MSF attracts a huge variety of people from all over the world. Despite differences in background, culture and attitude, they share a common purpose: to put their feelings of solidarity with populations in danger into practice.
The success of MSF over the last 30 years is a testament to the people who have given their time, expertise and so much more to this purpose, both while working with MSF and when back home. For this success to continue, the movement relies on people contributing their ideas, experience and passion through its association groups.
What does the Association do?
The Association is an integral part of MSF UK. Members of the Association and the elected Board collectively own MSF UK. Becoming a member means taking collective responsibility for MSF UK.
The Association concerns itself primarily with the bigger picture: the ideals, ethical values, principles and the overall direction of the organisation. The Association has the responsibility to ensure that MSF remains true to its identity and charter and dedicated to its mission. It is about thinking, discussing and deciding on issues at the heart of MSF’s strategy and identity.
How does it work?
The Association directs and steers MSF UK through democratic participation and contribution, through organised exchange of ideas, through elected representatives and by engaging with communities at home.
Throughout the year, the Association arranges events and meetings to facilitate thinking, discussion and decision-making:
The Association Coordinator, who is recruited by the Board and based in the MSF UK office, facilitates these events.
Once a year the members vote to elect the Board, who represent and are accountable to them. Click here for:
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How does the Association select its representatives?
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Association members' opinions and votes have a significant influence through the Board and Executive. Members play an essential role in holding the Board to account. Click here for:
Association members also form an important link with civil society
Members of the MSF UK Association are ambassadors of MSF in their community. They explain and promote MSF’s ideals, aims and mission, raising awareness of what MSF is and what it stands for.
Who can become an Association member?
MSF field staff, office staff and office volunteers may apply to join after they have worked with MSF for 6 months. Your contribution to MSF may have been with any section and in any mission. You do not have to live in the UK, nor be a UK citizen.
There are two categories of Association membership:
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All members are ‘voting members’ except;
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‘office members’ who are currently employed as part of the executive of MSF UK (office staff). These members engage in all Association activities but are not entitled to vote. (This is to ensure proper and accountable separation of executive and governance functions).
The MSF UK Association is subject to the Memorandum of Association and Articles filed at Companies House. The Memorandum of Atrticles describes the internal workings of MSF UK.