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Inside this issue:
NGO Center’s 1st Newsletter
Dear reader,
“NGO Center” CSD NGO is happy to present the 1st newsletter.
In this issue you can have a look at some historical glimpses and the current
projects that are being implemented by NGOC.
In the coming issues we will present news and issues connected with civil society
and other spheres.
Our team very much hopes to get comments and suggestions from you.
With best regards,
“NGO Center” CSD NGO
In this issue
1. Civil Society and Local Government Support Program (CSLGSP)
2. Equal Opportunities for National Minorities and Disadvantaged Groups in Realizing Cultural Rights: Richness through Diversity
3. Vanadzor Infotun
4. Women’s Role and their integration in decision making process
5. Community development projects management and monitoring
6. Films as a means of identifying social issues
www.ngoc.am
A bit of history...
E stablished in 1994.
The goal of the NGO Center is to promote democracy through
civil society development.
The objectives are:
1. encourage citizen participation;
2. promote social justice through ensuring availability of
resources;
3. support scientific research to track civil society dynamics;
4. promote civil society participation in anti-corruption
processes.
The target beneficiaries of the organization are NGOs,
community based organizations (CBOs), civic action groups
(CAGs) and other civil society elements/entities. The number of
officially registered Armenian NGOs who used NGOC services
exceeded 1000.
The NGOs benefit from training, technical assistance/
consultancy service, grants, information, Resource Center and
other programs and services.
In order to fulfill the goal, the NGOC works on strengthening the
organizational and institutional capacities of civil society entities
on one hand, and promotes the increased profile of the latter on
the other. Therefore, the identified stakeholders are legislative
and executive branches of the Republic of Armenia authorities,
local self-governing bodies, private sector, mass media,
academia, and specific beneficiary groups, public at large. The
organization is working towards reaching civil society elements
on a national level as well as regional (Caucasus) level.
Since 1997, the NGOC has been involved in providing training
and technical assistance on advocacy and public policy advocacy
as well as awarding relevant grants to NGOs whose activities
have been and are directed towards influencing decision making
systems. Starting from 2001, the NGOC was actively promoting
the concept of social partnership. The achievements in this field
include: extensive training and technical assistance to NGOs,
representatives of national and local governments,
establishment of two social partnership mechanisms on both
levels: national and local. The most prominent activity was
implemented throughout the period of 2003-2005 – social
partnership grants programs. Grants from $7K – 22K were
awarded to implement social projects. 20% of the total project
costs were provided by diverse state and business structures.
This was a successful enactment of the previously mentioned
social partnership mechanisms created to consolidate NGOs,
donors' and government’s resources to solve problems of
vulnerable persons.
In 2001NGOCenter introduced the idea of Social Partnership in
Armenia. In this field our achievements include deep thematic
trainings and consultations provided to NGOs, as well as
establishment of two social partnership mechanisms at local and
national level. It’s worth to mention the social partnership
projects implemented during 2003-2005. The grant amount of
social partnership projects varied between 7000 USD – 22000
USD. 20% of the total grant amount was contributed by
different state and private structures. The experiment of
appliance of social partnership mechanism can be considered to
be successful looking at it as a step forward towards
consolidation of resources of non-commercial, non-
governmental organizations and state structures for the benefit
of satisfaction of needs of social vulnerable groups.
Within the framework of its operations NGOC conducted
research and surveys either directly or through financially
supporting relevant research initiatives by NGOs. These include:
analysis of media coverage on NGOs, measuring social capital in
selected communities of Vanadzor and Gyumri, etc.
During the last 12 years, the NGO Center has successfully
developed and enacted a number of systems and mechanisms
to ensure smooth operations to accomplish its stated goals and
objectives.
In 2005 “NGO Center” CSD NGO underwent the “Organization
Certification Process”, conducted by Counterpart International
and as a result received “Institutional Development
Certification”. The certificate certifies that NGO Center meets
the accepted requirements in the following 6 fields:
1. Governance and Strategic Management,
2. Financial Sustainability,
3. External Relations/Communication,
4. Service Development, Management and Quality Control,
5. Human and Material Resources,
6. Management.
Good will, participation, responsibility towards individual and collective well-being
NGO Center suggests the following services to Civil Society organizations:
_____________
1. Trainings/ Consultation
2. Assessments
3 . G r a n t m a n a g e m e n t a n d administration
4. Social research
5. Logistic support
6. Technical assistance/ resource center
7. Information dissemination
www.ngoc.am
NGOC STRUCTURE
Hripsime Nazaretyan
Board member
Knarik Arabyan
Board member
Margarit Piliposyan
NGOC President/Board member
Jina Sargizova
Board member
Beniamin Vardanyan
Board member
STAFF
Arpine Hakobyan
NGOC Northern branch coordinator
Angela Saghatelyan Christine Ghevondyan Syuzan Hovsepyan Hermine Gasparyan
Nora Minasyan Narine Zakyan Artyom Parsadanyan Siranush Galstyan
www.ngoc.am
Civil Society and Local Government Support Program (CSLGSP) (2011-2014)
N GOC is currently implementing Civil Society and Local Government Support Program (CSLGSP) in
cooperation with Counterpart International funded by the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID) program. NGOC began its activities in July, 2011.
The goal of the program is to increase informed and organized civic activism at the local and national
levels, accompanied by more participatory, decentralized, efficient and accountable local governance,
which leads to a more democratic society built on the foundation of improved quality of life through a
participatory community development process.
CSLGS Program is to achieve the following results:
- strengthened capacity of
government officials to improve
service delivery
- completed community-driven
development initiatives in 43 active
communities
- improved citizen trust in local
government
- created or enhanced sustainable
mechanisms for civil society and
government collaboration
- increased numbers of informed voters in elections
Within the framework of the above mentioned project NGO Center is responsible for providing logistical
and administrative support to the work of regional coordinators for proper program implementation,
grants financial administration and management awarded to 13YCACs and 14 Communities.
In the framework of this project 12 YCAC and 14 communities will be awarded with grants for projects
implementation for a three-year period.
In the framework of this project 13 YCACs /Akhtala, Dsegh, Margahovit, Dilijan, Aygehovit, Gandzaqar,
Koti, Akhuryan, Sarnaghbyur, Meghrashen, Bavra, Nor Kyanq, Haykadzor/ and 14 communities /
Vanadzor, Alaverdi, Akhtala, Debet, Dsegh, Tsater, Ijevan, Dilijan, Aygehovit, Gandzaqar, Koti, Maralik,
Akhuryan, Haykadzor/ will be awarded with grants for projects implementation for a three-year period.
The project is funded by the United States Agency for
International Development
(USAID) program
Good will, participation, responsibility towards individual and collective well-being
Volume 1, Issue 1
www.ngoc.am
Equal Opportunities for National Minorities and Disadvantaged Groups in Realizing
Cultural Rights: Richness through Diversity
T he project commenced in February 2012 and is being implemented by the consortium of “NGO
Center” Civil Society Development Organization
(NGOC) – Armenia, Civic Development and
Partnership Foundation (CDPF) - Armenia, and
“GURT” Resource Center – Ukraine with funding
provided by the EU.
The project goal is to ensure cultural diversity and
support national minorities to preserve their
cultural values through strengthening and
empowering the capacities of local self-governance
bodies, civil society organizations (CSOs) and
cultural infrastructures in Armenia and Ukraine.
Activities:
• Trainings and seminars for 120 representatives of local actors, authorities, CSOs, managers of
culture
• institutions
• Study tour to Poland for 20 local community leaders from Ukraine and Armenia
• Development of culture plans for 20 communities
• Introducing innovative services by local
culture institutions using the potential of CSOs
and with special focus on
• cultural needs of minorities
• Re-granting 40 local initiatives
• Awareness raising campaign on culture
diversity
Сountries: Armenia, Ukraine, Poland
Volume 1, Issue 1
www.ngoc.am
Vanadzor InfotunVanadzor Infotun
S ince 2011 NGO Center in partnership with Eurasia
Partnership Foundation and in cooperation with
Internews Network (USA) is implementing
"Alternative Resources in Media" project. The goal of
the project is to enhance and improve access to
pluralistic and unbiased information in Armenia via
traditional and alternative media through the use of
new information technologies. The program is made
possible by the support of the American People
through the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID). ARM program seeks to
increase alternative sources of diverse news and
information through an integrated program that
builds civic demand for alternative content, supports
its production and dissemination and enhances public
advocacy on media freedom.
In order to achieve the goal, Vanadzor InfoTun will
implement the following sequence of activities;
Activity 1: Capacity building of the Center
NGO Center will create Vanadzor InfoTun in Vanadzor
with necessary functioning equipment and will also
bulid the capacity of 3 sattelite centers throughout
Lori region and 3 centers in Tavush region.
Activity 2: Citizen Journalism trainings
The block of activities implies organization of training
courses and practical workshops on blogging and new
media for the constituence of Vanadzor and satellite
communities. During the course of the project at
least 50 people will be trained.
Activity 3: Community Mobilization
One of he major functions of InfoTun is mobilization
of youth through online and office resources.
In order to manage the online audience and to better
engage it the InfoTun will 1/ conduct analysis of the
internet news and them. 2/ organize InfoTun debates
on the local TV channels 3/ organize discussions of
online news and trends with InfoTun network
members 4/ make film screenings and discussions.
Activity 4: Online Resources
Vanadzor InfoTun will manage the blog with sections
on 1/ materials produced by InfoTun 2/
announcement and press releases 3/ analysis of
materials taken from other sources 4/ reposts of
materials produced by other infotuns.
InfoTun will also maintain a resource center with
related video materials, documentary and fiction
films, PSAs, books and magazines on topics related to
freedom of expression, online media, citizen
journalism and community participation.
Our blog- vanadzorinfotun.blogspot.com
FB group- http://www.facebook.com/groups/
infotun.vanadzor/?fref=ts
Volume 1, Issue 1
www.ngoc.am
Women’s Role and their integration in
decision making process
I n September 2012, NGOC started implementation of
“Women’s Role and their integration in decision making
process” project funded by US Embassy. The goal of the
project is to contribute to the democratic, gender-equal
development of Northern regions of Armenia by integrating
women in decision making process which will inspire public
confidence in governance. The NGOC seeks to empower
Armenian women as agents for change through leadership and teamwork as well as to change the perception in
Armenian communities of women as political leaders.
This will be made possible through developing political leadership capacities of 30 women by linking them with
female political leaders and enhancing political skills for upcoming women political leaders. A series of trainings
and seminars will be held during 6 months on the following topics:
1. “Public Speech Skills”,
2. “I am a candidate”,
3. “Women making difference”,
4. “Be politically active - go vote”,
5. “Advanced Advocacy”
Political Empowerment Master Classes.
To foster a change of perception of men in Northern regions of Armenia towards women as political leaders, an
innovative method “Man talking to man” will be integrated. NGOC will increase the role of engender
development approach through providing regular consultations, organizing forums and likewise activities
through a network of Woman Political Leaders for Lori and Tavoush
regions.
These activities are focused on sharpening the skills to aspire
women candidates to run for an office, as well as on creation of
greater roles for women in the civil and political life of the region.
NGOC anticipates the following results by the end of the project:
• The awareness level of 30 women from Northern regions of
Armenia about planning and leading an election campaign will be
multiplied in comparison with the initial month of the project
implementation.
• The number of Armenian women running for an office will
be multiplied in comparison with the previous parliamentary and
local election cycles.
• The Armenian society will accept the idea of women’s political leadership and will support to women
running for an office in comparison with previous election cycles.
Volume 1, Issue 1
www.ngoc.am
Volume 1, Issue 1
Community development projects management and monitoring
T he project aims to support the effective implementation of 5 development projects of Lori and Tavush
regions through engagement of local government and civil
society representatives through management and monitoring
of those projects.
The objectives are to
• organize and manage the funded projects of
Tumanyan, Gargar, Lorut, Hovk and Eghegnut communities of
Lori and Tavush regions with active engagement of local
representatives;
• monitor the implementation of the projects by
ensuring the efficient use of resources.
Expected results:
• Five complete and successfully implemented projects in
the five selected communities of Lori and Tavush regions;
• Deliverables of five projects ensured according to the initially submitted projects proposals and budgets.
Activities, necessary for reaching the expected outputs:
To reach the expected results of the project the organization
plans to:
• organize community meetings with LSGBs and project
authors to kick-off the projects and ensure collaboration
of community representatives and LSGBs;
• transfer the funds from UNDP to the extra budgetary
accounts of the regarding LSGBs under sub grant
contracts;
• assign at least three signatures-LSGB representative, CAG
member and a representative of NGO Center for
withdrawing money from extra budgetary account;
• implement the transactions of the funds through 2 tranches;
• clarify the financial and programmatic reports;
• depending on each projects duration conduct regular monitoring visits to the respective communities;
• make sure the projects are implemented in line with approved project proposals;
• progress and final reports for the donor
www.ngoc.am
Volume 1, Issue 1
Films as a means of identifying social issues
T he project CAUCADOC (Caucasus Documental) is being implemented in Armenia, Georgia
and Azerbaijan since March 2012 through February 2014 by Czech non-governmental
organization «People in Need» in partnership with Internews Media Support NGO and Sakdoc
Film. The project supports documentary filmmaking and use of documentaries as a tool for education
and public awareness raising in the South Caucasus.
People in Need (PIN) was founded as a humanitarian organization to help people in crisis situations
around the world and to support the implementation of human rights. The organization works in
Caucasus since 2003. PIN projects in Armenia are aimed at
1. Prevention of illegal migration and reintegration of the immigrants
2. Prevention of trafficking
3. Support to Education and development of Civil Society
«NGO Center» CSD applied to be a part of CAUCADOC project by presenting «Films as a means of
identifying social issues» project and was chosen to be an official organizer of the documentary film
festival in Lori region.
The aim of the project is to support to the development of documentary films as a means of
intercultural dialogue in Lori region particularly in Vanadzor, as well as to promote the growth of
interest, formation and further development of culture of watching documentary films, raising and
discussing human rights issues.
In the framework of the project a three day documentary film Festival will be organized in Lori region
during which 6 films will be shown to a wider public. The following are the topics of the films:
- Youth issues
- Activism
- Conflict resolution
- Gender issues
- Ecology, etc
Every screening will be followed by a discussion with
participation of relevant experts.
www.ngoc.am
You can find us at;
Nzhdeh 9/2a
Vanadzor, Armenia
For questions, suggestions and comments;
E-mail: ngocenter@ngoc.am
Tel.: +374 322 4 33 15
+374 91 64 33 17
Website: www.ngoc.am