Nonviolent Peaceforce Makes an Important Governance Decision
After ten successful years, it became clear to the International Governance Council, (NP’s primary governing body) as well as Nonviolent Peaceforce staff and stakeholders that it was time for NP’s governance structure to evolve. Therefore, at the recent International Assembly held from January 24th through February 8th, the International Governance Council (IGC) brought forth a recommendation for a new governance structure designed to promote ongoing organizational stability and better position NP for growth. At the virtual assembly held via the internet, delegates from 29 of NP’s 41 member organizations reached a consensus, allowing the recommended changes to the governance design to go forward. The new approach was originally proposed by an international committee of experts and then modified by the IGC to include extensive feedback from NP’s member organizations and key stakeholders.
Prior to this assembly Nonviolent Peaceforce was governed by three bodies. The overarching committee was the International Governance Council (IGC), which was composed of representatives from NP’s member organizations across the world but was not legally registered with any country or government. The IGC worked closely with two legally registered entities: NP-USA and NP-Belgium (both of which are registered as non-profits in their respective countries). There was no formal agreement between these three governing bodies.
Once the new governance design is implemented, Nonviolent Peaceforce will have two legally registered governing bodies – one in the U.S and one in Belgium with a clearly documented understanding of the relationship between them. The NP-USA Board of Directors is also considering changing the name of the US entity to Nonviolent Peaceforce International to more clearly reflect the global nature of NP’s work. In addition, the member organizations will transition to an advisory role through the creation of the NP Alliance which will be open to any organization or individual who would like to support NP’s work in the world.
These changes will help NP attract new board members who will bring with them much needed influence, expertise, resources and experience. The new design will also create greater more transparency, position NP for continuous growth, and help NP become an even more important voice promoting unarmed civilian peacekeeping throughout the world.
As Eric Bachman, former IGC Member and NP International Facilitator says, “With the new governance structure we will be creating a more stable and effective organization with which to carry our very important mission”.
“The virtual International Assembly was a wonderful
opportunity to leverage the amazing technology of the
internet to create dialogue amongst NP’s member
organizations and stakeholders that ultimately resulted
in an historic decision for NP. We took the time to
understand each other’s perspectives and craft a
design that was broadly supported by the participants.”
Adele Lennig, facilitator for the virtual International Assembly.