The Maltese are well known for their generosity. This has almost become a cliché, but in fact they are generous not only with their money but also with their time. This is most probably a result of our culture and tradition. Many Maltese, particularly women, are involved in the running of a number of voluntary organisations.

This goes to show that the Maltese people honestly and truly believe in the concept of solidarity and what they offer is not just lip-service. This is the contribution of civil society towards others. It is also the voice of civil society. In fact it is often referred to as the third sector. Democracy is based on three sectors: the state, the private sector and the voluntary sector.

Participation in the voluntary sector, the third sector, also has an economic value. If it wasn’t for this involvement, our country would be much poorer since the voluntary sector covers a very wide spectrum ranging from the social to the educational fields, the environment, culture, sport, religious activities, and others. This sector plays a crucial role in the development of an inclusive society. People involved in the voluntary sector use their motivation and initiative to enrich other people’s lives.

Therefore it is no surprise that voluntary organisations have taken such an important role when it comes to policy formulation. EU countries, including Malta, are continuously promoting and encouraging consultation with voluntary organisations and the whole voluntary sector.

In spite of such an important role, such organisations in Malta are still not yet supported and regulated by a specific legal framework. Undoubtedly, legislation is necessary to continue strengthening and empowering this important sector within the Maltese society.

In fact in 2005, this government brought the matter to the forefront by issuing a white paper titled Insahhu l-Volontarjat (strengthening the voluntary sector) for public consultation. And although there was a timeframe set for consultation, which was even extended to meet the request of some organisations, feedback is still being received and processed. This will go on even at this stage when the law is currently being debated in parliament during its second reading.

Although there has been ongoing consultation it seems that some organisations are not fully satisfied with the outcome so far. Technicalities can be ironed out through debate however what is important to keep in mind is that this legal framework will not hinder organisations in their work. On the contrary it will ensure that all the work is being done in a transparent and credible manner and voluntary organisations will continue to be guaranteed their independence or autonomy.

In fact the law being debated in parliament speaks about the role of the Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations. The commissioner will not be a policeman but will be there to guide and support the various organisations, as the need arises. The commissioner will also enhance the role of federations and groups of associations so that they regulate themselves and their members.

Transparency and accountability are essential, especially if organisations want to continue benefiting from funds both on a local level as well as at EU level.

Over the years, numerous voluntary organisations have benefited from a huge amount of funding. In fact the Family and Social Solidarity Ministry this year alone has allocated a budget of Lm0.75m to organisations and beneficiaries. Other ministries such as those of Education, Culture and Finance also allocate funds to the voluntary sector. Such funding helps organisations to stand on their feet and to carry out projects that otherwise would have remained on the drawing board.

Besides this funding, voluntary organisations operate by means of collections made through the assistance of the general public. Therefore I believe it is only natural that these organisations should be accountable to the public who is donating such money. This does in no way mean that the public can dictate how an organisation is run. But an organisation that is able to exist and function because of public funding should and must give an account of how the money is being spent.

Credibility is vital and once a reputation is tarnished the whole sector will suffer. Therefore this transparency and accountability will definitely help to safeguard an organisation’s reputation.

Although not obligatory, voluntary organisations should therefore be encouraged to enroll. On enrolment, a certificate will be issued. This certificate will be a passport for the organisation to show that it is a voluntary organisation and to enable it to benefit from the various privileges and incentives outlined in the proposed legislation and which will be described in further detail through regulations once this proposed legislation is in place.

All this is being said and done in the best interest of the voluntary organisations themselves. One must bear in mind that such organizations were originally set up to operate in the best interest of society itself. Thus any other attempt would lose the purpose for which these organisations were originally set up.

Michelle Mallia is president of the Nationalist Party Women’s Movement