What is DAGA?

DAGA stands for Documentation for Action Groups in Asia. It was formed in 1973 by the Urban Rural Mission desk of the Christian Conference of Asia to serve ecumenical action groups in the area of information solidarity – by collecting, analysing and sharing information for action. Both the CCA and DAGA are gazetted as charitable institutions in Hong Kong.

Vision

DAGA envisions a just world in which all peoples, especially the marginalized, participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives and livelihood. DAGA is also envisions a world where peace is not the absence of war or violence but rather a product of a community living with justice. One major initiative working towards this vision is the Center for JustPeace in Asia.

Mission

DAGA is :

1. a venue to articulate the language of hope: sharing people's struggles, alternative paradigms, and where people can take control of their lives by bringing about changes even at the local level;

2. a channel that links the stories of grassroots people with other action groups and the ecumenical movement;

3. an infrastructure for information sharing, research and analysis on key issues for action, training and language services; and

4. a network that mobilises the resources, services and contribution of the people and action groups for communication and relevant publications.

Objectives

DAGA hopes to:

1. establish an effective, stable and accessible resource and information centre for action groups in Asia;

2. promote electronically linked database as well as strengthening the other systems and information networks among regional and national groups for more efficient production and sharing of vital information among action groups in Asia;

3. conduct research and information campaigns on important and key issues such as the rural economy, Asian transnational corporations, indigenous peoples and minority groups, peacebuilding and conflict transformation;

4. provide training and support to activists and action groups committed to peacebuilding and conflict transformation in Asia;

5. facilitate the networking of action groups in Asia as well as provide vital information for the mission work of the churches and ecumenical partners in Asia and abroad.