Table 1 Three options for the organisational structure of the movement for global mental health

OPTION 1: No Change

Description: MGMH continues as it has been in a loose structure that primarily centers around a public website.

• Little change is required

• MGMH cannot collect any funding for its activities

• Develop Terms of Reference outlining roles and responsibilities of the MGMH Secretariat and Advisory Group

• The momentum of MGMH remains low

• Develop process for selecting the next Secretariat, and make decision

• Understanding of the purpose and activities of MGMH remains limited

• Get consensus regarding the existence of an Advisory Group: If existence is supported, attain consensus regarding size, structure and responsibilities of the Advisory Group

• Formal partnerships, endorsements, etc. with MGMH are not possible

OPTION 2: Establish MGMH as an Association

Description: MGMH is established as an independent international association

• MGMH would have full autonomy

• Establishing MGMH as an association would require significant human resources and funding, and is a lengthy process

• Choose an appropriate country in which to establish the association

Example: World Psychiatric Association http://www.wpanet.org

• MGMH could collect membership fees and other funds

• MGMH is no longer a 'social movement' or a grass-roots initiative

• Secure funding to register MGMH as an association

• Greater accountability for MGMH activities, hence greater transparency to its members

• Development of an MGMH constitution which outlines its rules for operation, governance and formal membership

• Register as an association in a chosen country

• Develop a process for collecting membership fees, and procedures for when these fees can be waived

• Develop rules of membership

• Get consensus regarding size, structure and responsibilities of the Advisory Group

• Develop process for selecting the next Secretariat, and make decision

OPTION 3: Establish MGMH as a Charitable Organisation

Description: MGMH is established as a charitable organisation, which therefore is registered as having a charitable purpose

• MGMH can collect donations and other funds for future activities

• Establishing MGMH as a charitable organisation would require significant human resources and funding, and is a lengthy process

• Choose an appropriate country in which to establish the association

Example: Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research (CCGHR) http://www.ccghr.ca

• Greater accountability for MGM activities, hence greater transparency to its members

• MGMH is no longer a 'social movement' or a grass­roots initiative

• Secure funding to register MGMH as an association

• Development of an MGMH constitution which outlines its rules for operation, governance and formal membership

• Register as an association in a chosen country

• Develop a process for collecting membership fees, and procedures for when these fees can be waived

• Develop rules of membership

• Get consensus regarding size, structure and responsibilities of the Advisory Group

• Develop process for selecting the next Secretariat, and make decision