Candidature for Vice-President for Finances 2016-17 & Candidature for Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-16
STEFAN VASILEVSKI
Macedonian Medical Students’ Association
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction and Motivation Letter………………………….. 5 Curriculum Vitae including proof of events…………….. 12 Financial and management background…………………. 22 Plan of Action…………………………………………………………. 34 Ending speech………………………………………………………… 35
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Introduction and Motivation Letter
Dear IFMSA friends and family,
It is my great pleasure and honor to introduce to you my candidature for both Vice-President for Finances for the term of 2016-2017 and also, one more candidature for Interim Vice-President for Finances for the rest of the term 2015-2016. I strongly believed that sending a candidature for only one position would be not enough since the federation is in a great need of help at the moment especially in the field of finances which is one of the main supporting pillars of the federation and our family. Please, in the following text, read my motivation letter for the position in the Executive Board of IFMSA. The motivation letter is a text from the one sent to IFMSA General Secretariat for the position of VPF 2016/17 and Interim VPF 2015/16 and shared on the NMO server.
MOTIVATION LETTER I will not change anything from my previously sent motivation letter since I knew that I will apply for this position the last day of the deadline for VPF 2016-17 and going just for 1 position did not make sense to me. I would start my motivation letter stating that I really can’t imagine describing a motivation for such a position in around 400-500 words. I always like to be direct and stick to a point, so, the biggest thing that gives me motivation for this candidature is the stamina and strength I feel that I have for running this position and candidature. I would not bother with saying like how I meet IFMSA, how I felt in love with the IFMSA work and stuff like this because if I did not wanted to be part of IFMSA, I would have neither sent this candidature, nor run for Vice-president for finances.
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Introduction and Motivation Letter
So, what is giving me this stamina and strength?
Let’s start with the roots or how I became part of MMSA-Macedonia. Taking over an organization full of debts, without ANY handover, without ANY help of alumni, it really takes courage to go for that position. You all know what kind of situation MMSA-Macedonia was facing in the past and most of you have heard about the problems. So, again I will be direct and short. I got into MMSA-Macedonia with a total debt of 11,500 euro (5000+ to IFMSA & 6500+ domestic debts). As a president of MMSA, I have been always in charge and head of any financial situation regarding any kind and type of a project in the way of doing a coordination and plan for the MMSA-treasurer, supervising and creating a plan of action for all fundraise coordinators, etc. The laws in Republic of Macedonia are stating that no matter what, the president is always in charge of the finances and unfortunately weather you like it or not, you have to be a treasurer in the same time. Thanks to our current and previous treasurer, I could have managed everything because they were of great logistic help. So, basically that is like 3 years of being a treasurer and president at once, but now I am speaking for the MMSA-Macedonia activity. What about the IFMSA 64th GA and the 6th WHSS organized in 2015 in Ohrid and Skopje? Well, I guess you know what I am talking about. So, let me start like this for the year of 2015. Organizing 3 big events (39th International Medical Scientific Congress, 64th General Assembly of IFMSA, 6th World Healthcare Students Symposium), also not to mention all other projects of MMSA-Macedonia and in a meanwhile being part of so many international conferences, it really takes a BIG courage, great time-management, extremely professional coordination of all the OC teams and EB members of MMSA, and many other things. I have been personally in charge with all the financial activities, all the fundraise, all the coordination of budget and negotiations, supervising of fundraise coordinators and OC presidents, and creating a plan of action for financial sustainability for the year of 2015! Many people did not believe that we can manage to organize all of these events, but on the end, everything finished successfully.
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Introduction and Motivation Letter
Also, take in mind that doing a GA in 4,5 months (March 15th – July 30th ), it is totally not the same with having 1 year in advance. This is maybe the biggest point of my motivation, because if I could have handled all of that (of course with A LOT of help with my best buddy, the machine of MMSA, Benjamin Kamberi and all the other OC and EB team), I am totally ready for the next challenge! Sincerely, Stefan Vasilevski MMSA-Macedonia president Tel: +389 75 222 601 E-mail: stefanvasilevski1991@gmail.com & stefanv_nova@yahoo.com Skopje, Republic of Macedonia - 15.02.2016
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Curriculum Vitae & Proof of events
1. PERSONAL INFO Name and Surname: Date of birth: Nationality: Address: City and Postal code: Telephone: e-mail: Occupation: University: Years completed:
Stefan Vasilevski 04.03.1991 age: 24 Macedonian bul. ASNOM 146 2/1 1000 Skopje +389 75 222 601 stefanv_nova@yahoo.com General Medicine Student – President at Macedonian Medical Students’ Association “Ss Cyril and Methodius” Faculty of Medicine – Skopje 4 2. EDUCATION
High School: Language completed high school: University: Courses of music: Courses of languages: Courses of language: Courses of art and painting: Other educational activities:
NOVA International School in Skopje English Faculty of Medicine-Skopje at “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” University – Macedonia 5 years at Macedonian Academy of Music and Piano 7 years English language 2 years German language 6 months Mentioned in the next paragraphs
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Curriculum Vitae & Proof of events
3. OTHER EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Head of Organizing Committee, Supervisor and Financial consultant, once Secretary General at 36th ,37th ,38th International Medical Scientific Congress for students and young doctors – Ohrid, Macedonia www.mmsa.mk. Assistant Secretary General for Finances in MMSA - Macedonia years 2012-2013. Workshops attended: Presentation Skills, Medical Management, How to write and publish a scientific paper, Student Syndrome, Stress and Time management, Team building.
Head of Organization, Creator of financial strategy, Head of preparations for hosting and candidature for host, executive fundraiser and Supervisor of OC with financial planning of the 64th General Assembly of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations, 3rd – 9th August in Ohrid, Macedonia.
OC President (Chair) of the 6th World Healthcare Students’ Symposium 2015 held in Skopje, 17th – 22nd November 2015 www.whss2015.com – In partnership with world’s biggest 8 healthcare student associations. Organizing projects in the field of health and education with MMSA-Macedonia: Brain Awareness Week Macedonia, Cap Project, Breast Cancer Awareness, World Hearth Day Macedonia, Anti-tobacco campaign, STOP AIDS Campaign Macedonia and many others. Projects in the field of Public Health, Medical Education, Human Rights and Peace, Panel Discussions and other educational activities at University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” Macedonia. Executive Board of Macedonian Student Union – representative in the European Union Student Parliament for year 2012 – 2014 (Director for project management and communications between Universities and Faculties).
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Curriculum Vitae & Proof of events
3.2 – International educational activities
Attended the 16th World Conference on Tobacco or Health – Abu Dhabi 2015 http://www.wctoh.org/ . Chosen as part of the organizing committee Student Task Force at UNESCO Chair in Bioethics 11th World Conference Bioethics, Medical Ethics and Health Law - Royal Continental, Naples http://www.isas.co.il/bioethics2015-Naples/ . Participation at 5 General Assemblies of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations ( www.ifmsa.org ), 2013-Baltimore,USA, 2014-Hammamet,Tunisia, 2014Taipei,Taiwan, 2015-Antalya, Turkey, 2015-Ohrid, Macedonia . International Workshops attended: Accountability, Fairness and Good Governance and Financing in Priority-Setting for UHC; World Health Organization Simulations; Advocacy and Future Medical Leaders; Global Health and One Health; Teambuilding; Leadership Skill; Communication Skills and propaganda; Advocacy on project management and financial sustainability any many other. European Regional Meeting Denmark , 2015. Global Youth Meet 2015, Vishakhapatnam, India from 29th November to 2nd December. Youngest participant with selected abstract and scholarship at Prince Mahidol Award Conference in Bangkok Thailand, 29th January to 31st January, organized by World Bank, Rockefeller, US Agency for International Development, World Health Organization, Royal Thai Government, China Medical Board ( http://pmaconference.mahidol.ac.th/ ).
4. SKILLS
Leadership, Team Building, Multitasking, Ambitious and enthusiastic, Workaholic, Good at time and stress management, Communication Skills, Organizational Skills, Generating new ideas.
5. OTHER SKILLS
Technology: Perfect knowledge at Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Power Point) Hobby: Playing piano, Painting, Sports, Traveling.
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Curriculum Vitae & Proof of events
Diplomas / Certificates
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Curriculum Vitae & Proof of events
Support Letters WHO-Europe
Association of Young Doctors of Macedonia
MMSA-Macedonia
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Curriculum Vitae & Proof of events
Gallery of events UNESCO Task Force IFMSA
Prince Mahidol Award Conference Thailand 2016
World Conference on Tobacco and Health, UAE 2015
MMSA-delegation Tunisia
Global Youth Meet 2015 India
PreGA WHO Simulation workshop
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Curriculum Vitae & Proof of events
Gallery of random events
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Financial and Management Background BACKGROUND I just love one sentence that is saying: “A tree without a strong roots is not a tree and any wind can blow it away and rip it apart”. Why am I saying this? I do strongly believe that the background for any person is very important especially for high level positions in his life such as Executive Board of IFMSA which is the highest position an IFMSA member can get. Being in the top from more than 1,2 million medical students mean something! Even candidating for position and not winning is also a WIN because the courage, the stamina and strenght, the potential a person have and the strong believe that he might be able for EB or TO position, it is just a WIN by itself no matter of the result. Let’s go back to the tree. I am very glad that the VPE of MMSA Macedonia, Benjamin Kamberi and the Treasurer of MMSA, Riste Buzalkov mentioned some things about our progress in MMSA-Macedonia and the progress of our NMO in the past decade in the support letter they sent me. Many of you here either know or have heard from previous generations about the problems MMSA-Macedonia was facing within its NMO and also toward other NMOs, towards IFMSA, the untrust and debts, the “Famous” AM2009, etc. Let me start with the background at MMSA-Macedonia and our country. Do you think that it is easy to takeover an organization without ANY kind of handover? Can you imagine how it feels like to become head of organization with more than 4500€ domestic debt (from average payment 320€ in the country)? Also not to mention 5000€ international debt?!? Can you imageine taking over an organization with 10 different parties of interest and separated with demolished reputation nationaly and internationaly?
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Financial and Management Background
I can imagine, I did imagine before taking it and dreamed about making MMSA Macedonia great again with zero debts and normal and retrived reputation especially nationaly but also internationaly. Proofs for the National Debts can not be shared because by laws of Republic of Macedonia and International laws, we are not eligible to share informations connected to individuals who made those debts nor towards the institutions because we might be sued for ruining a person’s reputation. Luckyly, we have enough MMSA-Macedonia members that will be at the MM2016 who can clarify this informations. Okay, lets go now for something that I can prove and show and which is a well known to the Federation in the past few years. Taking an organization with debt toward IFMSA more than 4000€ and a debt because of a fault of non-proper handover and info for cancelation and GA policies resulting in a debt toward IFMSAChile of more than 2000€ (200€ missing only today), and being able to find a solution for the both debts, ITS DEFINITLY SOMETHING! Proofs for the International Debts can be easily shared because are part of the IFMSA bylaws and I can do share them in a photo proof. Debt toward IFMSA 4136 €
Debt toward IFMSA-Chile 2.085 €
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Financial and Management Background
Financial Background by events Domestic events (Congresses and events) 64th IFMSA General Assembly – AM2015 Macedonia 6th World Healthcare Students’ Symposium 2015 – Skopje, Macedonia
DOMESTIC EVENTS and ACCOUNTANCE
HIGH EXPERIANCE IN BANKING AND ACCOUNTING
HIGH EXPERIENCE IN CREATION OF FINANCIAL STRATEGIES
FUNDRAISING CAPABILITIES, TIMEMANAGEMENT and ADVOCACY
3 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WITH DOCUMENTATION and ADMINISTRATION
The laws in Republic of Macedonia are stating that no matter what, the president is always in charge of the finances and unfortunately weather you like it or not, you have to be a treasurer in the same time. Thanks to our current and previous treasurer, I could have managed everything because they were of great logistic help (handling on-spot tasks at events and cooperation in preparing documents). So, basically that is like 3 years of being a treasurer and president at once, but now I am speaking for the MMSA-Macedonia activity. At the end of each year, a financial report have to be shown and provided first of all in front of the relevant institutions of Republic of Macedonia and afterwards to the Team of Officials. The governmental institutions do not allow any other than a president of NMO (NGO, Civil Society) to be signed on the documents and all the input of information has to be stated by the president, clarified by the president, each transfer, each receipt and all other documents.
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Financial and Management Background
Same goes for seeking sponsorships, grants, and other funding opportunities. All of the mentioned above require a presidential appearance and direct communication, no matter of the treasurer or any other financial coordinator. This is basically a 3 years of high experience in accounting, management, banking and fundraising at once! I can proudly say that I have stood up to many challenges in our NMO, but, of course, once again I will repeat, nothing could have gone perfect without a team and a great sharing spirit and shared work with the treasurers and fundraising coordinators for all events of MMSA-Macedonia. Big thanks for them! What do you think, based on which reason or action are our fundraising capabilities? How do we succeed to manage so many events, so many funding opportunities and we are such a small and developing country with an average of 300-350 euro per month? –this average per month is important due to reason that any grant bigger than double average payment is considered as high.
Proper and onetime documentation and administration
Well organized and created draft of needs and requirements
Sustainable planning of funds for extended/long term
Don’t you think that IFMSA need a SUSTAINABLE FUNDING PLAN FOR EXTENDED PERIOD?? Can you notice that each year the budget of IFMSA varies a lot? Don’t you think we should create a better and more sustainable financial plan and fundraising strategy? Well, this is one of my main points especially for VPF 2016/17, so what I can say more than that I am hyper excited to present to you at the MM2016 and feel free to give suggestions and ask question.
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Financial and Management Background
Creator of funding strategy, finances and supervisor of OC at our 37th International Medical Scientific Congress – RECORD for grants and sponsors in the history of MMSA Macedonia!!! Big thanks to the OC president, Benjamin Kamberi, the fundraising coordinator Rina Purrini and the treasurer Riste Buzalkov for cooperating and making this congress a RECORD with funds in the history of MMSAMacedonia. Proof of this record? Easy. We, as MMSA Macedonia and Organizing Committee od 37th IMS Congress, were able to fund 50+ international students to visit the congress with full accommodation and full board for 4 days for the sake of International promotion of our biggest annual event! Some of those funded participants are now present on this General Assembly and especially the Balkan countries (Serbia, Bosnia and other) can clarify this chance and opportunity we shared to their members. Not to mention grants of 14.800€ in total! Annual average of our congresses for past decade: 7.054€ Proof of the grants, sponsors and fundings will be shown at the presentation for VPF 2016-17
Organizing Committee, Award and certificate of appriciation of BoHeMSA and collegues from IFMSA Serbia.
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Financial and Management Background 64th IFMSA General Assembly – August Meeting 2015 Macedonia Head of Organization, Creator of financial strategy, Head of preparations for hosting and candidature for host, executive fundraiser and Supervisor of OC with financial planning of the 64th General Assembly of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations, 3rd – 9th August in Ohrid, Macedonia. In the following charts, you can see the timeline of progress of my work for the AM2015
Creation of strategy for Organizing the event and Candidature for Host
Creation of Organizing Committee of AM2015 and Supervision till the end
Promise toward IFMSA for financial sustainability of AM2015 during the president sessions and plenary at MM2015 in Antalya, Turkey
Setting priorities, plan of action and FINANCIAL PLAN and STRATEGY for the AM2015
Setting the administration, documentation and accounting of the AM2015 and preparation of Financial Report
Fundraise of more than 20.000€ either direct or indirect funds
In final stage of preparations
Succesfully organizing the logistics and preparations for only 4,5 months
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Financial and Management Background
Notes for the assembly For organizing a General Assembly of IFMSA, the host organizations apply more than a year in advance. Since the election of a host, the NMO have around one year time to prepare for having a sustainable general assembly. Sometimes, unfortunate situations can happen, like now for the VPF position and last year with the call for new host for AM2015 2 weeks before the start of the MM2015 in Antalya. Well, we cannot stop or control situations like this because sometimes it does not depend nor on us neither on the other side. Let’s go to the point! MMSA-Macedonia was a candidate for host of the AM2015 and prepared a candidature in so little time and had about 4,5 months for organizing it! But, as we promissed and especially if some of you remember my appereance on the president sessions and the promisses I made and obligations I took, you can see that my word is strong and I always stick to what I say and try to implement it as fast as I can and as good as I can. Thank you for this trust! Nor MMSA-Macedonia neither I will forget this wonderful opportunity given to us and our country to host this amazing family of future health leaders! P.S. Sorry for the water problem it was not our fault ď Œ
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Financial and Management Background
6th World Healthcare Students’ Symposium 2015 – Skopje, Macedonia
Well, maybe we were too selfish as an organization. In 2015 we just wanted ALL EVENTS IN MACEDONIA!!! MUHAHAHAHAHA A liitle joke can always fit fine The World Healthcare Symposium is yet another event that is involving IFMSA directly. This time, it is not only IFMSA that is involved as an federation, but also 7 other NGOs in the field of health, youth and students. Those other 8 organizations are: EMSA, EPSA, EDSA, IPSF, IADS, IVSA and ECPTS. Organizing Committee
Part of the workshops
This year, MMSA-Macedonia hosted the 6th World Healthcare Students’ Symposium from 17th to 22nd November in the capital city of Macedonia, Skopje. I, Stefan Vasilevski, was the Organizing Committee President and direct executive of all financial activities .
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Financial and Management Background
Together with the financial coordinator of the 6th WHSS that is now present at the MM2016, Simona Nikolovska, we managed to go troughtout a lot of strugles and obsticles especially we have done a tramendous time-management due to all other previos events at the year of 2015 that we as MMSAMacedonia had, and where I personaly have been involved in the creation of plan, finances and administration, etc. (AM2015 in August & our 38th IMS Congress in May) No matter of the drastic obsticles, we succesfully managed to go trough all the steps with a very carefull examination of each and every problem and organize a wonderful symposium that will be remembered by the participants that came from more than 21 countries. Press release for the 6th WHSS 2015 17th – 22nd November, Skopje, Macedonia. IFMSA: http://ifmsa.org/2015/11/29/ifmsa-at-world-healthcare-student-symposium-2015/ Internist Russia: http://internist.ru/publications/detail/23584/ Swiss students and participants: http://www.ticinonews.ch/ticino/258874/due-ticinesi-a-skopje-perla-svizzera Brussels STOPDarmkanker: http://www.stopdarmkanker.be/blog/brussel-en-debalkan/?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=socialnetwork With our lovely LOSO – Marwa Daly, the IFMSA Representative at the WHSS
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Financial and Management Background
For the end of the Financial and Management Background, I just want to remind everyone to think about what does it take to be Supervisor of OC for the 39th International Medical Scientific Congress during the period of May 2015, Supervisor of OC, Head of MMSA and Creator of financial plan/strategy and executive at fundraising for the 64th General Assembly of IFMSA, the AM2015 – Macedonia, and in the same time being Head of Organizing Committee of the 6th World Healthcare Students’ Symposium in the month of November, also hosted in our country. Ohh, I would almost forgot. What about the coordination of MMSA-Macedonia team, taking more than 13 exams during the period of January-September 2015, and following 2 surgeries performed on my body, well that is a GREAT TIME MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY and LEADERSHIP SKILLS if you ask me. I just want all NMOs to know that if I get elected for Vice-President for Finances, with all my heart, skills and potential, I will try to be as reachable as possible to each of you and give you any kind of FINANCIAL advices, strategies, etc that you will need for yourself or your NMO, especially for OCs of events. Now, it is time to move forward to the future plan as Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-16 and Vice-President for Finances for 2016-17.
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Plan of Action
Dear IFMSA family,
My plan of action will be based on 3 parts and is a timeline for both Interim VPF and VPF 2016/17.
1)Interim VPF VPF 2016/17 First of all, taking the position of Interim VPF will be sort of a taking on your shoulder a very heavy bag and go to climb to the top of a hill. Yes, it is a great example, because just take in mind how does it feel to start a position with so little handover and so quickly and meanwhile trying to satisfy everyone. Well, here comes what I can offer the best to the federation, my STAMINA, STRENGHT and ENERGY which is already proven by taking so big challenges in such a short time in the past. I can highlight here one more thing which is, few days/weeks before I sent my candidature for VPF 2016-17, we have received an unfortunate email on the NMO server about a resignation of the previous VPF. So, I was in Thailand on a conference presenting a scientific work in the field of Public Health and right afterwards, I had a chance to meet an ex director/lead health specialist of World Bank and some high officials in WHO and World Bank that were part of the big dabate at the conference and the event itself. I had the opportunity to ask for advise based on my lifetime medical and IFMSA/MMSA-Macedonia story I shared with them. The question was: “Should I run for Interim VPF also since I am running for VPF? Because I personaly do not get a point in runing only for one (since double opportunity is opened now), but I need an suggestion from experienced person as you, because you know, it might take a LOOOOT of stress and energy and if you are a weak person a maybe a burnout/same goes for 1 term only” The answers were different but obviously had 1 thing in common, which is that they do agree with my position and way of thinking and that if you go and candidate for the first, why not go for the other also, if you feel young enough with enough stamina and strength to go trough it all, why not young boy? I did listen myself first of all and also the advise, and now I am writing this plan of action and I can proudly say that I am ready to stand to both challenges.
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Plan of Action
What is most important and for highlight in POINT 1 is that actually my candidature for Interim VPF is to help the federation first of all, and secondly myself because there will be no need for someone else to be put in stress , to do both the handover for VPF 2016-17 and in same time trying to get the federation on right track in the field of finances and sustainability. Also, by putting this 2 tasks for one person, there might be insufficient time for thinking about the financial sustainability. THIS WILL BE very difficult, just take in mind the work that is needed for both in such a short time of 4,5-5 months! As I said, taking this position followed by VPF 2016/17, is taking a very heavy bag and go to climb a montain to the top, BUT, when you do climb this montain(start of new term), and when the road is streight and clear (because you do not have other obligations such as handover and preparing documentation for the following VPF), the view will extend to almost no limit! The TOP of the hill can be reached with A LOT of hard work, staming and strenght, BUT when I will reach the top, there will be a clear view, a nice rest and re-energizing for the next term, VPF 2016-17 for which I will have a full 1 year for investing all my time and potential for the sake of the family, the IFMSA family! This means that starting the term of VPF 2016-17 with previously going trough a hard path but cleared and finished, A FULL SET of energy, IDEAS, and CAPABILITIES can be applied to the new term. 2)Proper and COUNTINIOUS work of the EB 2015-16 One of the most important, and as I remember the first point in the IFMSA Strategic Plan for 20142017 is ensuring continuity. Well, how can we ensure continuity better than a self-handover and already 4,5-5 months of experience in the field of being Executive Board member of IFMSA?!?! One of my main priorities for the term of VPF 2016-17 is a very clear path, set of documentation, accountability and other important points from the VPF or now VPF Interim 2015-16, so I can basically focus on developing totally new strategic plan for IFMSA concerning the FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY. Do you agree that WE MUST HAVE and WE NEED a way much better FINANCIAL strategy and plan? Can you notice that in the past years the budget varies a lot and we do not have a “defined� strategic plan? Do you agree maybe for creating a plan for start of a new era of financial sustainability and work with a professional company?
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Plan of Action
Why am I saying this? Okay, take an example if something like this happens: What if there are not enough candidates for IFMSA EB 2016/17 as we see at the moment? We missed 2 VICE-PRESIDENTS! What if we see some more resignations due to overflow of information or not enough info during the handover time, or missunderstanding of the position maybe? (I am excluding health issues or some other issues that we can not control no matter what we do) What if situations regarding OCs of General Assemblies and misscomunication between OCs and EB goes again and start repeating all the time? Do you think the EB of 2015-16 will have enough time to do all of this tasks? Do you think that without a proper VPF Interim a sustainable FEDERATION can be preserved? Do you think that we just do not focus that much on the election of Interim or any VPF 2016/17 and not consider maybe that this position may be the KEY for stability of the federation in the next one and a half year? I personally think that this position at the moment is maybe the KEY to succesful and continious work of the federation and we need someone with great STAMINA first of all and also a great background, energy but also enthusiasam to prove himself in front of 1,2 million young collegues because one way or another, tomorrow we will all work in the same field and leaving a good example can only benefit the future of each individual, not harm at all. If you ask me, the other positions such as VPE and VPM can be replaceable by other TO members. Why I am saying this im my candidature for VPF and Interim VPF? Because I highlight it as important and maybe that is why I did not rush with just sending any kind of Candidature Form on the NMO server nor at the GS of IFMSA with my candidature/plan of action until now. VPE position can be easily set by so many representatives from the TO like the LWHO, LOSO, President of IFMSA, other Vice-Presidents and other representatives. It is of a high important for the federation but can not BREAK the federation the same way as a financial colapse can do. Same goes for the VPM which can be way more easily replacable for some period by the VPA or other TO members such as regional coordinator and other representatives. It is not the same again for VPF position.
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Plan of Action
I want to note that with my previous statements I do not want to harm nor do anything like that to any of the position mentioned above like VPE or VMB, I am just adding this topic because as I said I am finding it important. This goes the same for me if I be the future VPF 2016/17 and Interim and I will not just work as a “ROBOT” only on my field but also I will be here to give advices and ides to each and every other TO member. BUT, what happens if there is no sufficient Vice President for Finances? This can be very dangerous and that is why I find it of high importance to candidate for both positions for so many reasons stated in the text above. Well, I will also say something here and quote: “everyone wants to be captain of a great ship when everything is normal, but who wants to be CAPTAIN of the ship when a big storm will come???” Last sentence for this part is that by providing a position for both Interim and VPF for the next term, and with a great and concrete work, the EB can spend maximum focus on re-energizing the other parts of the federations that are at the moment lacking of either candidates, members, persons, and also focus on the AM2016 in Mexico and many other tasks and jobs.
3)EB/Interim VPF 2015/16 EB/VPF 2016/17 Setting a proper and concrete plan is needed! Well, guest what? I will present a concrete points with a concrete plan especialy for this highly important moment of handover and easy start of the new EB after the AM2016. I do not like saying things like “I will work on this, I will work on that…..”……just NO! I prefer “I have already worked and created the plan of action with concrete points for my term especially the interim!” –points to be presented at the MM2016 but what I can highligh is the following: Proper regulations of travel expenses by Travel Agency, with a plan for the TOM4 and AM2016, such as creation of a plan for the MM2017 and finishing the plan till the AM2016 so the new EB can already plan more than a 6 months in advance and we can add it in the new budget that will be proposed by me for the term of 2016-17 at the AM2016 in Mexico.
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Plan of Action Taking care of all merchandise (I have all the charts/expenses and mistakes that happened during the AM2015 since I was head of organization and supervisor of the OC) and letting the VPPRC focus more on his field of work – of course if we make an EB decision on this issue. Giving a direct advise and a chart of prices for air travel for all TOM4 candidate countries (NMOs) and always considering the enviropmental issue! Other points to focus as Interim VPF Follow up on the current funding strategy from the resigned VPF with the assist of General Secretariat first of all so I can add less stress on the current EB, but also I will need assistance from the EB only for the start because the first steps are of high importance. Finishing the administration obligations and all documents of administration as soon as possible so I can avoid less important things and focus right away on the big things Plan of highly important meeting as soon as possible ranked as priority 100% for a proper handover of the VPF 2015/16 tasks I will request an immidiate funding requests from all TO members to be sent to me so I can create a priority funding plan and travel plan with as much possible respect to regarding enviopmental issues (SAME GOES FOR my term of VPF 2016/17) Already made a decision inside MMSA-Macedonia and created a very sustainable plan for organization of TOM4 in Skopje, Macedonia if there is no other host (planing to send the candidature but I really do not want to interfere other candidates, I just want to say that no matter of the hard work and time, I am here to find time to organized full TOM4 as help to the federation [if needed once again] and I already have a detailed plan for the airfare for all TO members-the plan is totally sustainable and of a low cost). This can help the federation and EB/TO only on the points of the meeting, not to stress for travel planing or financial planing since already everything will be done in advance I will try to make up for the missed financial reportation in several EBOMs Direct help to the federation with the host of AM2016 in Mexico since I will state once again, I was head of NMO, creator of planning for host and candidature for AM2015 Macedonia, creator of the financial plan and sustainability. I think I can be a lot of help for not only both EB, EB contact person and OC of AM2016, but also the NMOs which will be very deeply informed and on time for this event and the OC of the event Lets leave some blank points for the presentation during the MM2016
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Plan of Action
VPF 2016-2017
Since I am already on my 28th page, and I do hope that many people will read all my post because I find this issue of high importance, I will try not to repeat the points for VPF 2016-17 that are included in the plan of action connecting the Interim VPF and VPF 2016/17. Before I go step by step, I have to make a brief introduction again. Getting elected for VPF and EB means that you have 4,5-5 months to prepare for a next challenge in your life which is one of the greatest a medical student can have during his youth career. If you ask me, one year is not that much of a time for being a person responsible for finances and now I am talking about finances like the budget of the federation. It is a budget with around 300.000€ and going for this position should mean that you can be able or you have proved to be able to control high amount of money. Take in mind from my previous pages that during the year of 2015, I have been in charge of more than the budget of the federation of IFMSA had in the past few years! Here comes the 64th IFMSA General Assembly – AM2015 in Macedonia with more than +270.00€, the 6th World Healthcare Students’ Symposium with additional +30.000€ and MMSA Annual budget including our 38th International Medical Scientific Congress with +350 participants which added on the end will go for more than 30.000€. In total, around a +330.000€ budget has been totally dependent on me as a president of an National Organization during the year of 2015 (check laws of Macedonia mentioned in the beginning and afterward in this candidature form). How can you have a great work of a treasurer/financial coordinator or director or at IFMSA level called Vice-President for Finances, if not by a proper handover and fulfilled tasks from the past VPF which can be way much more easily reachable goal by chosing one candidate for both positions. Let’s go now to shortcuts of the points of my plan for VPF 2016/17 which will be deeply analyzed with the EB of 2015-16, NMOs, EB elect and TO if I do get elected so I can add and substract things that we will together find as important or not since 100 heads are smarter than 1!
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Plan of Action
TRANSPARENCY
Good insight and transparency of the federations finances is of high importance first of all for the NMOs, but also to our partners and sponsors. Creation of a deeper and more detailed chart for the finances of the federation. -I am highly experience in this field since already 3 years I am working as head of finances for MMSA-Macedonia but that is not as much important as the work I have done for the financial sustainability of the 64th General Assembly of IFMSA since the budget is almost as high as IFMSA’s budget. NMOs need to have more detailed overview in the budget mainly for the cause of help and giving ideas especially by the treasurers of the NMOs which can give country based examples or other ideas that can contribute for IFMSA budget Relevant and on-time documentation for the sponsors and partners Proper update of the finances first of all to the TO and EB and also to the NMOs -Creating a chart and plan for the needs of TO and EB based on 5 months experience as Interim VPF (If elected of course, it can be of great help), and eliminating all potential bad situations. As I mentioned before, I plan to already have a full list and detailed chart of transportation way much more time than used before for the TO and EB especially for Regional Meetings and General Assemblies because with on time planing we can safe a lot! Offer priority to the other candidates to be part of the new team that I plan to create for VPF 2016-17 and take assistants for creation of IFMSA SUSTAINABLE STRATEGY 2017-2020
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Plan of Action
RESPONSIBILITY The team-work is of high importance not only for IFMSA, but for any kind of NGO, institution, organization, etc. Being part of a team-work and being a great team-work player means that you will try to reduce each others responsibilities and take over tasks by prioritizing at the moment and leaving you or the partner space for better contribution for the field he is working at the moments as priority. For the current term of VPF 2016/17, I will not move from the IFMSA Strategic Plan 2014-17, but I will deeply work on the IFMSA Sustainable Financial plan for 2017-2020 for which I do plan agreements and documents to be signed and made with at least 1 travel agency for all the 3 years with a great discount due to long time relationship and partnership and same goes for the IFMSA merchandise. This can reduce the costs of both to total of 10-15% for the year of 20172020. During this term I will provide: On time travel arrangements with an agency approved by the EB and TO first of all and if needed by the NMOs. Proper and on time documentations to be sent to IFMSA General Secretariat so we can reduce the cost of the flights and save a great amount from the budget of IFMSA. Suprplus on the end is always welcome Creating a deal with an agency for the IFMSA Merchandise (Sales) for both General Assemblies in 2017 and for RMs if needed so we can save maybe up to 10-20% from the current budget. Also, planing to create a better and more detailed sponsorship package with help of professional Agency – to be sent to 300+ potential sponsors/Creation a list of SPONSORS with all contacts The new sponsorship package is planed to be sent to be sent to 300+ potential sponsors/Creation of a list of SPONSORS with all contacts with help of NMOs
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Plan of Action
Ensure good and proper communication with our partners and sponsors and providing the proper documentation and updates for all sponsors and partners -This is highly important to keep the finances of IFMSA sustainable. By continuing the agreements with standard sponsors, they get more trust towards IFMSA as an NGO and a proper communication and reports are a must. Being able for consultations and online meetings (must be announced and requested in advance) by NMO presidents and treasurers for any kind of issues regarding the IFMSA budget or advices and consultations on administration/documentation for their NMO or activities/projects Directly being involved in the General Assemblies and a direct contact with the OC Presidnet/Treasurer and Head of NMO of the host organization of an General Assembly -Note that the next General Assembly might be in Montenegro in March 2017 which is a very close and easily reachable destination for me taking less funds to travel via bus or train and I will be in a direct position to even assist the OC if needed in the preparations so we can avoid any kind of problems either regarding some sustainability, logistics or else. Same goes for the Regional Meetings. Being part of at least 4 TOMs but I really want to not miss even one (I won’t miss even one but lets not say that from advance :D) Trying to directly help the Organizing Committees of IFMSA events for direct funding from relevant institutions from their country and high level officials in their own country since I personally think that a contact and communication with EB of a federation of more than 1,2 million members can influence a lot in the state of mind of an institution/organization Monthly status of finances of IFMSA-will try to do a monthly detailed shared documentation to all NMOs CREATION OF TEAM 2017-2020 – Deeply analyzing team members by their potential and background (give priorities to other VPF candidates) and opening a call for members of the team for financial strategy 2017-2020 – to be explained more at the MM2016 because I am planing to launch this call during my Interim term if elected as interim.
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Plan of Action
ACCOUNTING, ADMINISTRATION, DOCUMENTS, INVOICES, CONTRACTS, PLANING, STRATEGY, FUNDRAISING
3,5 years of experience Signed more than 50 sponsorship contact and agreements Raised over 70.000€ in a developing country with average salary 350€ Over 10.000 documents in the past 3 years from which 50% in 2015 HEAD of planing the AM2015 Candidature and contact with hotel Creation of the candidature, budget in candidature and final budget for the AM2015 Creation of fundraising plan and signing all agreements of support and sponsorship Payment of 90% of the AM2015 funds by my executive signature and stamp Head of finances not only for the AM2015 but also one more IFMSA event in 2015 in Macedonia, the 6th World Healthcare Students’ Symposium Paying all debts of MMSA-Macedonia toward IFMSA and NMOs (200€ left only for Chile) During my term as president due to proper and regular documentation and on-time documentation sent to IFMSA, MMSA-Macedonia got back its voting right for the first time after AM2009 which was a big deal and celebration for our NMO and the status of our NMO nationally and internationaly
Once again, I have to state the following: “The national bylaw and executive bylaws in Republic of Macedonia, clearly state that NO ELSE than the president/head of NGO, Civil Society or other similar institution is reliable for making agreements, signing sponsorships, creating a financial reports and directly involved in the treasury of the organization, make any other kind of financial activity, and other related things to finances and financial activities” This is actually the main reason why I am so highly experianced in documentation and why I do run for this candidature and why I did made MMSA-Macedonia go for host for AM2015 because I could guarantee MMSA and IFMSA that I am able to create a sustainable strategy based on my high level experience.
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Plan of Action
SUSTAINABLE FINANCIAL STRATEGY and 2017-2020 PLAN of Action
Well, we have come to one of the most important parts of my candidature considering the future of IFMSA and the IFMSA we want to see when we get old and maybe one day support our childeren to join IFMSA ;) haha I went to far maybe. Okay, lets get back to near future. This is a point that will be highly analyzed by the NMOs, highly analyzed by every possible member of IFMSA and other interested parts. I will repeat myself again, we and IFMSA MUST HAVE A SUSTAINABLE FINANCIAL PLAN/PROPER and NEW SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE based on concrete actions and plans for several years and maybe more if possible! I think most of you will agree that the budget have variations each year and maybe one of the crutial facts to stop this variation is the creation of Sustainable IFMSA 2017-2020 especially in the financial part. People say “Money does not make a person happy” (which is true and I totally agree like every normal person), BUUUUUUUTTT, a sufucit of money is always welcomed, I can freely say this, and I think all of you can agree. So, what is my point here? By creating a plan that is so stable and we do not lose such an tramendous time on planing for fundraising and funds and other financial issues, we can FOCUS more on what is the BASIC OF THE FEDERATION, Medicine, Health, Advocacy, Youth Envolvement, and many other points! During my term and especially in the period before AM2016, I will work on creating the plan and presenting it to the AM2016. The plan will include: Start of work with a professional PR and marketing company Contact with new sponsor opportunities like Bill and Melina Gate Foundation, The Rockefeller foundation, TIKA International (General Sponsor of AM2015), Global Fund for fight for Malaria, Tuberculosis…. and many other global-fund foundations that are already sponsoring a lot of health events for young leaders and medical issues regarding youth activisam / List of 300+ potentian sponsors (with help of NMOs) Creating a strategy for indirect financing by providing needed materials / air tickets even/ other issue from world relevant institutions Direct meetings and consultations with best PR Agencies for getting offers and advices during the term of 2016-17 and direct meeting with new potential sponsors for 2017-2020 Many other points that will be mentioned during the MM2016
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim
Plan of Action
Photo analyzis for better understanding
Interim VPF – Finishing administration right away, distribution of financial support to TO/EB so they can focus on other priorities, direct contact with AM16 OC, Chart of expenses till end of term, properly continue the ex VPF tasks that need to be completed
Finishing of all tasks left for 2015-16 and start of term 201617 with a clear and strict tasks and action / Proper report on the job done as interim VPF
Creation of the sustainable plan for 2017-2020 / List of contacts of potential sponsors / New sponsorship package
No time spent on handover, rather directly going to invest energy in the new term since there is a lot of experience already via interim VPF
VPF 2016-17 – based on 5 months experience and clear path, immediate start of action for realization of plan 2017-2020 and in meantime attending all EBOMs, on time reports for TO/EB and NMOs with my new strategy for information update, face to face meetings with PR and funding/marketing agencies or organizations and new sponsors, on time documentation for bigger and better grants, environmental planning of TO traveling……….
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16
Ending part – see you in MALTA!
So, once again, dear IFMSA family, it was a great pleasure sharing my ideas, CV, some proofs of status and plan of action BUT THIS IS NOT ALL! I can’t wait to see you all at the 65th March Meeting General Assembly of IFMSA in Malta in several days and I want to tell you one thing: “Feel free to approach me, to ask any question directly or indirectly via e-mail or any other source of communication, feel free to give more ides or upgrade mine because on the end we are here to work for and to put our efforts for only one thing, our great family of IFMSA” P.S. Work SMART, not only HARD! Farewell till the MM2016 Sincerely yours, STEFAN VASILEVSKI President at Macedonian Medical Students’ Association +389 75 222 601 e-mail: stefanv_nova@yahoo.com & stefanvasilevski1991@gmail.com Skopje, Republic of Macedonia 24.02.2016
Candidature for Vice President for Finance 2016-17 & Interim Vice-President for Finances 2015-/16