After seven years of “incubation” within The Hunger Project and explosive growth during COVID 19, MCLD regional leaders and external advisors came together in October 2022 to co-create a new, global organizational structure that remains true to its values even as it is able to mobilize greater financial resources.
We have a strong intention to not recreate the rather neo-colonial “hub and spoke” model. We stopped using the word “chapters.” Instead, we created a “network of networks” where members in each country would set their own priorities in a National Association structured and registered (where needed), consistent with the laws and standards in each country, yet aligned around global mission and set of values. In instances where global decisions are required, these would be made democratically by a Global Assembly that includes a gender-balanced pair of representatives from each National Association. Our Secretariat would have members seconded from different National Associations.
2023 was established as the transition year to move from being a movement to a “movement organization”, and our new independent structure became operational on January 1, 2024.
To learn more about the membership standards in your country, find your country under the Countries main menu item.
MCLD Structure
MCLD’s new structure emerged out of a year-long process of listening and consultations with our members. The document below lays out our structure and details the roles and responsibilities of all our constituents.
Global Assembly
The Global Assembly provides strategic direction and policy development for MCLD, respecting the principle of subsidiarity, and oversees the use of the MCLD brand. It serves as the apex policy-making body for policies that affect all MCLD NAs. Read more about the Global Assembly’s purpose and structure here.
National Associations
National Associations are self-governed groups driving collective action and learning.
Each National Association has:
- A Steering Committee/Board that provides policy and strategic direction.
- A National Coordinator responsible for mobilizing action and operations within the NA
- At least 10 members, more than 50% of who are local organizations