Building a GuideStar system is a complex and challenging task requiring commitment and support from a range of individuals and institutions. Development projects to date are the result of invitations being extended to GSI by civil society leaders in countries to work with them to implement GuideStar systems.
It consists of several stages which include:
1. Mapping GuideStar Readiness
2. Preliminary Assessment
3. Development Phase
4. Implementation
5. Membership of the GuideStar Alliance
Actors that are important for success include:
1. The Host Organisation and
2. An Advisory Committee
Information on specific country development projects can be found at the Current Engagements pages
1. Mapping ‘GuideStar Readiness’
We must understand the environments and contexts in which civil societies operate worldwide. This information will help us to determine the ‘GuideStar-readiness’ of a country and inform our engagements with leaders in these countries.
Mapping work draws on the extensive studies undertaken by the Center for Civil Society Studies at Johns Hopkins University and CIVICUS Civil Society Index amongst others which provide indepth overviews and analyses of civil societies around the world.
To help us, we have compiled a questionnaire which can be downloaded here: GSI GuideStar ‘Readiness’ Questionnaire.doc
2. Preliminary Assessment
Following early interactions, usually with a not-for-profit organisation in a country, GSI staff are invited to undertake a week-long ‘preliminary assessment’ visit. The purpose of this visit is to meet with relevant stakeholders to assess the perceived need for a GuideStar system in a country and to generate the support of key individuals and institutions for the Development Phase. During this visit we are likely to meet with;
3. Development Phase
Assuming a successful Preliminary Assessment, a decision will be taken by GSI and the local group to embark upon a Development Phase, (generally a 12 month process) that will thoroughly assess the need for, and feasibility of, implementing a GuideStar system.
At the end of the Development Phase a business plan will be completed and the formal structure of the GuideStar entity will be established.
4. Implementation
The major output of a Development Phase is a business plan and the establishment of a formal entity for the implementation of the GuideStar system. The precise structure of the entity is likely to vary from country to country but all national GuideStar systems will be not-for-profit entities that are governed, operated and managed in that country.
5. Membership of the GuideStar Alliance
Once a decision has been taken to implement a GuideStar system in a country and a formal entity initiative has been established, it will become a member of the GuideStar Alliance (GSA).
As members of the GSA, all national systems will adhere to the following common values:
A GuideStar cannot reach its full potential without the vision and commitment of national civil society leaders. This includes:
a. Host Organisation
The support of a well-regarded and well-connected institution is vital for establishing the credibility and legitimacy of the Development Phase project amongst the initiative’s key stakeholders. The host institution provides auspices and intellectual and administrative support for the project.
Success rests in large part on its ability to demonstrate its independence of any particular interest or group and will be key in gaining the trust of the sector. Therefore, a corporate structure that encourages broad ownership in the ongoing initiative should be strived for.
b. Advisory Committee
The formation of a small Advisory Committee supports the work of the Development Phase through its role as advisor, advocate and supervisor and is critical to the success of this phase. Advisory Committee members are drawn from experts and leaders in the sector who are well-regarded, well-connected and committed to the development and implementation of a GuideStar for their country’s civil society.
Sub sections for this page:
GSI Activities : What is a GuideStar? : Key Benefits : Engagement process