How Government Works for Non-Profits

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

This workshop provides non-profit organizations with a clear and practical understanding of how government works in relation to their daily operations and long-term objectives. Building on earlier sessions focused on social cohesion and cross-sector collaboration, the workshop shifts attention to the institutional reality behind collaboration with government.

Participants will be guided through the main political and administrative structures relevant to NGOs, including the roles of parliament, the Council of Ministers, advisory councils, and civil servants within ministries. The session explains how policy is developed, how decisions are taken, and how implementation occurs in practice. In addition, the workshop addresses two key areas that are essential for NGOs working with government:

• Subsidies, with a     focus on the difference between incidental (project-based) and structural     (recurring) funding, including expectations and accountability.
• Advocacy,     exploring how NGOs can responsibly and constructively influence policy and     decision-making while maintaining their independence.

The workshop combines explanation with practical examples and space for questions, enabling participants to directly relate the content to their own organizational context.

LEARNINGOUTCOMES (competencies)

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the basic structure and functioning of     government as it relates to NGO work
• Distinguish between political decision-making and     administrative execution
• Identify the roles of parliament, the Council of     Ministers, advisory bodies, and civil servants
• Understand the difference between incidental and     structural government subsidies
• Recognize how and when NGOs can engage in     advocacy in a constructive and effective manner
• Navigate government systems with greater     confidence and clarity

PROFILEPRESENTER:

Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams, current President of St. Maarten Parliament, is a seasoned public administrator, policy advisor, and governance expert with extensive experience in government, politics, and public service in St. Maarten. She has held various senior positions, including roles within government administration a the Prime Minister, Minister and Member of Parliament, giving her in-depth insight into both political decision-making and civil service operations.

Her professional background includes public policy development, legislative processes, governance structures, and stakeholder engagement. Through her work, she has consistently been involved in bridging dialogue between government, civil society, and other sectors.

Mrs. Wescot-Williams brings a practical, contextualized perspective to the workshop, drawing on real-life examples to make government systems understandable and relevant for non-profit organizations.

LEVEL OF THEWORKSHOP AND FURTHER EXPLANATION ON TARGET GROUP

This workshop is designed for beginner to intermediate level participants. It is suitable for board members, coordinators, project leaders, staff, and active volunteers of non-profit organizations who interact with government, apply for subsidies, or engage in advocacy.

No prior knowledge of government structures is required. The workshop is particularly relevant for organizations seeking to strengthen their collaboration with the public sector, improve their understanding of funding mechanisms, or become more effective in representing community interests.

ADDITONALINFORMATION:

Participants are encouraged to bring:

• A notebook or digital device for note-taking
• Questions or examples from their own organization     related to government interaction, funding, or advocacy

No laptop is required, but participants may bring oneif they prefer to take notes digitally.

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