ENNA to launch pan-European scheme

Charities and non-profits from across Europe are meeting this week to begin a new pan-European peer-to-peer support scheme.

The project is the first major programme by the newly established European Network of National Civil Society Associations (ENNA).

It will allow up to 250 organisations from across five European countries to forge new relationships with similar groups, share learning and improve the way they work.

The formal launch of the scheme is taking place at a three day conference in Berlin. It started yesterday, on Sunday May 9, known as Europe Day, when people celebrate peace and unity in Europe.

Five British groups are attending the conference where they will learn how to mentor other organisations at home and abroad via the internet.

Stuart Etherington, chief executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, one of the founding members of ENNA, said: "In a globalised world, the issues we face are increasingly international, so it's essential that we strengthen all of civil society by sharing our expertise and learning from others in similar positions, no matter which country they are from.

"This new network provides practical and accessible opportunities for our members to share and seek knowledge and advice from partners across Europe."

Frank Heuberger, a board member of BBE, the German equivalent of NCVO, said: "We are very pleased to host our ENNA partners in Berlin. This shows how our cooperation can bring concrete benefits for all our members."

Mentoring will be offered from now until November in a range of areas including: HR, membership development, working in collaboration and fundraising. Mentors will be available online at certain times, including a one-day e-conference.

The five British groups attending the launch were selected by NCVO and the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish councils (SCVO, WCVA and NICVA respectively) because of their existing experience and expertise to help lead the e-mentoring programme.

A total of 50 organisations from the UK, Germany, Poland, Slovenia and Estonia will be able to take part. NCVO has already received more than 100 expressions of interest.

The scheme is funded by a grant of approximately £168,000 from the EU's Europe for Citizens programme.

ENNA also launched its website at the conference. View its content: www.enna-europe.org