Politics
Equal rights, respect and recognition for all
Political work is an determining pillar for NETWORK. We develop theses and declarations concerning ongoing political issues, set up forums for dicsussions among our members, build bridges to political parties and organisations, and support politicians within NETWORK in their work.
As an organisation, we are neither standing for right wing nor left wing politics. We are more into the active discussion of social and law-related questions and stand for the full equality of all members in our society. We actively fight against discrimination of each kind.
Our guideline is article 8 of the federal constitution of Switzerland, denying inter alia all discrimitation due to one's way of life. We want that article to become alive: with lobbying, public relations and active networking with related national and international organisations, we create awareness for our concerns and propose solutions to reach a consensus on issues.
Network in Brussels
On 28/29 June 2007, representatives of EGMA European Gay & Lesbian Manager Association met members of European organizations in Brussels to discuss concerns of the umbrella organization and to evaluate ways of co-operation with them. The delegation led by the president of EGMA, Angelo Caltagirone, member of the executive council of NETWORK, consisted of associates of the Völklinger Kreis in Germany and Xarxagay in Spain aside several members of NETWORK with international engagements.
The delegation discussed ways to influence political decisions within the EU with the deputy president, Raul Romeva, and the secretary, Kim Leonard Smouter, of the Intergroup for Human Rights of LGBTs (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual) of the European Parliament, as well as the goals of the activities in those organisations. In a meeting with the director of the organisational unit against discrimination of the European Commission, Stefan Olsson, the big interest of the EU in a representation of the European gay and lesbian managers came up, speaking on behalf of their members with other European organisations such as the European Business Association and representatives of the European business communities.
In a meeting with ILGA (International Lesbian and Gay Association) and its European division ILGA Europe, there was a sounding interest in exchanging information and sharing activities with them. ILGA sees EGMA as a representative of its members in business communities and in the professional work environment, in the same way as EGMA can achieve a better representation through ILGA at European and international level.
All meetings took place in a very open and inspiring atmosphere. NETWORK as a Swiss organisation outside of the EU but highly integrated with the other European organisations presents a major driver in Europe also through its high grade of organisation and its impact within and outside of Switzerland. That reputation and impact outside of Switzerland shall be improved at international level promoting the goals and inspirations of NETWORK.
