Jayne Stoyles and the Canadian Centre for International Justice
By Louise Chatterton Luchuk
November 30, 2009
OTTAWA, ON // Did you know that right now 1,500 or more alleged war criminals live in Canada? Jayne Stoyles was instrumental in creating the Canadian Centre for International Justice (CCIJ), a charity that seeks global accountability for these war criminals involved in genocide, torture, and other massive human rights abuses around the world. In 2007, Stoyles was selected as an Ashoka Fellow and recognized for her work in developing a national network of lawyers, academics, health professionals and former politicians and judges. This national network focuses on developing war crimes cases for civil and criminal trials, and putting pressure on governments to take decisive action on their international obligations to seek justice.
Stoyles refers to her current work - the use of national courts around the world to bring war criminals to justice - as the next frontier in the movement. "Only a few people can go before international courts," explains Stoyles. "I'm bringing together a national network (that is part of an international network) and helping to develop the cases, working on related smaller issues, government policies, training, as well as public education and awareness about these issues." Ultimately, for Stoyles, the work is about two very important contributions: the prevention of genocide (rather than always responding with military approaches that take their own toll) and to support survivors through the healing process.
Being named an Ashoka Fellow has opened new doors for Stoyles. "It is a prestigious organization," she acknowledges. "It's known for supporting new and exciting ideas that they believe have the potential for large impact. This recognition gives credibility to the work I'm involved in. It's also incredible to be a part of this network and to share ideas and contacts with people who are all so switched on." Through the Ashoka network, Stoyles also has access to new funding and resource development opportunities. In very tangible ways, this support network has introduced Stoyles to those who can give her advice and connect her with the right people. For instance, the CCIJ has a new revenue generating plan to set up a law firm affiliated with the charity. This idea came from another Ashoka Fellow in British Columbia who Stoyles was able to connect and speak extensively with, and learn from his experiences.
What's in a name?
Since being named an Ashoka Fellow, Stoyles has starting using the term "citizen sector" instead of "civil society" when referring to her niche in the nonprofit sector. Explains Stoyles, "I like 'citizen sector' because it doesn't imply 'organizations'. Of course, organizations are a huge part of any movement, but there are also lots of individuals who are often very engaged themselves but don't have an organization affiliation. They follow an issue...like the volunteers who get involved and do something very concrete like support a campaign." Stoyles also points out that there is an increasing number of social enterprises that run businesses and generate profit for social purposes and, therefore, the term "nonprofit" doesn't fit as well as "citizen sector" does.
A snapshot of... |
Who: Canadian Centre for International Justice/Centre canadien pour la justice internationale
Mandate/Mission: The Canadian Centre for International Justice/Centre Canadian pour la justice internationale is a charitable organization that works with survivors of genocide, torture and other atrocities to seek redress and bring perpetrators to justice.
Location: Head office is in Ottawa.
When established: 2000
Number of staff: 3 full-time equivalents.
Number of volunteers: Approximately 100.
Budget: $200,000/year
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Being involved in international work gives Stoyles an interesting vantage point to appreciate the work of the Canadian citizen sector. "In general terms, there are some great organizations in Canada, and I think the most effective ones are the ones that have a connection to things happening nationally and internationally and are really tapped into trends and best approaches. There are organizations in the sector meeting daily needs kind of work (like feeding and clothing people). That work is critical, obviously, but the most innovative work is doing that work and simultaneously looking at root causes, policy change, law reform, and movement from the bottom up and top down." That's where Stoyles sees the real and critical work happening. She encourages organizations to take time out to think and plan and to have the discussion about the real reasons why clients are in the situation they are in and what can be done about it. "You don't always have to mount the campaigns yourself or work on law reform if that is not your expertise, but you have to move those needs and issues forward and connect with others and be part of the debate," comments Stoyles.
Innovative, inclusive, and participatory organizations
For Stoyles, it is so important that organizations do this by looking to innovative, inclusive, participatory models. She finds that even the citizen sector can fall prey to problematic hierarchical models that dominate small groups and their voices. "If we replicate in our organizations the model that is problematic in the world, it's really hard to bring about change. Power is closely held by a small group of people that define the global agenda or define an organization that participates in this agenda," reminds Stoyles. Therefore, being able to bring an innovative, inclusive approach to decision-making in citizen sector organizations is really important as a model for what the sector wants to accomplish in the world.
At the end of the day, that is how Stoyles defines success. It's knowing that the work you are doing matters, that it makes an effective contribution on an issue that wouldn't happen otherwise. It is about knowing you're doing everything you can to make a contribution.
Louise Chatterton Luchuk provides research and resources for organizations that want to strategically move forward. She is a consultant and writer who combines her love of writing with research and project management experience at the regional, provincial and national levels of voluntary/nonprofit organizations. You can reach Louise at info@luchuk.com.
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