The election process to bring on board new Board members is now officially open. This presents an opportunity for CIVICUS members and partners to be involved in the governance of the Alliance and in steering the implementation of the 2022 – 2027 CIVICUS strategic plan.

30 June 2025 marks the end of Board service for three Board members and the possible start of a second three-year term for five Board members, if re-elected. We are searching for up to eight committed, diverse, and passionate civil society leaders who will join the remaining Board members to govern the CIVICUS Alliance from July 2025 to June 2028.

You can make your nomination here by midnight GMT+2, Tuesday, 08 April 2025. The CIVICUS Board particularly encourages nomination of representatives from traditionally excluded communities.

The Nominations Committee (NomsCo) of the Board to oversee the 2025 Board elections consists of three current Board members and two external members. They are Sonia Kwami, Yi Kang Choo, Blessing Ewa and former Board members and Board office bearers, Anabel Cruz and Patricia Lerner, as the External Members of the Committee. This committee will pre-select up to 16 candidates to present for elections.

The NomsCo intends to present a slate of up to 16 qualifying candidates to the CIVICUS Voting membership for elections. In selecting the candidates, the Committee will be guided by a wide variety of factors. These may in addition to the standard criteria outlined below, include specialist skills, regional or sector representation, youth candidates, and traditionally excluded groups among others.

In response to recommendations from the 2022 post-election analysis, the slating process will for the first time include a brief conversation between qualifying candidates and individual members of the NomsCo. It was felt that this sort of interaction between the NomsCo and the candidates presents an opportunity to get to know the candidates, who they are, where they come from and what inspires them and to respond to questions that candidates might have on the roles and responsibilities of Board members and around the elections process.

In order to stand for Board election or vote for a preferred candidate, you must either be an individual CIVICUS Voting member or a nominated representative of an organisation with CIVICUS Voting member status.

We welcome all civil society actors who demonstrate that they are committed to strengthening civil society and citizen action, adhere to the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and use peaceful means to pursue their objectives.

Further criteria considered by the Nominations Committee will include:

• Active commitment to and support for CIVICUS’ Mission, Vision and Goals, Commitment to the principles of accountability, diversity and inclusion that we value and represent as an alliance
• Ability to devote the time and energy to responsibilities of the Board, including regular attendance at meetings, serving on sub-committees of the Board and representing CIVICUS externally where needed
• Contribution to our strategic vision by providing direction and inputs to the development of a strategic plan that is backed by measurable goals and financial resources
• Willingness to understand, accept and comply with Board responsibilities and policies
• Support to shared outcomes needed through teamwork, enthusiasm, innovation and candidness
• Support to advancing the learning and achievements of the alliance through critical insights and judgements

To be eligible to stand for election, you will need to be a verified CIVICUS voting member by Wednesday, 09 April 2025.

Details on the legal duties of CIVICUS Board members can be found here, and further information on the Board election process, criteria and timelines can be accessed on the CIVICUS elections website. Please contact John Mang’ana at for further information on the CIVICUS Board or the elections process.

Please see the following section on how to become a Voting member.

CIVICUS members are authentic foundations, civil society organisations, national or regional civil society platforms or networks, social movements or individual who have attained recognition in their communities or among their peers. They abide by and promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, embody CIVICUS’ Vision, Mission, and Values, and adhere to CIVICUS’ Code of Conduct for members.

Voting members collectively set the agenda and priorities for the CIVICUS alliance, playing a leadership role in key activities, increasing their visibility, and enhancing the diversity and resilience of the alliance through support to the CIVICUS Solidarity Fund.

To become a voting member:

Fill in the Online Form

Complete the three-tier assessment:

1. a self-assessment on your commitment to human rights and social justice,
2. a peer review from an organisation, activist or constituent related to how your values are reflected in your work, and
3. an indication of the supporting documentation you have.

Pay the Voting membership fee. Please note – the Voting membership fee is optional if you are an individual or if your organisation has an annual income of under $80k. The membership fee goes towards the CIVICUS Solidarity Fund.

Detailed information on becoming a CIVICUS Voting member can be found on our website or through contact with our Membership Team at .