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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Civil Society?

    Civil Society [also known as the non-profit or non-governmental sector] can be defined to include all non-market and nonstate organizations outside of the family in which people organize themselves to pursue shared interests in the public domain. Civil Society Organizations are voluntary organizations with governance and direction coming from citizens or constituency members, without significant government-controlled participation or representation.

    Examples include community-based organization and village associations, environmental groups, women’s rights groups, farmers’ associations, faith-based organizations, labor unions, co-operatives, professional associations, chambers of commerce, independent research institutes, and the not-for-profit media.

Source: OECD 
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  • What are Social and Solidarity Economy enterprises?

    "The Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) encompasses enterprises, organizations and other entities that are engaged in economic, social, and environmental activities to serve the collective and/or general interest, which are based on the principles of voluntary cooperation and mutual aid, democratic and/or participatory governance, autonomy and independence, and the primacy of people and social purpose over capital in the distribution and use of surpluses and/or profits as well as assets. SSE entities aspire to long-term viability and sustainability, and to the transition from the informal to the formal economy and operate in all sectors of the economy. They put into practice a set of values which are intrinsic to their functioning and consistent with care for people and planet, equality and fairness, interdependence, self-governance, transparency and accountability, and the attainment of decent work and livelihoods. According to national circumstances, the SSE includes cooperatives, associations, mutual societies, foundations, social enterprises, self-help groups and other entities operating in accordance with the values and principles of the SSE."
     

Source: ILO Resolution concerning decent work and the social and solidarity economy, 16 June 2022

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  • What is the role of Civil Society and Social and Solidarity Economy in socio-economic development?​
     

Civil Society and the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) play fundamental roles in the socioeconomic development of a community or country. Here are some key aspects of their contributions:

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Citizen Participation:

Civil Society involves citizens in decision making and policy formulation. It facilitates the active participation of people in public life, promoting transparency and accountability.


Promotion of Equity:

The Social and Solidarity Economy seeks to reduce economic and social inequalities. It encourages the creation of enterprises and organizations focused on values such as solidarity, equity and democratic participation, thus contributing to a more inclusive development.


Employment Generation:

The Social and Solidarity Economy, which includes cooperatives, associations and other forms of organization, often prioritizes the creation of sustainable employment. These entities seek not only to generate income, but also to improve working conditions and promote worker participation in decision-making.


Sustainable Development:

Both Civil Society and the Social and Solidarity Economy often advocate for sustainable economic and social practices. This implies considering not only short-term economic benefits, but also the long-term impact on the environment and society as a whole.


Social Innovation:

The Social and Solidarity Economy often drives social innovation by creatively addressing local problems. Civil society organizations can also play a crucial role in identifying and addressing social problems, generating innovative solutions.


Strengthening Communities:

Both Civil Society and SSE work to strengthen communities by empowering their members. This can involve building social networks, promoting education and training, and fostering solidarity and collaboration.


Counterbalancing Private and Governmental Interests:

Civil Society often acts as a counterweight to private and governmental interests, advocating for civil rights, social justice and accountability. SSE, being independent and community-centered, can offer alternatives to economic models dominated by large corporations.


Civil Society and the Social and Solidarity Economy are essential components for sustainable socioeconomic development, as they promote citizen participation, equity, sustainability and social innovation. Collaboration between these sectors and other actors, such as government and the private sector, can lead to a more comprehensive and effective approach to addressing development challenges.

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  • What is a Certified Association Executive?

    The Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential is the marker of a committed association professional who has demonstrated a wide range of knowledge essential to manage an association in today’s challenging environment.  Issued by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), the CAE exam consists of 119 essential association management competencies organized into eight knowledge domains, including: 
     

    • Domain 1: Governance
      A. Governance Structure
      B. Chapters and Affiliate Relations
      C. Volunteer Leadership Development

       

    • Domain 2: Executive Leadership
      A. Decision Making
      B. Ethical Leadership
      C. Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity

       

    • Domain 3: Organizational Strategy
      A. General Management
      B. Critical Analysis and Planning
      C. Knowledge Management

       

    • Domain 4: Operations
      A. Financial Management
      B. Human Resources
      C. Legal Oversight and Risk Mitigation
      D. Infrastructure and Technology
      E. Vendor Relations

       

    • Domain 5: Business Development
      A. Programs, Products, Services, and Non-dues Revenue
      B. Meetings and events

      C. Certification, Licensure, and Accreditation
      D. Industry Standards
      E. Strategic Partnerships
       

    • Domain 6: Member and Stakeholder Engagement and Management
      A. Recruitment and Retention
      B. Stakeholder Identification and Cultivation
      C. Volunteer Management
      D. Ethics

       

    • Domain 7: Advocacy
      A. Government Relations
      B. Coalition Building
      C. Public Policy

       

    • Domain 8: Marketing and Communication
      A. Marketing
      B. Brand Management
      C. Communication
      D. Public Relations
      E. Vendor/Supplier Management
      F. Business Planning​​

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What is the meaning of Worldwise?

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Here is what Wiktionary, the Free Dictionary, says about the meaning of worldwise:
 

Alternative forms:  world-wise

Etymology:  From Middle English worldwis, from Old English woruldwÄ«s (“worldwise, worldly-wise, learned”), equivalent to world +‎ wise.

 

Adjective:  worldwise (comparative more worldwise, superlative most worldwise)

Knowledgeable about the world; worldly-wise; sophisticated; experienced. 
 

Derived terms:  worldwisdom

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What is Civil Society?
What is the role of Civil Socety in Socio-economic Development?
What is a Certified Association Executive?
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