Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the different ways I can get involved with Nahdet El Mahrousa?

You can become an NM member, apply for an internship (paid or unpaid), join as a staff member (part-time or full-time) or simply become a friend of NM.

2. Who are typical members of Nahdet El Mahrousa?

Nahdet El Mahrousa members are mainly young Egyptian professionals. While they might have differing views, ideologies and background, NM members work to find common ground towards Egypt's development. Click here for more details on the Nahdet El Mahrousa membership profile.

3. How do I become a member?

If you are interested to become an NM member you need to complete and return a membership profile. You can either send an email to membership[at]nahdetmasr[dot]org or stop by the NM office to get a membership profile form. Once you return your profile to Nahdet El Mahrousa, we will process your membership request and inform you of the next steps. Alternatively, if you know someone who has been an active NM member for over six months, he or she can recommend you and send you the profile form.

Every Sunday there is an information session at the NM office where you can learn more about NM activities and complete a membership form.

The annual membership fee is EGP200.

4. What are the benefits of NM membership?

• You will be joining one of the most resourceful and inspiring networks.
• You can develop your own project idea through the NM Incubator.
• You will be added to the e-groups list where you can exchange information about existing projects, propose a new project idea, stay informed of events, meetings, opportunities, etc.
• You can participate and vote in Nahdet El Mahrousa General Assembly and official meetings.

5. What am I required to do when I join Nahdet El Mahrousa?

You are not required to do anything. However, NM gives you the platform to contribute in several ways:

• Organization-level support: Some members volunteer or help out on the organizational-level - helping set up systems, support with networking, fundraising, building alliances and partnerships, etc.
• Project leaders and members: If you have a dream project for Egypt's development, you can propose your idea for support through the NM Incubator and potentially become the project leader.

  Some NM members prefer to join an existing project and help out in the different phases and functions of the project.

• E-group and discussions: If you are passionate about discussing ideas on Egypt's development, you can share your thoughts through NM e-groups or join Salon El Mahrousa events.
• Sharing knowledge and expertise: You can share your expertise and knowledge with NM members, projects, partners and the community through conducting a workshop or a presentation on your area of expertise, providing training, or holding a seminar at Salon el Mahrousa.
• Sharing contacts and ideas: If you cannot give more time, you can always support Nahdet El Mahrousa projects with ideas, contacts, fundraising prospects, and connect NM with potential renowned names for Salon El Mahrousa. You can also assist NM in receiving media coverage for its projects and events.
• Representing Nahdet El Mahrousa and Egypt: As a member, you can represent NM and Egypt through attending events, cross-cultural dialogues and conferences in Egypt or abroad.

6. Is there a certain number of hours required from me as a member?

Some commit a few hours a week. Some commit far less. Project leaders usually need to commit more time than regular project members. It is totally up to you, but the most important thing is that you commit to whatever you agree on.

7. What if I live outside of Egypt?

Living outside of Egypt, you are better able to see the bigger picture than those living in Egypt, so you can contribute in many ways. In fact, some of our most active and dedicated members and project leaders are young Egyptian professionals residing outside Egypt.

Even if you don't have much time to dedicate, sending your perspectives and ideas from wherever you are, is refreshing enough! Several Egyptian expatriates have volunteered to share their knowledge and expertise through NM projects such as Mentoring Leadership Program.

8. What is the NM Incubator?

At Nahdet El Mahrousa, we aim to develop ideas into nation-wide programs for improving the lives of Egyptians. The NM Incubator is our platform that enables nascent project ideas to become national models for development in Egypt. Through the NM Incubator we offer members different resources to ensure the success and growth of new project ideas.

9. What does the NM Incubator offer?

Nahdet El Mahrousa Incubator offers projects the following:

• Human Resources: Support in accessing and recruiting full-time/part-time staff, volunteers or interns for each project.
• Institutional framework: Until they become independent entities, NM provides the institutional framework for all incubated projects. It acts as their legal, accounting and financial umbrella; providing all institutional systems and framework to run these projects.
• Legal assistance: through some corporate partnerships and professional support.
• Project development: Project design and proposal development services.
• Strategic planning: Through NM pool of volunteers.
• Proposal writing: Through NM pool of volunteers.
• Secondary Research: Through our networks, NM provides incubated projects research support on potential partners, success stories, local and international best practices, etc.
• Training: In-house training provided through pool of volunteers in addition to access to subzidised or free training opportunities in partnerships with corporate organizations.
• Funding: NM connects projects with potential funding sources
• Networking and external communication: Access to technical resources, donor contacts, research and academic resources, publicity and media, and professional branding support are also available for projects.

• Infrastructure: NM provides communication facilities (24 hour fast internet access, telephone lines and email accounts), as well as, business facilities (including a fully equipped meeting room, shared computers/printers/scanners) for all incubated projects.

• Financial support: A one-time small funding is available for projects starting up based upon availability.