ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA AND LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS TO LAUNCH NGO COALITION BUILDING PROJECT
armradio.am
16.07.2008 11:58
The League of Women Voters (LWV) and the Armenian Assembly of America
(Assembly) are launching a project in Armenia that will provide local
NGOs with the skills necessary to successfully build and maintain
coalitions.
Nearly 5,000 registered NGOs exist in Armenia, working in a variety of
sectors and working on issues such as those facing children, youth,
women, as well as on issues such as the environment, human rights,
conflict resolution, anti-corruption, and more.
Speaking at a conference in Armenia last year, Zaida Arguedas, LWV
Deputy Director stated that "working in coalitions is not easy,
it requires a lot of discipline and clear internal rules and if
successful, coalitions are the most effective tool to effective
advocacy."
This concept builds on the work the Assembly’s NGO Center program
(launched in 1994) has done to strengthen Armenian NGOs. Assembly
Country Director for Armenia and Karabakh Arpi Vartanian said, "The
NGO sector in Armenia has become a lively and vital part of Armenian
society. Imagine the synergy that would develop if these NGOs united
in coalitions, or even cross-sector coalitions, to address some of
the issues which are important to the people they represent!"
"Both organizations have a strong commitment to help advance and
strengthen democratic principles and the rule of law, said co-funder
Charles Talanian.
"I am confident that this new initiative will help foster and build
upon existing structures already in place," Talanian added.
Co-funder and Assembly Board of Trustees Member Peter Vosbikian
stated, "The Armenian Assembly is committed to ensuring a secure,
prosperous and democratic Armenia, and by partnering with the League
of Women Voters, we have taken another important step forward. I am
excited about this project and commend the League of Women Voters
for their enthusiasm and commitment to making this a great success,"
added Vosbikian.
Peter Vosbikian and Charles Talanian are Armenian Assembly members and
private donors to this project. The program will provide educational
opportunities for NGOs to learn and practice coalition building
techniques, skills necessary for successful NGO and coalition
management, networking opportunities and more. It is expected that
the initial phase of the project will take place in southern Armenia,
inviting five to seven NGOs to participate.
"We’ve met with many people in Armenia representing local and
international NGOs and structures. All welcomed this initiative,
agreeing that coalition building would benefit the NGO sector, and
offered their assistance to help it succeed. The Armenian Assembly
looks forward to working with the League of Women Voters, benefiting
from its decades of experience, to further strengthen Armenia’s NGO
sector," concluded Arpi Vartanian.
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization,
encourages informed and active participation in government, works to
increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences
public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the
League is open to men and women of all ages. With more than 88 years
of experience and 850 local and state affiliates, the League is one
of America’s most trusted grassroots organizations.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress