Situation in France
In France, the civil society sector is of great importance. There exist about one million active associations and every year 70.000 new associations are created. More than 20 millions of people (who are older than 14) engage in associations, thereof 10 to 12 millions do volunteer work. The main financial sources for associations are public funds. This is mostly because of the continuing great influence of public authorities. There are two important actors working for the benefit of the world of associations.
One is the "CNVA"- Conseil national de la vie associative", which was founded in 1981. Its mission is to deal with fundamental questions of the world of associations, to give advice regarding legal documents and regulations and to propose important actions for the development of the civil sector.
The second important actor is the "CPCA- Conférence permanente des coordinations associatives", which was founded in 1992 and is a base for the coordination, proposition and representation of common issues of all associations. Both actors engage in the further development of the civil dialogue, in 2001 for example, the CPCA developed a Charta for the creation of a stable partnership between the public authorities and the associations. This Charte involves that the State should favour and facilitate the development of associations and give them appropriate status in local and national consultation. The associations in turn should follow the principles of solidarity, ethics and transparency in their actions. But the continuing changes of political powers in France hinder a facile development.
Since 20 years a civil dialogue between associations and public authorities was established, but its content, shape and directions are permanently being exposed to changes of political powers. But with every change small advancements for the civil sector can be achieved.
Source: Le dialogue civil en France, Anne David, Vice-president FONDA.
CPCA - Conference Permanente des Coordinations Associative
Is an umbrella organisation of 17 associations of different sectors (education, social tourism, students,...). It focuses on networking towards French government, its institutions and on having influence at the European level.
Founded in: 1992 (official status 1999)
Based in: Paris
Julian Adda
28 Places Saint Georges
75009 Paris, France
Tel:
info@cpca.asso.fr
cpca.asso.fr
CEDAG members in FRANCE
Comité Coord. des Oeuvres Mutualistes et Coopératives de l'Education Nat.
FONDA - Association pour la promotion de la vie associative
Union Nationale des Associations du Service à domicile (ADMR)
Union Nationale des Associations de Tourisme (UNAT)
Union Nationale Interfédérale des Organismes Privés Sanitaires et Sociaux (UNIOPSS)
Agence de Valorisation des Initiatives Socio-Economiques (AVISE) (associate member)