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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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