Member Benefits

InterAction members enjoy a number of benefits and services as part of the largest coalition of U.S.-based humanitarian and development organizations.  Among these are effective advocacy and representation on their behalf, increased exposure, strong networking and information sharing opportunities, technical and capacity building assistance, plus increased credibility with donors and funders.

Based in Washington, DC, InterAction staff help coordinate efforts by members to influence policy and budget priorities in Congress, help provide access to top-level policymakers and provide members with analyses of issues as they impact the humanitarian and development community. Our annual Forum, CEO retreat, and other meetings each year bring together members, experts, government officials, and other stakeholders in the U.S. and from NGO networks in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Our communications specialists multiply and complement member efforts with media exposure, press referrals and message training. Members are provided opportunities throughout the year to contributes news and program updates to Monthly Developments, recognized as the leading source of information on overseas humanitarian affairs, development, and other issues affecting the world's marginalized peoples.

InterAction's issue- and regionally focused working groups allow for collaboration with peers on cutting-edge issues through policy- and practice-focused discussions. In addition, InterAction staff facilitate trainings in advocacy, NGO security and civil-military relations during disaster response, among other issues, along with organizing quarterly media fora and roundtable discussions on trends in communications.

InterAction's PVO Standards continue to set InterAction member organizations apart from all others in the eyes of donors and funders. Adhering to these standards gives member agencies widely recognized legitimacy in the vital areas of governance, financial management, program performance, and fundraising.

Direct Benefits of InterAction Membership

 

Access and Influence

• Engage in policy discussions with leaders of the US government, international organizations, and counterpart NGO networks around the world.
• Participate in direct advocacy and outreach [1] to Congress and federal agencies
• Bring your voice and views to policy and operational meetings with InterAction members, outside experts, UN agencies, government officials, and other NGO platforms and stakeholders
• Contribute to shaping the evolution of the US NGO community and the international development and humanitarian assistance agenda
• Join a community of peers; build partnerships; exchange ideas; work collaboratively; and be a mentor to others
• Strengthen relationships with private funders, associations, and key thinkers
  
   

Visibility and Credibility

• Alert the press and potential donors to your engagement in responding to front page disasters by your inclusion in InterAction’s Crisis Response Lists [2]
• Increase the recognition of your organization in the US NGO community and help raise the profile of the sector
• Be a visible member of the community on InterAction’s website
• Promote your work in Member Activity Reports [3]
• Be recognized for your high-level of accountability through the Self-Certification Process [4] of InterAction’s PVO Standards [5]
• Publicize your accountability with the InterAction seal
  
   

Engagement and Collaboration

• Establish common positions on critical policy issues
• Build capacity through thematic- and issue-oriented working groups and member-driven affinity groups
• Establish partnerships; build relationships with other CEOs at the annual CEO Retreat [6]; and strengthen abilities to manage and direct organizations effectively
• Participate in and contribute to InterAction’s Annual Forum [7]
• Attend strategic planning sessions that address new and evolving issues in NGO environment
• Receive timely updates on current issues and events through email lists
• Receive free subscriptions to InterAction’s monthly magazine, Monthly Developments [8], and other publications on key issues
  
   

Choose the Direction of InterAction

• Be eligible to serve on the Board of Directors [9]: vote on the strategic direction of InterAction and monitor the CEO’s performance in areas of governance, management, fiscal responsibility, and programs
• Help shape agendas and focus of working groups; contribute to shaping the direction of advocacy efforts
• Have a seat and a voice in special members’ meetings
  
   

Resources

• Training: access a wide variety of trainings such as NGO Security, Civil Military Relations, Monitoring and Evaluation, Staff Care, Disaster Risk Reduction, PVO Standards, Gender Integration, and more
• Employment: promote employment opportunities in Monthly Developments [8] on the InterAction Online Job Board [10]
• Build Skills: staff of InterAction members gain valuable skills participating in and chairing working groups
• Office space: access state-of-the-art meeting facilities and virtual conference participation

For more information on Member Benefits, please contact Taina Alexander [11].