YCAP COMMUNITY CIVIC ACTION CONFERENCE LAUNCHED IN TSAKHKADZOR
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09/23/2009
Tsakhkadzor, Kotayk Marz - The Third Annual Community Civic Action Conference commenced in Tsakhkadzor on September 23 within the framework of the USAID Youth and Community Action Program (YCAP). The opening session was attended by U.S. Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovitch, representatives of USAID/Armenia, the Academy for Educational Development, Freedom of Information Center of Armenia, Internews, local NGOs and members of the 80 YCAP communities from all 10 marzes of Armenia.
The three-day Conference brought together 160 representatives from YCAP civic groups to discuss common issues and problems, share experiences and lessons learned, and forge networks and closer working relationships among civic groups in the country. During the conference the participants took part in interactive workshops on leadership, public relations, civic participation, advocacy and alternative media, and participated in a session on Promoting Civic Activism in Armenia.
In her opening remarks, Ambassador Yovanovitch noted the importance of building partnerships and networksto strengthen advocacy, as well as the need for constructive engagement with local and national institutions for collective action.“Community action, even in small communities, is the fundamental first step toward social change, political engagement, and economic equity. It is a vital step in bringing about greater accountability from those that govern, both on a local and a national level,” she said.
In addition, the participant Youth Action Clubs and Community Action Committees put together exhibition/poster presentations focused on their work in their communities’ economic, social, educational, democratic, cultural and environmental advancement.
