Nominations

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Call for Nominations: Vuka Steering Group

Background

Since 2017, the Vuka! Coalition Secretariat has operated under the leadership of a 19-member Steering Group, working alongside three Action Teams and over 200 Ally organizations. Together, they have built trust, strengthened solidarity, and achieved both short- and long-term victories in reclaiming civic space for human rights defenders.

These collective efforts have supported new forms of resistance and organization in countries where opportunities to push back against restrictions have emerged.

Vuka! is built on two core pillars:

  • A platform for coordination and cooperation among regional and international civil society groups.
  • An initiative advancing sectoral strategies by fostering partnerships between international and national actors to expand civic space at the national level—emphasizing learning, replicability, and innovation.

Role of the Vuka Steering Group

The Vuka Steering Group provides strategic leadership and oversight to guide the coalition’s direction and impact. In collaboration with the Secretariat, it:

  • Develops and steers the implementation of a strategic plan, ensuring alignment with Vuka’s mission and advocacy goals.
  • Offers technical guidance, appoints Action-Team Co-chairs, and approves annual plans and initiatives.
  • Strengthens partnerships, engages Allies, and works closely with the Advisory Council to ensure coordination and responsiveness.
  • Formalizes Vuka’s partnership with CIVICUS through an MOU.

Why Join the Vuka Steering Group?

The Vuka Coalition is a critical convening and knowledge-sharing platform for solidarity actions in civic space. Its strength lies in fostering a diverse and engaged membership that actively contributes to its mission and vision.

To ensure inclusive and representative leadership, Vuka is forming a new Steering Group of 11 organizations that reflect the diversity of its constituency and will guide the coalition’s strategic direction globally.

The Steering Group plays a pivotal role in:

  • Supporting solidarity efforts to defend civic space.
  • Exploring collective strategies to counter the global crackdown on civic freedoms.
  • Shaping Vuka’s strategic direction at a global level.

By joining the Vuka Steering Group, your organization will help shape Vuka’s global strategy, drive impactful advocacy, and contribute to sustaining and expanding civic space worldwide.

Criteria for Vuka Steering Group Membership

1. Organizational Representation & Commitment

  • Must be a recognized organization actively working in civic space, human rights, or related fields.
  • Must demonstrate a commitment to Vuka’s mission and vision, with a history of engagement in solidarity actions and advocacy efforts.
  • Should be an active Ally within the Vuka Coalition or demonstrate a willingness to contribute meaningfully to the network.

2. Diversity & Representation

  • The Steering Group should reflect geographic, thematic, and sectoral diversity, ensuring representation from:
    • Different regions and global South voices.
    • A mix of international, regional, and national organizations.
    • Organizations working on various civic space issues (e.g., digital rights, freedom of association, gender justice, environmental activism, youth movements, etc.).
  • Must uphold inclusivity principles, ensuring gender, youth, and marginalized group representation.

3. Strategic & Technical Expertise

  • Must have experience in governance, advocacy, coalition-building, or civic space defense.
  • Should provide technical guidance in areas such as policy advocacy, movement-building, research, or legal support.
  • Must be able to support the development and execution of Vuka’s strategic plan.

4. Leadership & Engagement

  • Must be willing to actively participate in at least four (4) Steering Group meetings per year.
  • Should have decision-making capacity within their organization to commit resources (time, expertise, or coordination efforts) toward Vuka’s initiatives.
  • Should support the recruitment and engagement of new Allies to strengthen the coalition.

5. Accountability & Collaboration

  • Must be committed to transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership in line with Vuka’s governance principles.
  • Must work collaboratively with other Steering Group members, the Secretariat, Action Teams, and Advisory Council to drive Vuka’s objectives.

How to Nominate

To apply for the Vuka Steering Group, please fill out this form. You may also nominate another organization that aligns with Vuka’s vision and commitment.

📌 Nomination Process & Timeline

  • Call for Nominations Opens: 3 March 2025
  • Call for Nominations Closes: 5 April 2025
  • Review & Assessment by Nomination Committee: 8 April to 31 May 2025
  • Communication with Shortlisted Organizations: Week of 12 - 16 May 2025
  • Announcement of the New Vuka Steering Group: 9 June 2025

For any questions or clarifications, please contact: [email protected]