Ordinary Membership to PSD shall be open to all organizations and individuals that aspire to the vision of the Organisation.
Subscription
Membership fees may be revised from time to time as circumstances dictate, and endorsed by all members at the General Assembly. However, members may give any additional support to PSD in form of donations.
There are a number of benefits that accrue to a member organisation to PSD, including the following:
Collective Voice and Influence
As a member, you will be joining various other organisations, committed to working together to contribute to social justice and development of the country.
Collaboration and Networking
PSD facilitates networking among members, other NGOs and the wider civil society through its ‘platform’ character that fosters sharing, reflection and open debate on important issues for engagement. Through Members’ Events including Membership Symposiums; Membership Days etc members have an opportunity to share, learn and profile their work through best practices, case studies, experiences, success stories, professional knowledge and materials with other members and partners.
Profiling Member Organisations
We shall also document and profile our members’ work as a DVD to accompany our annual report. This would be distributed extensively and regularly updated.
Sector-wide Representation
PSD represents members’ views and interests and lobbies for relevant change at national fora. In addition, all members are eligible and can be requested to represent the PSD family at national, regional and international fora on matters of concern to the NGO sector and development.
Ownership and Involvement
Members have opportunity to participate in shaping the strategic direction of the organisation and to influence decisions on PSD policies, priorities, and actions, and to raise issues of concern.
Information Resources and Updates
Members are entitled to access the Information Unit and Resource Centre for updated, accurate and current information, reports, briefings and feedback on news about PSD, what is happening in the legal aid sector; and on other key collective civil society concerns on access to justice. You are also notified from time to time of funding and capacity building opportunities as well as upcoming NGO Meetings and Events at national, regional and international fora. PSD also acts as a conduit for members to receive current information, updates, publications etc from government and other stakeholders; to allow them engage on the relevant issues. Receive a copy of the ‘The Platform’, the official newsletter of PSD; which focuses on current issues and key activities undertaken by the Forum, member organisations and other NGOs. Members can contribute to The Platform through submission of articles. Website Access: Through a password, members have free access to “My Forum”, a special member’s area on the PSD website to share information and experiences and to interact with other members online. All Members are also recognized on the ‘Wall of Members’ on the website.
Leadership and Authority
All members are eligible to stand for election to PSD Governance Organs of the organisation such as the Board. Members can provide comment and offer recommendations to the Governance Organs on matters relevant to the activities of PSD. This way, we provide opportunities to live and practice democracy.
Solidarity and Support
PSD will support, mobilize NGOs to stand in solidarity with its members who may be illegally threatened in the course of their work and promotion of democracy and citizen’s interests. Recommendation to development partners, other NGOs and Government for relevant support to your organisation. Membership allows you to receive technical and specialized advice and support on different aspects to enable your organisation grow and improve its work. The Membership and Constituency Servicing Team will regularly review the above Member Benefits, identify new ones and create valued products for members.
