THEMES & ACTIVITIES

STAR - Structural Aid for Commissions in Central and Eastern Europe /Renovabis

What is the STAR program

The creation and development of Justice and Peace commissions in Central and Eastern Europe, which started in the early nineties, is one of the great signs of hope involved in the work of the European Conference of Justice and Peace commissions. The Central and Eastern European commissions have given an important and indispensable impetus to our common work. The broadening of our European horizons has been an enriching experience for all of us and it has proved very fruitful for the realization of our mission.

The present situation in Europe is still marked by the effects of the European division into East and West and the inequalities resulting from it. It is up to us to deal with this situation in a constructive way. We are partners on equal terms. This partnership is a concrete contribution to a solidary and peaceful European community.

Therefore we are most grateful to Renovabis that they gave us the financial means to launch the STAR Program in order to strengthen sustainably the Justice and Peace commissions in the Central and Eastern European countries and to promote their work. Particular attention is given to regional and especially European cooperation. This funding program for the years 2006 – 2008 resumes the Structural Aid Programme of the European Conference which dates back to the nineties.

Rules of Procedure

Who can submit applications?
Eligible applicants are national Justice and Peace commissions of Central and Eastern European countries. The commissions must be mandated by their respective national bishops’ conference.

What is the structure of the funding programme?
The funding programme is based on three cornerstones.

First cornerstone – Support of the commissions’ structural development
Second cornerstone – Support of national action programmes
Third cornerstone – Support of European cooperation

First cornerstone – Support of the commissions’ structural development

Approach
The development of strong JP structures is an essential prerequisite for successful JP activities in each country. The consistent work of the general secretary is important in this respect. For this reason, this programme is intended to finance up to 50% of the position of the general secretary for max. three years, preferably during start-up of the commission. The precise amounts will be determined on the basis of the economic and ecclesiastical situation in the respective country.

Application procedure
Those national bishops’ conferences or Justice and Peace commissions which wish to submit applications can contact the presidency for support in preparing the application. In each case, a suitable solution will be worked out in dialogue with the applicant. The step-by-step procedure is as follows:

1. The respective national bishops’ conference or Justice and Peace commission will send a project description to the presidency of the European Justice and Peace commissions including the following items:

A presentation of the (new) Justice and Peace commission:

2. The presidency will decide about the application and prepare it for affirmation by the ExCo.

3. The presidency will keep the applicants informed on the progress of the respective projects.

4. The presidency will keep the ExCo and the General Assembly informed on the progress of the respective projects.

Second cornerstone – Support of national action programmes

Approach
JP activities are focused on the development and realisation of specific projects and initiatives. For this reason, funding will be provided for national action programmes. The submitted programme proposals need to fulfil the criteria listed in annex 1. They will be approved in accordance with the general situation and the funds available.

Application procedure
Those national bishops’ conferences or Justice and Peace commissions which wish to submit applications can contact the presidency for support in preparing the application. In each case, a suitable solution will be worked out in dialogue with the applicant. The individual steps are as follows:

1. The national Justice and Peace commissions will present their programme proposals to Justice and Peace Europe (project description and budget).

2. The presidency will decide about the application and prepare it for affirmation by the ExCo.

3. The ExCo will discuss the application and decide accordingly.

4. The presidency will keep the applicant informed on the progress of the respective programme.

5. The presidency will keep the ExCo and the General Assembly informed on the progress of the respective programme.

Third cornerstone – Support of European cooperation

Approach
Cooperation at the regional and European level is increasingly important for the commissions’ national activities. Cooperation of the commissions requires meetings of the persons involved. This is why travelling will be funded as necessary. Also included will be representatives of national bishops’ conferences which are likely to establish JP commissions in the medium term.

This particularly applies to:

Application Procedure
The general conditions for support of European cooperation were agreed upon by ExCo on 24 June 2006. The necessary approval by the presidency will be based on these general conditions. The presidency will keep the ExCo and the General Assembly informed. ExCo will review the general conditions annually on the basis of the experience gathered.

Accountability to Renovabis

As to this entire funding programme, the presidency is accountable to Renovabis and keeps Renovabis informed on the progress of the programme. The experiences gathered will be evaluated together with Renovabis. Arising problems must be communicated to ExCo.

 

More Information on:
www.renovabis.de

 

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