Collaboration – leads us for better result Agnese Knabe Project coordinator European Public Health Alliance Civic Alliance – Latvia 2-3 June, 2006, Legnica, Poland European Public Health Alliance

1.The idea of networking 2. European Public Health Alliance – European network 2-3 June, 2006, Legnica, Poland European Public Health Alliance

Networks Contacts and relations between people, based on confidence and solidarity, what gives social capital Pjer Burdje (expert social capital) Personal tool what ensures important advantages to individuals, groups, families, who has better contacts The idea of networking

Network Relations and collaboration between different persons  individuals  Groups  Organisations The idea of networking

Types Official Un-official Long-term Short-term The idea of networking

Culture and values Common aim  Confidence  Respect of different opinions  Support  Responsibilities  Awareness about the aim and the tools The idea of networking

Motivation for collaboration Sense of security Mutual benefit Information recourse Knowledge New contacts (recourses) Influence the quality of your life The idea of networking

A network of more than 100 non governmental and not-for-profit organisations across Europe working on health and health-related issues mission is to improve the health of European citizens and to increase their participation in EU policy-making European Public Health Alliance

 Monitor, analyse and inform  Raise awareness  Engage and consult  Challenge  Empower  Represent The role of the NGO sector

About EPHA Information exchange Membership services Lobbying: > EU institutions Networking: > Other health NGOs > Other thematic NGOs Tracking policy issues: > Day to day analysis > Mailings - Briefings

EPHA members EPHA has two categories of membership: Full members Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) active in the public health sector. Full members have two votes at the Annual General Assembly Associate members other not-for-profit organisations, professional bodies, academic institutions and local or regional authorities. Associate members have one vote at the Annual General Assembly EPHA membership fees are based on the income of the member organisation

International networks European networks National organisations EPHA members

Health advocates Disease specific patient groups Academic researchers Health professionals (e.g. doctors, nurses and pharmacists) Consumer groups Environment organisations Development organisations

Benefit for members Information on actual Public health issues and EU policy developments Monthly Newsletter web page members only site Expertise on political and legal documents Advocacy in European level Contacts Project opportunities Capacity building activities EPHA members

How does EPHA work? Advocacy Working groups At present there are 5 ongoing working groups on the following subjects: n Alcohol n Health care n Non-conventional medicine n Food and Nutrition n Health and Environment n Health and Enlargement n Pharmaceuticals

How does EPHA work? Policy Co-ordination Meetings Meeting every two months in Brussels, this group is open to all EPHA members. Contributions to the meeting are also received via

Many EU policies have an impact – direct or indirect – on the health of EU citizens 15,000 to 20,000 lobbyists in Brussels and ONLY 10% are NGOs representing citizens’ interests What is the difference between NGOs and lobbyists? Networking and alliances are the ONLY way to make our voice heard - You are unlikely to succeed alone. Use other NGOs resources rather than “re-invent the wheel” on your own. The role of NGOs in Brussels

European Public Health Alliance Rue d’Arlon B-1000 Brussels Belgium Tel: Fax: