CAP Organization and Operating Principles
CAP operates at the community/national, regional and international level. Each level has certain responsibilities and roles.
Community Level: CAP’s work begins at the local level with community-based peacebuilding organized by CAP member groups. This forms the basis and rationale for all work at the regional and international level. The main themes for community based peacebuilding work are decided at the regional meeting. The specific activities are decided by the core member organizations following community level research. A methodology for this research, which includes a strong emphasis on cultural activities and participatory techniques is provided by CAP.
CAP member organizations in each country can consist of a single group or a coalition of groups. However in countries where there is a coalition of several organizations, one organization will take the lead role. CAP resources are provided on a country basis. This means that if there are several groups in one country they would have to divide the money/resources amongst those groups.
Regional Level: At the regional level the focus in on knowledge and skill development. The beginning point for this work is the community peacebuilding projects. Activities include exchanges, Internet bulletin board discussions and training workshops.
The regional management group includes one representative from each core organization. In each region one country assumes the responsibility for overall coordination. There is an overlap of three months as the role is switched to a new country.
International Board: The role of the international committee is to represent the knowledge and views acquired through CAP’s work at the local and regional level. The international board will also have a role in advocacy work to support the rights of young people in emergencies.
One representative from each country is nominated to serve on the international board. These representatives are expected to maintain the connection between the local, regional and international parts of CAP. The international board meetings will take place at least once a year, twice a year if funding permits. Two representatives from each region will attend these meetings. This will include the regional coordinator and a representative from one other country. This second position is rotated, as is the site for the international meetings, in order to give people in the regions more opportunities to participate in the discussions.
The international board makes overall policy decisions. As well, each year the board confirms the annual workplan which includes a decision on the main themes for the work. The international board oversees any research or advocacy initiatives that are coordinated by the CAP secretariat.
CAP’s Operating Principles:
1. Transparency in all decision-making.
2. Sharing of information and a conscious effort to ensure that all people in CAP have access to the same amount of information.
3. Equal sharing of resources.
4. Consensus building in all decision making processes.
5. Coordination responsibilities accepted and recognized.
6. We will engage in an ongoing evaluation of our work.
7. We are committed to an ongoing reflection of our work.
8. It is important to have good communication systems inside CAP as well as with the outside world.
9. We need to maintain an advocacy program in our work to support young people’s rights. We will advocate for the principles we are working for as well as the building and maintaining of peace in our countries.
10. We will have continual efforts to expand the CAP membership, both core members and supporting members.
11. We want to foster good relationships and solidarity with other groups.
12. We are committed to maintaining a good gender balance in our operations and an equal representation of males and females. All our programs include a gender analysis.
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