Guideline for the establishment and management of Older People’s Associations (OPAs)

An Older People’s Association (OPA) is a community-based organisation which has the goal to improve the well being of older people through collective activities benefiting themselves and their community.

This document offers guidelines for the establishment and management of Older People’s Associations in the Kingdom of Cambodia. It includes examples of how prepare reports, standard letters and minutes.

It states that an OPA’s purpose is to:

• improve the dignity and quality of life of older people
• encourage and motivate older people to help each other by providing a forum to discuss their problems, develop solutions and celebrate important holidays and events
• encourage and promote community support for vulnerable older people

The report covers:

•  developing a statute for an OPA:
  
  • objectives
  • organisational structure and leadership
  • roles and responsibilities
  • finance policy
  • notification of local authorities

• managing an OPA:
  
  • activity plans
  • reporting
  • financial management
  • documentation management
    
    
• establishing sustainable OPAs:
  
  • working with local authorities and other development partners
  • building the capacity of the OPA
  • making a fundraising plan
  • developing activities to meet the members’ needs
  • solving conflict