VENRO, the Association of German development non-governmental organisations [NGOs], is the umbrella organisation of independent and church related NGOs working in the fields of development cooperation, emergency assistance, development education, and advocacy.



Currently, the Association has 100 member organisations. In addition to the member organisations, local initiatives and small NGOs are represented in VENRO through NGO networks on regional level. Thus, as a network of about 2000, middle and small NGOs, VENRO represents a considerable part of German civil society.



All member organisations contribute to achieving the aims of VENRO, each within its own specific context. Through their diversity, member organisations promote and shape the profile of VENRO. At the same time, the autonomy of each individual member organisation is respected.



Frequently, NGOs are described as the core of "democratic civil society". NGOs protest and interfere, they are dedicated to dialogue and cooperation. NGOs reflect the will of socially and politically responsible and committed citizens who, to a large degree, work on a voluntary basis.



WHAT WE WANT



Under the umbrella of VENRO the member organisations want to emphasize their work towards a social and human development which is geared at poverty reduction. VENRO subscribes to the principles of sustainability [AGENDA 21], the preservation of natural resources and the realization of human rights.



VENRO strives towards these goals by:



* working towards a coherent development policy at all political levels and establishing the principles of such a policy in society

* strengthening the dialogue between private and government actors in the field of development cooperation

* safeguarding and enlarging the social and political contribution of development NGOs