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Start an A Rocha Organization
A Rocha is a global family of Christian organizations working in nature conservation. Its members are self-run organizations that work in many different contexts, sharing their knowledge and experience with each other and those they work with.
If you are involved in nature conservation and creation care, you might wonder if you could connect to A Rocha.
What distinguishes an A Rocha Organization?
A Rocha organizations share these particular characteristics:
- They enable communities to engage in practical action.
- They are registered as a legal entity, at least one of their objectives is nature conservation and they have at least one conservation project of their own in the country of operation.
- A person with professional scientific/conservation experience is among the key people actively involved. and their senior leaders agree with ‘A Rocha’s Commitment to Creation Care’.
- They have a clear plan to resource their operations (A Rocha may offer advice but is not able to offer funding).
- Their objectives reflect a Christian approach, they are committed to effectively engaging churches in their work and have the support of national Christian leaders.
- They are committed to cooperating with other members of the A Rocha Worldwide Family, including participating in global programmes and giving an annual financial contribution to A Rocha International.
- They enter into a Covenant with A Rocha and are committed to complying with its requirements, including the adoption of the A Rocha name and brand.
What do you mean by ‘nature conservation’?
When we refer to ‘nature conservation’ we mean scientifically informed work whose main stated purpose is to protect or restore some aspect of biodiversity at a specific place or for specific species and ecosystems or have clear and direct impact on such. The types of activity involved in achieving the intended impacts might include: biological surveys; research and monitoring; site and habitat management; developing sustainable livelihoods; influencing lifestyle and consumer practices; natural resource governance; environmental education; community engagement; policy, advocacy and campaigns.
How do new A Rocha organizatons come into being?
1. The big idea
Having encountered A Rocha in some way, such as joining the Friends of A Rocha Network, staying or volunteering at an A Rocha centre, reading an A Rocha book or attending an A Rocha conference, you may be considering the idea of supporting the work of A Rocha (in your own country or elsewhere) and/or implementing activities with A Rocha aims.
2. Talking about the big idea
Depending on what you are proposing to do and the underlying convictions of your group/organization, you may be invited to take it further with A Rocha International.
3. Taking it further
If both sides decide to proceed, there is an application process to ensure there is a good fit and good support in place, and expectations are clear. Guidance is available to support this process.
If you are interested in discussing the possibility of starting an A Rocha organization in your own context or have any questions about how to go about it, please write to us: [email protected]
Other opportunities to get involved:
If there already is an A Rocha organization in your country, you are encouraged to contact them directly to explore the possibility of joining or collaborating with them.
Here you can read about the Friends of A Rocha Network, how to become part of it or get in touch with a group near you.
Here you can find out more about volunteering with A Rocha, staying at one of our centres, taking action, staying in touch, and donating.