Initiatives of Change France (Initiatives et Changement) has joined the NGO Coordination Sud.

Coordination SUD – the national coordinating body of French NGOs (non-government organizations) for international solidarity – plays the double role of both supporting and strengthening French NGOs. It provides information and training and works with donors to improve funding mechanisms. It also represents and promotes the NGOs’ values and positions within public and private institutions in France and abroad (eg French public authorities, the European Union and international organisations).

This membership will allow IofC France to join a recognized network working in partnership with public authorities and gives IofC a voice in the debates and issues facing voluntary organisations in France. Being granted membership also means passing an independent assessment of IofC’s calibre which will guarantee greater confidence in IofC amongst those coming across IofC for the first time. A spokesperson for IofC France commented: ‘After the Youth and Adult Education certificate awarded to IofC by the Ministry for Young People and Sports at the end of 2007, we are one step closer to being able to forge new partnerships and receive greater recognition, which will certainly work in our favour in terms of generating funds and volunteers.’

More information on Coordination Sud see http://www.coordinationsud.org/