HIV Call to Action.pdfHistory
Development of a new network
In September 1999 a small group of leaders of Christian relief and development organisations met in Kuala Lumpur. Here they developed ideas for a new international network, one which would have the potential to significantly strengthen the capacity of participating agencies, as well as develop their ability to act collectively in key areas of concern.
Not long afterwards Rene Padilla kindly agreed to be President and the Co-ordinating Group was expanded to include representatives from all continents. Chairmanship of the co-ordinating group is on a rotating basis and the committee has the services of a secretary.
It is not the intention to create another institution, with all the costs and bureaucracy that would entail. Rather the focus is on tasks and outcomes - on providing a service to those eligible organisations that wish to participate. Guideline member contributions are kept low as the costs of the anticipated workshops and consultations are met by those organisations that choose to participate.
Where are we now?
As at May 2007, Micah Network has 300 member organisations and around 160 associate members, the majority of whom are based in low-income countries.
After the establishment of an international secretariat in May 2004, Micah Network has sought to build its membership base, and the level of engagement of its members in regional and global initiatives which build capacity, challenge the church about integral mission and advocate with and for the poor.
Since late 2005, Micah Network has been seeking to build its capacity to support member agencies on a regional basis. A regional coordinating group was established for South Asia in November 2005, which has now met four times. The Latin America regional coordinating group met for the first time in November 2006 and met again in early 2007, and in February 2007, the Africa regional coordinating group was also established. Other regions will follow based on needs expressed by member agencies.
National expressions of Micah Network have formed in Nepal and Bangladesh, in close cooperation with the international secretariat and global coordinating group.