By Simon Chambers
As representatives from ACT members around the world gather in Yogyakarta, Indonesia for the 4th in-person ACT General Assembly, many are asking what actually happens during the assembly?
Having worked on the communications team at every assembly from 2014 to the current one, I thought it would be a good idea to give a bit of an overall sense of the tasks of the assembly, as well as the “life” of the assembly.
Let’s start with the tasks. The general assembly is, according to the ACT statutes and by-laws, the highest decision-making body within the alliance. It is the job of the assembly to elect the Governing Board and its officers (the moderator, vice-moderator, and treasurer), as well as the Membership and Nominations Committee.
These bodies help to guide and direct the alliance between assemblies, and are elected from among slates presented by the MNC in the case of the Board and officers, and by the Executive Committee in the case of the Membership and Nominations Committee.
The assembly also votes on any changes to the by-laws and statutes that define how ACT Alliance works. The 2024 assembly will decide on the new membership model for ACT Alliance, as well as statutory changes related to the membership model.
Another task of the assembly is to receive reports from the governing board, MNC, and others, and also to appoint the auditors for the alliance.
At its heart, the assembly is about the business of ACT Alliance, but it is also a key moment for connection, engagement, networking, and much more. Whether you’re in Yogyakarta or following from afar, I hope you find the assembly to be a great experience!Simon Chambers Director of Communications, ACT Alliance
The assembly will also look at the global strategy at its mid-term and discuss an update to the strategy for the last three years that it will guide our work as an alliance.
Finally, the assembly will discuss and adopt public statements on a variety of topics ranging from the situation in Cuba to climate justice and more. These statements represent the position and understanding of ACT Alliance as a body, and can be used by ACT members in their own advocacy after the assembly.
In addition to the business of the assembly, there will be a variety of other activities- there will be a strong worship life throughout the assembly, there will be regional celebrations, an Exhibition, member conversations, and a feature day. There will be a youth pre-assembly, regional meetings, bilaterals, networking, free time, Stories of Hope, project visits, a press conference, meals, and much more.
At its heart, the assembly is about the business of ACT Alliance, but it is also a key moment for connection, engagement, networking, and much more. Whether you’re in Yogyakarta or following from afar, I hope you find the assembly to be a great experience!
