- Date: June 25 – June 28, 2023
- Location: La Padure, Brebu, Romania
We have successfully held our General Assembly from June 25 to June 28, 2023. The event took place in the picturesque location of La Padure, not far from the town of Resita in Romania, hosted by our member Nevo Parudimos and it offered a serene setting for productive discussions and collaborative efforts.
Monday 26 June: Updates and Sharing Among ERGO Network Members
The first day of the General Assembly was filled with lively discussions, updates, and the exchange of ideas among the ERGO Network members.
The day began with the registration, followed by a warm welcome from the Board, including Soraya Post, Daniel Grebeldinger, and ERGO Network Director Gabriela Hrabaňová.
Gabriela Hrabaňová provided an insightful framing of the General Assembly, setting the context for the discussions and activities to come.
As we had many new faces during this General Assembly we continued with an exchange session where we all could introduce ourselves, and share our hopes, fears and commitments, facilitated by Martina Horváthová and Ana Rozanova.
The focus then shifted to sharing the latest grassroots and national-level activities. Members had the opportunity to discuss their organisations’ biggest successes, challenges, and projects of which they were proud.
Following the enriching discussions, attendees enjoyed lunch together, fostering further networking and connection among participants.
In the afternoon session, ERGO Network policy work took centre stage. Isabela Mihalache provided updates on the EU Roma Strategic Framework up to 2030, Roma Civil Monitoring, and the work of the Anti-Racism Coalition. Amana Ferro and Carmen Tănasie presented on combating Roma poverty and social exclusion.
Afte this the statutory items and voting took place. Attendees were reminded of the General Assembly’s statutory role and voting procedures. The Internal Governance Handbook was reviewed, and topics for voting were presented, including the approval of the end of the mandate for founding members and the consideration of new membership applications.
We are now happy to reveal that our Network grew bigger. Our associate member Jaw Dikh Foundation from Poland was approved as a full member, and three new associate members joined us: Roma Women Platfrom ROMNI from Moldova, Sastipen from Romania and Roma Women Dendropotamos, Greece.
The day concluded with a sense of accomplishment and unity, followed by a BBQ dinner accompanied by live music and warm and relaxed atmosphere.
Tuesday, June 27: Building the New ERGO Network – Strengthening Leadership
The second day of the General Assembly focused on shaping the future of the ERGO Network by enhancing leadership and strategic planning.
The day began with a warm welcome by a framing session and check-in led by Christine Sudbrock and continued with the presentation of two projects. Ana Rozanova shed light on the Decade “Fighting against Antigypsyism,” while Dejan Markovic discussed the power of Romani women for change in the Western Balkans and Turkey.
After this (and a short coffee break) Christine Sudbrock delved into the topic of safeguarding policies. Participants gained valuable insights into the importance of such policies and how to develop them within their organisations.
Martina Horváthová facilitated an interactive discussion on the Membership Strategy, inviting members to contribute their thoughts and ideas.
The afternoon session explored ways to strengthen the ERGO Network
by fostering collaboration and initiating new projects. An open space format was adopted to encourage participants to create cooperative initiatives and explore potential areas of collaboration, and we have several concrete ideas to implement in the coming year.
After a brief coffee break, attendees had the opportunity to visit a housing project in Resita organised by Nevo Parudimos. This visit provided firsthand exposure to a successful initiative aimed at improving housing conditions for Roma communities, showcasing the tangible impact of dedicated efforts.
The day concluded with a closing dinner, where participants gathered to reflect on the General Assembly and provide valuable feedback.
Concluding remarks
As the General Assembly came to a close, participants departed with a sense of renewed energy, strengthened partnerships, and a shared commitment to continue the vital work of promoting the rights and empowerment of Roma communities.
The ERGO Network General Assembly 2023 served as a significant milestone in strengthening collaboration, empowering change, and charting the course for a more inclusive and equitable future. The event showcased the collective dedication and determination of ERGO Network members to overcome challenges, share successes, and create lasting impact.
Through engaging discussions, policy updates, and the exploration of new projects, we departed with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation to drive positive change in communities and for the Secretariat to support our members in their work.
The ERGO Network remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for the rights of Roma communities, combating antigypsyism, and fostering social inclusion. With the outcomes and momentum generated during this General Assembly, the organisation is poised to further amplify its impact, expand its network, and promote meaningful change for Roma communities across Europe.
As the General Assembly concluded, the ERGO Network looks forward to the continued collaboration, collective efforts, and achievements that lie ahead.