Background

A group of Catholic agencies have met semi-regularly over the past 10 years in order to share information and solidarity among likeminded organizations on behalf of the poorest in Cambodia. In June 2011, Bishop Olivier asked agencies represented to do more to enhance cooperation particularly as many Catholic organizations work in similar sectors, such as health and education. An ad hoc committee was formed to help better define this group. It was discussed that there may be natural connections that could be cultivated and enriched through joint activities and a more guided, unified approach to implementation and sharing. Several meeting of the ad hoc group have occurred and in September 2011, a facilitated discussion took place among Catholic agencies to identify areas of working together. These events form the basis for this Terms of Reference.

What is the role of a steering committee?

Working Group Steering Committee

A steering committee of five comprised of at least four participating organizations appointed by the bishop as well as his designate will serve for a period of two years. Each year, two new members will change on the Steering Committee to ensure continuity and broad-based participation. The Steering Committee will meet on a regular basis to discuss current issues raised, assist with preparing thrice-yearly alliance meetings, and help to facilitate relationships among alliance members or design joint Network events involving, as appropriate, other members of the Network for logistics or other support

CACD Membership

Membership in the alliance is open to all organizations affiliated with the Catholic Church. This includes religious orders, NGOs, movements (working in Charity & Development) and some delegates of the local Catholic Church. Representation at CACD meetings/events will generally be the head of the agency or his/her designate.

The Steering Committee Activity

plan the meetings of the larger group—arrange speakers, set agenda, including calling for an urgent meeting for extraordinary occasions (emergency response, etc)
expand the directory to include a description of various areas in which the NGOs are active
facilitate discussions and exchange among the members
Arrange a session on Catholic Social Teaching for a varied audience (in Khmer for local NGO staff) or for the participation of alliance members, or other topics as requested

The working group meetings three/four times per year.

Possible Activities for the Catholic Alliance

01

Updates from the various diocesan commissions; respond to requests from them
Discuss issues/responses arising, e.g. the flooding
Raise up issues for advocacy from Catholic Church

02

Talk with parish priests/leaders about needs in their areas
Host an occasional speaker.
Maybe one meeting have an expanded social time

The Catholic Alliance on Charity and Development (CACD) is a coalition of Catholic-affiliated organizations committed to addressing the pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges faced by communities in Cambodia.

Objective One

Strengthen the Catholic's Group Identity: As Catholic organizations we are linked by a rich tradition of Catholic social teaching and thought. The Alliance will seek to increase our understanding of our Catholic roots as the basis for strengthening our overall identity.

Objective Two

Increase sharing of experience and knowledge among members: There is much experience and expertise among Catholic organizations. The regular meetings provide the basis for sharing this experience and knowledge to other members for their information and learning.

Objective Three

Maximizing the Charitable work of the Alliance: Through sharing and strengthening, it is anticipated that Catholic organizations will be able to maximize their work together. The meeting will serve as a platform to discuss ways to compliment and expand our collective work as appropriate.

Who we are