How to join ERGO Network

ERGO Network is made up of engaged member organisations across Europe, who are active at the grassroots, local and national levels and share their experiences and expertise with each other.

BECOME A MEMBER OF ERGO NETWORK

 

Membership Inquiry Form

Interested in joining ERGO Network? Fill out this brief form to express your interest, and our team will get back to you with more information about the membership process. This form serves as an initial contact point for organisations interested in joining ERGO Network. Please note that this is not a formal application. Following a review of your alignment with our values and strategic priorities, selected organisations will be invited to submit a full membership application.

categories of membership

ERGO Network offers three types of membership: Full, Associate, and Friends of ERGO.

Associate Members

All new organisations enter as Associate Members for a minimum two-year trial period. This initial phase serves as a period to explore the potential for cooperation. Admission is subject to approval by the General Assembly. Associate members are required to pay an annual membership fee of 250 EUR and maintain active engagement, including participation in online and offline meetings and the General Assembly.

Full Members

Following a successful two-year period and a decision by the General Assembly, Full members continue to pay the annual fee of 250 EUR and gain the right to:

  • Vote on key network decisions and new memberships.
  • Propose candidates for and be elected to the network’s statutory bodies.

Friends of ERGO Network

Friends of ERGO is a non-application category for individuals or entities supporting our mission. Status is granted exclusively by Board invitation to those providing financial or expert support.

Why Join ERGO Network?

Becoming a member of ERGO Network connects your organisation to a powerful European movement dedicated to Roma equality and empowerment. By joining us, you will:

Amplify Your Voice: Gain a platform to influence EU and national policies through our collective advocacy and direct access to European institutions.

Access Expertise & Resources: Benefit from specialised training, capacity-building workshops, and exclusive toolkits designed to strengthen your grassroots impact and organisational sustainability.

Expand Your Network: Build strategic partnerships with like-minded organisations across Europe, fostering cross-border collaboration and the exchange of best practices.

Increase Visibility: Showcase your local and national work on a European stage, raising the profile of your initiatives and the communities you serve.

Shape the Movement: Participate in the network’s democratic governance, contributing your expertise to define our shared strategic goals and priorities.

Strategic Priorities and Selection Criteria

To be considered, organisations must align with specific strategic priorities:

Geographical: Priority is granted to organisations from countries with no or limited representation within the network.

Thematic: Organisations should focus on grassroots operations or national policy engagement, demonstrating a commitment to Roma empowerment and the fight against antigypsyism. Intersectional approaches and gender equality must be integrated into both internal structures and external actions.

Organisational Type: Priority is given to Roma-led organisations (those with a majority Roma leadership) over pro-Roma organisations. Candidates must be non-partisan, secular, and free from conflicting international affiliations.

Capacity: Candidates must have the resources to fulfil the mission and communicate effectively in English at a minimum intermediate level.

To be considered for membership, organisations must:

  • Mission Alignment: Demonstrate full commitment to our mission, vision, and the fight against antigypsyism.
  • Proven Reputation: Possess a track record of integrity and positive professional standing.
  • Public Advocacy: Be willing to speak out publicly on Roma issues in accordance with ERGO Network’s positions.
  • Impactful Engagement: Show active grassroots operations or national policy engagement, with a focus on empowering Roma people in decision-making.
  • Safeguarding: Have an existing Safeguarding Policy or commit to adopting one within the first year.
  • Transparency & Governance: Demonstrate accountability, democratic structures, and a clear commitment to gender equality.
  • Independence: Maintain a non-partisan and secular status, with no affiliations that conflict with ERGO Network’s principles.
  • Evidence-Based Support: Commit to providing high-quality information to strengthen our collective advocacy.
  • Capacity: Demonstrate English-language proficiency (at least intermediate) and the human resources necessary to actively contribute to the network’s mission. The Admission Procedure: Step-by-Step

The admission process

follows a structured path to ensure alignment and transparency.

STAGE 1

  1. Membership Inquiry: Organizations submit an initial online Inquiry Form to express interest.
  2. Initial Review & Consultation: The Membership Officer evaluates the inquiry and consults with existing members in the candidate’s country.
  3. Preliminary Board Decision: The Board determines whether the candidate aligns with ERGO’s current geographical and thematic priorities. Only pre-selected organisations are invited to proceed; ERGO is not required to justify a negative decision at this stage.

STAGE 2

  1. Full Application: Invited candidates will be invited to submit the detailed Associate Membership Application Form along with statutes, annual reports, and, if possible, a reference letter from an ERGO Network member.
  2. Administrative Review & Interview: After a technical review, an online interview is held with the candidate and the ERGO Network representatives to discuss motivations and fit.
  3. Site Visit: Candidates who pass the interview receive a 1.5-day visit from ERGO representatives. This includes meetings with staff, leadership, and local Roma communities to observe grassroots operations firsthand.
  4. Final Recommendation & Decision: The Board reviews the outcomes of the site visit. A final recommendation is presented to the General Assembly (GA), which decides on admission by secret ballot at its annual meeting (typically in June).

 

Please keep in mind that the admission process is designed to share decision-making between ERGO Network members and the Board. The ERGO Network staff has no decision-making authority.

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