Dóchas Members Handbook
Principles of engagement
Engage in collective NGO advocacy and influencing
A major benefit of Dóchas membership is having increased access to high-level decision-makers. Dóchas convenes strategic meetings between members and senior leaders to discuss pressing development, humanitarian, and Global Citizenship Education (GCE) policy and operational issues. Being part of the Network offers you a unique platform to shape and deliver joint advocacy messages to Parliamentarians, Government Departments, UN agencies and other key actors. These messages are often developed through the Dóchas member-led Policy Group which defines objectives, tactics, and priorities collaboratively.
Our approach to advocacy
Our advocacy is grounded in humanitarian and development principles. It is guided by the diverse perspectives of our members. We strive to ensure member voices are reflected in all messaging. When views diverge, Dóchas Secretariat aims to highlight the range of perspectives rather than forcing consensus, offering a representative and nuanced voice for the sector. For example, where relevant we may put forward members holding differing perspectives on a theme in a panel discussion.
Our advocacy and supporting media is focused on issues and themes on which our members are operational. This includes international development, humanitarian action, climate mitigation and adaptation, and Global Citizenship Education (GCE). Our decision to speak out is driven by our members and/or by external events.
For issues that require a rapid or reactive response, Dóchas publishes statements in its own capacity as the Dóchas Network (e.g. Press releases / Opinion pieces / Letters / Social Media). These are rooted in member experiences and positions. While the Secretariat strives to consult members in advance, it is not always possible to circulate statements widely before publication.
For issues that relate to a specific country or region, we endeavour to consult first with members who are operational in these regions in developing our advocacy and supporting media.
We encourage members to lead on the development of public statements and letters on behalf of the Network. We are open to ideas and suggestions on which key issues we should advocate for, and how best to deliver this for optimum impact. Members are encouraged to raise this through the Working Groups they engage with, or directly with the Head of Policy and Advocacy.
Representation
Dóchas engages in many external platforms to influence policy and practice, and we rely on our members to support with representation.
Ad hoc representation
Representation at parliamentary committees, high level ministerial meetings, stakeholder meetings and Dóchas-led events is decided by the Dóchas Secretariat based on criteria relevant to the specific meeting or event. This is context-dependent, but generally includes a balance of:
- Engagement by member(s) on a particular topic or policy area
- Knowledge and experience on a particular theme or topic (i.e. subject matter experts)
- Diversity of perspective, location and background
- Public speaking/representation experience
The overarching aim of all representation is to have the highest level of impact for the Network, and final decisions on representation will always be driven by this criterion.
Formal representation:
We encourage you as a Dóchas member to collaborate, where relevant, with other external networks on behalf of Dóchas. If you wish to represent Dóchas please engage with our Head of Membership Engagement. Representatives are chosen through a selection process, for a defined period and bound by specific terms of reference. Members representing Dóchas must commit to regularly reporting back to the wider group and consulting on key positions and messages.
Members interacting with external bodies or networks are doing so on behalf of the Dóchas Network and not on behalf of an individual member agency.
Representation on official delegations:
Dóchas will continue to request CSO representation at high-level events, such as the United Nations General Assembly, ECO-SOC or other similar international fora. All requests for Dóchas representation are channelled through the Dóchas Secretariat. Your organisation can request to attend events under Dóchas representation.