting.