The Plan can be downloaded here:

English version

French version

The questionnaires to members havebeen analysed, and a synthesis is available here: synthesis of questionnaire responses.

A background document was prepared for the members' meetings in September, and can be downloaded here: strategy discussion document

Dear Members

Planning the future for Social NGOs: the Social Platform Strategic Planning Process

The recent ‘re-writing’ of the Lisbon strategy is just one example which shows us that the political climate is a difficult one for social NGOs. Within the Commission, Parliament, and Council there is strong support for a ‘competitivity agenda’ for Europe, and there is a powerful business lobby supporting this from outside the Institutions.

The Social Platform is now ten years old, and right from the beginning was based on the principle of solidarity amongst social NGOs. When we have been at our most effective – whether through common campaigns like the Red Card campaign, and Fundamental Rights: the Heart of Europe, by building capacity through information and analysis such as on the Lisbon process and social services, or in strengthening solidarity between social NGOs, for example in relation to non-discrimination, it has been because solidarity and common purpose have underpinned our work.

Social NGOs have achieved a lot together over the last ten years, but we will need a clear and proactive agenda for the next years if we are to bring about the kind of change we want to see within the European Union. We cannot afford to simply react to issues as they arise – we need to have our own agenda for change.

One year ago the Social Platform adopted a common statement of values (see link below). We now need to turn that statement into clear and practical goals. In order to create a vision for the future, we are developing a strategic plan for the Social Platform over the next months – and your contribution to this process is essential.

We hope that the process will not only result in a common strategy for the Platform, but will also help all of the Social Platform’s members in reflecting about their own priorities over the years to come – and help you to lead your organisation effectively. We hope that by exchanging ideas on how to address the big issues ahead of us, all of our organisations can benefit.

Yours,

>>Brief timetable for strategic planning process

Phase one - Research (May->July)
Questionnaire to members, follow-up interviews
Interviews with other stakeholders
Mapping papers on internal capacity of the sector; external threats and opportunities

Phase two - Reflection (September)
Strategy workshops for members

Drafting of strategic plan
Amendment by Steering Group
Adoption by General Assembly