Governance & Structure

DRAE is a member-based organisation that brings together diaconal organisations, churches and Christian communities across Africa and Europe. Its structure is rooted in participation, shared responsibility and mutual accountability.

Member organisations are represented through delegates who take part in the Assembly of Members (AoM), the central decision-making body of DRAE. The AoM meets every two years, sets the strategic direction of the organisation and elects the Executive Board.

Member organisations are organised within regional groupings. Within these regions, representatives are identified who are then formally appointed as members of the Executive Board by the AoM. They meet regularly to guide the work of DRAE, support its activities and ensure the implementation of its goals.

As one of three regions within the DIAKONIA World Federation, DRAE is part of a wider global structure alongside DIAKONIA of the Americas and the Caribbean (DOTAC) and DIAKONIA of Asia-Pacific (DAP). Members of the Executive Board represent the region at the international level and contribute to the governance of the World Federation.

Through this structure, DRAE ensures that the voices and experiences of its members are actively represented, both within the region and in the global diaconal community.