GOVERNANCE
Our Governance Philosophy
Our organization is founded on the principle that the global community shares a common destiny, and that human dignity and human rights can only be realized universally through shared responsibility and mutual support. Solidarity Works! International therefore embraces a unique leadership and governance structure that reflects the idea that we are all interconnected through our common humanity.
The people who work together on a daily basis, including our collaborating partners, form the core of our decision-making body, which consists of the Managing Director and the Board of Trustees. The Board is composed of individuals who assume key executive responsibilities depending on daily operations and project needs, with at least one member from our collaborative partner network. This structure ensures a balance of strategic guidance, collective accountability, and operational flexibility, making sure that our limited resources are used effectively to support the communities we serve.
Legal Form and Accountability
Solidarity Works! International operates as a non-profit entrepreneurial company (UG) under German law. The UG provides the legal and financial framework for our activities, ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements related to transparency, reporting, and financial oversight. The Managing Director serves as the organization’s legal representative and is responsible for all official and financial matters in accordance with German law.
Organisation Details
Solidarity Works! International
Reg. No. HRB 280603B (Berlin, Germany)
Managing Director: Nabil Izagaren
Address: Schlegelstr. 15, 10115 Berlin
Founding Date: 15 August 2025
Governance & Transparency Contact
Dr. Reik Kirchhof
Email: reik@solidarityworksinternational.org
Board of Trustees
To ensure accountability and participatory decision-making, the organization is advised and supervised by a Board of Trustees. The Board consists of up to five members representing a diversity of perspectives, including individuals connected to our collaborative partners, civil society, academia, and international advocacy. All members serve on a voluntary and unpaid basis, reflecting our commitment to solidarity rather than profit.
The Board provides:
- Formal oversight of executive leadership, including legal authority and veto powers
- Strategic oversight, policy guidance, and ethical review of the organization’s work
- Assurance that: Activities align with the organization’s mission and values, Funds are used responsibly and effectively, Advocacy and partnerships remain consistent with our non-profit and rights-based principles
The Board also holds veto power over key strategic or ethical matters, providing an important check and balance on executive decisions.
Our Board Members are:
Mohammad Raba’i, At Tuwani, Palestine
Jenny Bastet, London, UK
Madelyn Eckert, San Francisco, USA
Dr. Reik Kirchhof, Berlin, Germany
Powers and Decision-Making
- Any Board member may propose agenda items, initiatives, or policy discussions.
- The Board retains veto authority over major strategic, ethical, or financial decisions that significantly affect the organization’s direction or credibility.
- The Managing Director retains veto authority on matters required to comply with statutory or regulatory obligations under German law.
Decision-Making Process
Our decisions are guided by the principles of participation, transparency, and collective responsibility: Day-to-day operations and project execution are managed by the Managing Director. Strategic and policy-level decisions are made collectively by the Managing Director and the Board of Trustees, typically through a simple majority vote. The Managing Director retains veto authority over legal and structural decisions that may affect the organization’s statutory obligations under German law.
Amendments and Policy Updates
This governance framework is reviewed periodically to ensure its continued relevance and fairness. Any amendments require the consent of the majority of the Board of Trustees and the Managing Director. Updates are published to maintain transparency with our supporters and partners.
