Join CHANCE

Introduction 

To ensure the continued integrity, effectiveness, and expansion of the CHANCE network, the Executive Committee (EXCO) proposes the following formal procedure for admitting new member organisations. This process is designed to reflect the network’s values of transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability and enable the structured evaluation of prospective members. 

I. Principles 

This admission procedure is based on the following principles: 

• Transparency – All stages of the application process are clearly defined and communicated. 
• Integrity – Only organisations that align with CHANCE’s mission and standards are admitted. This includes a demonstrated commitment to ethical conduct and responsible governance. Trust is built through institutional alignment and the honourable behaviour and accountability of individuals acting on behalf of member organisations. 
• Inclusiveness – The process encourages participation by qualified and committed civil society organisations, including from countries and communities where existing CHANCE member organisations are less active. Geographic inclusiveness is a priority to extend the network’s reach and amplify its collective voice across diverse regions. 
• Gradual Integration – A candidate phase allows for mutual learning and evaluation. 
• Collective Decision-Making – Decisions on membership rest with the Board, ensuring democratic legitimacy.

II. Application and Admission Procedure

1. Submission of Application 

Organisations seeking to join CHANCE must submit a formal application to the EXCO. The application must include the following: 

• Full name, legal status, and registration details of the organisation. ● A description of the organisation’s structure and governance. 
• A statement detailing the organisation’s mission and its alignment with CHANCE’s values and objectives. 
• A motivational letter explaining why the organisation wishes to join CHANCE, indicating its willingness and capacity to mobilise its officials, staff, or volunteers to participate in CHANCE meetings and activities and including a summary of recent and relevant activities in the fight against and the prevention of organised crime, defence of its victims, the promotion of human rights, anti-corruption, civic space, or related fields. 
• A description of any prior participation in CHANCE network activities, including attendance at events or meetings, or collaboration in joint initiatives or projects (e.g., EU-funded projects) developed with the network or CHANCE members. 
• Reference to any existing CHANCE members who may be familiar with the activities of the applicant organisation. 
• A signed declaration confirming the organisation’s commitment to comply with CHANCE’s Code of Conduct and uphold its principles in all network-related activities.

2. EXCO Screening 

Upon receipt of a complete application, the EXCO will carry out a preliminary evaluation to verify: 

• Compliance with submission requirements. 
• Evident alignment with the values, mission, and strategic goals of CHANCE. 
• Absence of disqualifying factors (e.g. evidence of political partisanship, discrimination, or legal/ethical violations). 

As part of this stage, the EXCO may request further information or clarification from the applicant. The EXCO will complete its preliminary evaluation within four weeks of receiving a complete application. 

3. Recommendation for Candidate Membership

If the application passes the preliminary screening, the EXCO may recommend the applicant for recognition as a Candidate Member Organisation. The recommendation shall be submitted to the Board for decision during the next Board meeting. 

Votes shall be cast by Board members present at the meeting. However, a Board member who is unable to attend may appoint another Board member as a proxy to vote on their behalf, provided that: 

• The proxy is granted in writing, 
• It specifies the scope of the proxy (general or for a specific vote), and 
• It is submitted to the EXCO before the day the vote is cast. 

Proxy votes shall be counted as if cast by the absent Board member to determine majorities. 

A simple majority vote of the Board members present and voting (including proxy votes and excluding abstentions) is required to award candidate membership. 

4. Candidate Membership Period 

Candidate Member Organisations will be granted observer status for 12 months, during which they will: 

• Be invited to participate in CHANCE activities and working groups. 
• Be permitted to attend Board meetings in a non-voting, observer capacity. 
• Be assigned a liaison from the EXCO or an existing member organisation. 
• Be encouraged to demonstrate active engagement and commitment to CHANCE’s values. 

Candidate members will receive a short orientation pack and be invited to submit a brief self-evaluation after 6 months outlining their engagement and any challenges encountered. 

The candidate period may be extended at the Board’s discretion if more time is required for evaluation. 

5. Evaluation and Recommendation for Full Membership 

Before the end of the candidate period, the EXCO will evaluate the Candidate Member’s: 

• Active participation in CHANCE activities. Active participation includes, but is not limited to: attending at least two CHANCE meetings – online or in person – and contributing to at least one working group or collaborative activity.
• Continued alignment with CHANCE’s mission and behaviour. 
• Interaction and collaboration with other members. 
• Feedback received from existing members (if any).

Following this evaluation, the EXCO may recommend that the Candidate Member be admitted as a Full Member Organisation. 

Votes shall be cast by Board members present at the meeting. However, a Board member who is unable to attend may appoint another Board member as a proxy to vote on their behalf, provided that: 

• The proxy is granted in writing, 
• It specifies the scope of the proxy (general or for a specific vote), and
• It is submitted to the EXCO before the day the vote is cast. 

Proxy votes shall be counted as if cast by the absent Board member to determine majorities. 

Full membership requires a two-thirds majority vote of the Board members present and voting (including valid proxy votes, and excluding abstentions). 

6. Rejection and Reconsideration 

At any stage, the Board may reject an application or recommendation (for candidate or full membership). In such cases: 

• The applicant will be informed of the decision and the reasons for rejection.
• The applicant may request reconsideration within three (3) months of the rejection.
• Upon reconsideration, the Board shall vote again on the application.
• If the Board reaffirms the rejection, the decision is final. 
• Applicants whose rejection is confirmed on reconsideration may not reapply for membership for two (2) years.

EXCO and Board members with any formal affiliation to the applicant organisation shall recuse themselves from the evaluation and decision-making process. 

III. Entry Into Force and Review 

This procedure shall enter into force upon approval by the CHANCE network’s Board and shall apply to all future applications for membership. The EXCO may propose revisions to this procedure from time to time, subject to approval by the Board.