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Tools for knowledge and learning : a guide for development and humanitarian organisations

RAMALINGAM, Ben
July 2006

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This toolkit brings together approaches and techniques aimed at supporting the learning and knowledge management of humanitarian organisations, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their work. It provides a comprehensive overview of 30 tools and techniques, divided into five categories: i) strategy development; ii) management techniques; iii) collaboration mechanisms; iv) knowledge sharing and learning processes; and v) knowledge capture and storage. This guide is primarily aimed at staff working in development organisations

Policy engagement for poverty reduction : how civil society can be more effective

COURT, Julius
June 2006

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This briefing paper draws on a report by Julius Court and others entitled 'Policy engagement: how can civil society be more effective', also published by ODI. It examines the role of civil society organisations in poverty reduction strategies and looks at ways to enhance their influence on the policy making process. Inadequate knowledge about the policy making process, lack of resources, insufficient capacity and policy makers' mistrust of CSOs are the main obstacles to their full engagement in policy making. Effective approaches should entail: campaigning and implementation of pilot projects aimed at improving adverse political contexts; rigorous mapping and assessment of political contexts; identify critical policy stages; provide relevant and objective evidence; use effective communication methods and strategies; apply network approaches; engage in systematic capacity building

Keeping the promise : an agenda for action on women and AIDS

THE GLOBAL COALITION ON WOMEN AND AIDS
May 2006

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This is a call to action for governments to secure women's rights, invest more money in AIDS programmes that work for women, and increase the participation of women in the forums where AIDS policy is decided, strategies are planned and money is allocated

How to build a good small NGO

ALIN, Fadumo
et al
2006

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A user-friendly and practical guide on how to build and run a small non-governmental organisation (NGO). This manual aims to build good practice into NGOs, and to help recognise, address and solve a range of problems. The manual covers all key aspects of running a small organisation, including identifying mission and purpose, planning, getting legal status, building sustainability, monitoring and evaluation, financial management and fundraising. Each section includes exercises and useful examples. This publication is intended for those starting an NGO and also for small organisations seeking to improve their performance and effectiveness

Organisational governance

BLACKMAN, Rachel
2006

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This resource is aimed primarily at Christian development organisations, but the principles and operational structures can be applied to other organisations. It focuses on organisational governance, the process of overseeing an organisation, looking in particular at how governing bodies should operate and lead an organisation. Section 1 analyses the role of the board and explains how its remit and responsibilities differ from those of the CEO. Section 2 reviews two key competencies, delegating authority and responsibility and developing policies. Section 3 looks at the main responsibilities of the board, including recruiting and supporting of the CEO; identifying mission, vision and values of the organisation; strategic planning; fulfilling legal requirements; identifying funding sources; and assessing progress. Section 4 looks in some detail at key operational aspects such as roles of board members, recruitment of new members and internal board policies. Section 5 suggests ways of making the board more effective, through the proper use of committees, agenda for meetings, chairing of board meetings, minute taking, sharing information, decision-making and board development

Principles and guidelines for a human rights approach to poverty reduction strategies

OFFICE OF THE UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
2006

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The resource aims to assist countries, international agencies and development practitioners in translating human rights norms, standards and principles into pro-poor policies and strategies. The work builds upon several previous publications of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, including Draft Guidelines on a Human Rights Approach to Poverty Reduction Strategies (2002) and Human Rights and Poverty Reduction: A Conceptual Framework (2004), drafted by Professors Paul Hunt, Manfred Nowak and Siddiq Osmani, and also draws on consultations with various stakeholders (including Member States, intergovernmental and nongovernmental organisations)

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