Global Secretariat
Role of the Global Secretariat
The Global Secretariat’s mandate is to support, connect and guide the efforts of White Ribbon Alliance members who advocate for safe motherhood by promoting the health and rights of girls, women and newborns worldwide. True to the mutually respectful spirit of the WRA, the Global Secretariat works to protect the excellence and integrity of the global movement.
The Global Secretariat is held accountable by the WRA elected Global Board of Directors, and thereby members and affiliated National Alliances. Specifically, the role of the Global Secretariat is to uphold the WRA Mission, Vision, and Principles through the following:
PROMOTING POSITIVE CHANGE
- Establish shared advocacy objectives with WRA members to address political, policy and program gaps for maternal and newborn health
- Manage the strategy and direction of the Global Alliance in response to WRA members’ input
- Unify the collective action, messages and political asks for changes urgently needed by girls, women and newborns
- Track progress, monitor and share the impact of the WRA’s work around the world
SUPPORTING ALLIANCES AND MEMBERS
- Strengthen the capacity of the Alliance to influence and change policies and behaviors that can save the lives of girls, women and newborns
- Maintain clear and responsive communications with and between members and National Alliances
- Support WRA members who wish to form National Alliances through the affiliation process
- Provide technical assistance and tools to enhance the organizational development and sustainability of National Alliances
- Periodically convene members and National Alliances to facilitate shared learning and measure progress towards the WRA’s global strategic plan
- Provide tools and opportunities for members and National Alliances to engage in advocacy
- Actively look for joint funding opportunities to harness resources and secure funding
INSPIRING AND COORDINATING ACTION
- Support and mobilize WRA members in calling for commitment and accountability for maternal and newborn health at the global, national and community level
- Identify, initiate or support opportunities to leverage efforts of the Alliance
- Cultivate and promote stories and voices of the global movement
- Establish and maintain relationships with partners and supporters and encourage National Alliances to do the same
UPHOLDING LEGAL AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Report to the Global Board of Directors, communicate Board decisions to the membership, and support Board operations and processes
- Raise funds to support WRA operations and meet donor requirements
- Develop and support the Global Secretariat staff
- Adhere to the legal requirements for non- profit entities in the United States and United Kingdom where the Global Secretariat operates
