OSI is a major nongovernmental funder and policy advocate on Roma issues in Central, Eastern, and South Eastern Europe, working on a wide range of issues, including civil society development, education, media, gender, local government and health.

In order to improve the combined impact of its Roma work and to make a consistent contribution to the Decade of Roma Inclusion, OSI has established the Roma Initiatives Office. The purpose of this office is to guide and coordinate all aspects of OSI network programming and grantmaking activity related to Roma beneficiaries, including work presently undertaken by other OSI initiatives and Soros foundations.

The main tasks of the office are to:

• develop an overall OSI Roma strategy;
• act as the clearing house on Roma issues within the OSI network;
• design and manage the OSI Decade action plan and budget;
• represent OSI at international meetings including the Decade international steering committee meetings;
• provide donors coordination; and
• advocate towards national governments and the EU.

The Roma Initiatives Office will carry out these tasks by:

• mapping OSI Roma initiatives and maintaining this map;
• creating and managing an effective information and knowledge sharing system (OSIRomanet, website, newsletter, workshops, consultant and donors register);
• providing guidance in the design of annual Roma strategies and budgets of Soros foundations and initiatives;
• coordinating and representing OSI's contribution to the Roma Decade; and
• developing and managing new crosscutting Roma initiatives.

The Roma Initiatives Office is based at OSI-Budapest.

In 2007, OSI Roma programs, such as the Roma Initiatives Office and the Roma Participation Program, and Soros foundations worked to empower Roma communities and change attitudes among the public and policymakers in areas ranging from arts and culture to public health to education and economic development.

Read more about Roma Initiatives 2007 activities.