Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout 1 1/5/09 9:12 AM Page c1

Inspiring Citizens, Improving Communities SUCCESSFUL PRACTICES FROM A COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM IN ARMENIA In July 2011, FHI 360 acquired the programs, expertise and assets of AED.

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research and technology – creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries, all 50 U.S. states and all U.S. territories.

Visit us at www.fhi360.org. Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout 1 1/5/09 9:12 AM Page c2

List of Participating Communities 2

Introduction 3

Background 4

Successful Practices for Establishing Community Action Groups 6

The Power of Organizing: Youth in Action—Akhuryan Village 9

The Power of Organizing: A Community in Action—Tchambarack Town 13

Improving Communities: People on the Move—Transportation 17

Improving Communities: Civic Engagement Step by Step 21

The Youth and Community Action Program Methodology 27

Conclusion 36

Acknowledgments 37

Copyright 2008 by AED. Permission to copy is granted for non-commercial use, provided proper citation is given. ISBN: 0-89492-029-4 ISBN13: 978-0-89492-029-5 The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of AED and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. government. Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout 1 1/5/09 9:12 AM Page 1

INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES SUCCESSFUL PRACTICES FROM A COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM IN ARMENIA

2008

Nicholas J. Bruno Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout11/5/099:12AMPage2

2 INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES PARTICIPATING COMMUNITIES Vayots Dzor Region Tavush Region Syunik Region Shirak Region Lori Region Kotayk Region Gegharkunik Region Armavir Region Ararat Region Aragatsotn Region Youth Action Clubs Getap village Herher village village Artabuynk Aghavnadzor village Berdavan village Voskevan village Dilijan town Noyemberyan town Brnakot village Sarnakunk village Khnatsakh village Gorayk village Keti village Kamo village Akhuryan village Sarnaghbyur village Dsegh village Vahagni village Lejan village Aramus village village Ptghni Nor Geghivillage village Martuni Lanjaghbyur village Ltchashen village village Ptghunk Aragats village Tsiatsan village Karakert village Mkhchyan village Vosketap village Aygepat village Araksavan village Surenavan village Davtashen village Ashnak village Aparan town Vayots Dzor Region Tavush Region Syunik Region Shirak Region Lori Region Kotayk Region Gegharkunik Region Armavir Region Ararat Region Aragatsotn Region Community Action Committees Bardzruni village Agarakadzor village Gomk village Areni village Gandzakar village Aygehovit village Koti village Berd town Verin Khotanan village Spandaryan village Artsvanik village Ashotavan village Bavra village Meghrashen village Haykadzor village Nor Kyank village village Marts Odzun village Gargar village Margahovit village Akhtala town Meghradzor village Zovashen village Verin village Ptghni Kotayk village Yeghvard town Litchk village Vardenik village Tsovagyugh village Tsovazard village Tchambarak town Lukashin village Parakar village Voskehat village Haytagh village Urtsadzor village Nor Kharberd village Ranchpar village Karmrashen village Souser village Aragatsavan village Garnahovit village Aragats village INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES 3

YCAP is a program funded by USAID under a funded by is a program YCAP ARD, Inc., Democracy and Governance Assessment of Assessment and Governance Inc., Democracy ARD, 1 life, infrastructure, and others. YCAP has YCAP others. and infrastructure, life, support, a little technical a that given shown and the resources, modicum of financial to decide what is important to them, freedom impact a significant can make citizens regular development. on their community’s is a story of what people have This it. accomplished they and how accomplished It is a story about tapping into people’s an to develop and helping them energies their can exercise in which they environment of their society. the betterment for creativity used to methodologies and approaches The can be replicated implement YCAP only these tools are However, anywhere. the use them to invigorate if citizens effective of their fellow and creativity pent up energy while encouraging members, community and, at times, each other despite roadblocks any As with might fail. that they feeling it is this human element that is the program, these It is through success. to YCAP’s key they is told, why story people that YCAP’s works. YCAP and why became involved, ______Cooperative Agreement to AED. Agreement Cooperative 2 Armenia, June 2002, p. 2. p. Armenia, June 2002,

he five-year Armenia Youth and Armenia Youth he five-year (YCAP) Action Program Community when Armenia initiated at a time was T toward in its transition progress mixed faced Authoritarian governance. democratic remaining are and institutions traditions the At that hinder civic engagement. legacies population is in same time, the country’s causes young decline and high unemployment or urban areas for villages people to leave Youth work. for to other countries migrate deeply about their and adults care but not leave, rather and would communities do not have that they discouraged are many their the means to participate in developing their extension, and by or town village the to provide conceived was YCAP country. publication This to do so. them means for in difference has made a YCAP describes how lessons on how and provides future Armenia’s engagement stimulate citizen to effectively with particular on youth. focus elsewhere, that have of communities progress The years the past four over participated in YCAP are date, there To has been quite remarkable. partici- 1,500 people living in 80 villages over had an impact on who have pating in YCAP throughout residents of 250,000 the lives planned, and conceived, have Armenia. They that civic activities 2,000 carried out over issues: of community range a addressed have waste management, water environment, education, development, youth management, women’s local budgeting, sports, agriculture, cultural issues, health, public transportation, INTRODUCTION Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout 1 1/5/09 9:12 AM Page 3 Page AM 9:12 1/5/09 1 Citizens_CC:Layout Armenia_Inspiring Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout11/5/099:12AMPage4

4 INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES period whenthey have littletodobutwonder leave schoolattheage of16.Thus, there isa development activities.Many young people formal leadership andcommunity little exposure toengage oropportunity in outside ofthecapitalcity ofYerevan have catalysts for change. InArmenia,youth which youth are criticalfuture leaders and carried outby successive generations in Transformation ofany society isinpart public issues. involvement by allcitizens for addressing women andby fostering greater community for civicactivismamongyoung menand (YCAP) intwo ways: by increasing support Youth andCommunity ActionProgram developing. AEDaddressed thiswiththe concept inArmenia,was andisstill Civic activism,thoughnotanentirely new advocacy NGOshasbeenneededtosustainthisprogress. independent andmore effective media,andbuildstronger toencourageAdditional support civicengagement, develop parliament, andthejudicialsystem have beenstrengthened. sector hasbecome more robust andlocalgovernments, by donoractivities.The nongovernmental organization (NGO) and democratic government, withmany supported oftheefforts Armenia hasmademodestprogress indeveloping civilsociety BACKGROUND and town hallmeetings,express theirviews encouraged inbudget toparticipate hearings donor-funded activities,they hadbeen community’s development. Underprior regulations affecting themandtheir demonstrated great interest inlaws and In thesesamecommunities, oldercitizens focusparticular onyoung women. andinfluenceparticipation insociety with effect change, andincrease theirpolitical and modelstohelpthemseehow they can processes, establishconcrete mechanisms involvement incommunity decision-making democracy, increase theiractivism and of theirrightsandresponsibilities ina rural youth ages 14–25 tomake themaware young menandwomen, theprogram targeted reasons, andtoincrease civicactivismamong what kindoffuture they willhave. For these INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES 5 3,033,000 Armenian, Russian Armenian Apostolic Yerevan Yerevan Marz Coordinator Offices Marz Coordinator Clubs Action Youth Committees Action Community Religion: GDP per Capita: U.S. $3,600 ARMENIA Population: Capital: miles) square km (11,484 square 29,743 Area: Languages: ARMENIA on inequitable practices or rallied to protest rallied or on inequitable practices for which community the decisions affecting input. These opportunity for had no they them to the notion also introduced programs Building on its value. and of volunteerism to YCAP these efforts,AED designed establishing by further achievements these input at the citizen mechanisms for concrete of citizen the capacity increasing local level, public issues, increasing to address groups activism in communities grassroots civil Armenia, and promoting throughout leading to increasing advocacy society in Armenia. pluralism In throughout and villages small towns to improve and old want Armenia, people young They and their communities. their condition have they ideas but often recognize do not have story begins. YCAP’s is where the means. This Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout 1 1/5/09 9:12 AM Page 5 Page AM 9:12 1/5/09 1 Citizens_CC:Layout Armenia_Inspiring Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout11/5/099:12AMPage6

6 INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES participants willtakeparticipants itfrom there. actively listenandthenshare theirideas.The openly abouttheirideastoothers who will committed toactionare encouraged totalk except todevelop aspace where people There isnoone“right”way ofdoingthis creativity andnew ideascanflourish. Foster anenabling environment where been key approaches toYCAP’s success: A numberofpractices emerged thathave development. youth andadult,canmake asignificantimpactontheircommunity’s freedom toactupon,regular todecidewhatisimportant citizens, both remarkable progress proves thatgiven andthe alittletechnicalsupport themselves andthathave affected thelives of250,000 people. Their over 2,000 activitiesthey have conceived, planned,andimplemented action clubs(YACs) orcommunity actioncommittees (CACs) through the By December 2008,over 1,500peoplehave inYCAP’s participated youth GroupsAction Establishing Community Successful Practices for Grassroots Civic Activism StudyTour to Ukraine for YAC members and 2)Don’tdothecommunity’s work. creative within theframework oftheprogram staff members two simplerules:1)Be uptothem.Give shouldbeleft most part, their affairs usingtheseprinciples, for the making. The mannerinwhich they conduct transparency, andcollaborative decision Use thedemocratic principlesoffairness, and emphasize self-determination. Keep “rules”for organizingpeoplesimple

STUDY TOUR PARTICIPANTS

INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES 7

YAC YAC D MEMBERS ILIJAN Civic groups need a place they can call their they need a place groups Civic a business or whether it is in a school or own, Whoever space. other publicly accessible its permission for or gives donates the space supporter of the group. use should be a strong to decide on their own Guide the groups structure. leadership will make they out how work them Let simple decisions. Going back to keeping is fair, that the process rules, assure has a say. everyone and that transparent, consensus- toward gravitate generally People decision making, which should be style and supported. encouraged Begin with an assessment. their own to conduct the groups Encourage community. the entire that canvass surveys door-to-door can be done through This around placed boxes suggestion interviews, or other mechanisms for the community, determining needs and issues important to the community. Ensure groups find a neutral place to meet. place find a neutral groups Ensure monthly community newsletter initiated and prepared by Dilijan YAC members Dilijan YAC by initiated and prepared newsletter monthly community Young Dilijan Young Provide a small amount of support in the Provide and coaching. of training form and development and support group Inspire project special implementation through interna- youth, for civic education programs and annual national tional study tours, to to bring people together conferences create ideas and information, share collaboration. and facilitate networks, Involve the right people. the right people. Involve important of players: types of two is true This work with the who the staff members members community and the communities Staff members who choose to volunteer. to tap residents community should require and to energy creative into their own not are they feel when they even continue be should Volunteers anywhere. getting of the willing to participate the good for is no personal that there knowing community, In both cases, the people financial gain. need to be excited with the program working and committed. Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout 1 1/5/09 9:12 AM Page 7 Page AM 9:12 1/5/09 1 Citizens_CC:Layout Armenia_Inspiring Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout11/5/099:12AMPage8

8 INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES inspire new peopletobecome involved. activities. These types ofactivitiescanalso community residents abreast of their few ways inwhichagroup cankeep conducting special community events are a organizing annualpresentations, and Distributing community newsletters, entire community. Get information outtothe lose momentum. interim solutiontobridge thegap soasnotto time, encourage thegroups toorganize an When asolutiontoproblem isgoing totake interim solutions. Use theresources athandtodevelop the process. affected by thefirst issuewere involved in another problem becausenot allpeople Sometimes resolution ofoneissuecauses Seek tounderstand allsidesoftheissue. the issues. Involve allstakeholders in resolving responsibility for actionsintheplan. and assure thatpeoplevolunteer totake Help groups setcleargoals andobjectives Prepare anactionplan. and confidence. Tackle bigger issueslater. less complex issuesfirst. This willbuildskills Civic groups may have more success tackling less complex issues. Encourage with groups tostart and othercommunity members Prevention” organized by Kotayk CAC for young mothers Seminar on“Child HealthandChildhood Disease

KOTAYK CAC MEMBERS apply andshare whatthey have learned. new ideasbacktotheircommunities andwill Youth are natural change agents andwilltake methodologies, andideas. Expose youth todifferent programs, and how touseittheiradvantage. assure thatthecivicgroups know aboutit freedom ofinformation law exists, then services, helpsclubssolve problems. Ifa municipal budgets andlaws governing public Acquiring publicinformation, suchas Access key publicinformation. beforesupport getting involved. of government want often evidence oflocal or nationallevels laterifneeded.Upperlevels local government first. Progress totheregional Many issuescanbesolved locally, sowork with Gain localgovernment first. support been successful. communities, YCAP approach would nothave attitudes andcommitment tothe members was essential.Without their caring communities shown by thelocalstaff say, for theenthusiasmandsupport communities. Though notabestpractice per experience thatthey applyintheir to gain theessentialskills,knowledge, and All ofthesehelpedYAC andCAC members and engage abroader baseofsupport. can enhance aproject’s chance ofsuccess Highlighting anissuethrough themassmedia Use massmediaeffectively. Aragatsavan CAC members repair awater pipe

ARAGATS CAC MEMBERS INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES 9 industries, and a mother

and and church, center cultural but all of these factories, by destroyed were structures during the 1988 earthquake people than 25,000 which more and surrounding Gyumri from many died. Like communities by affected and towns other villages has Akhuryan the earthquake, apartment buildings, a hospital and a policlinic, schools, kindergartens, VILLAGE of region located in the northwestern Gyumri, has about in 1828, it now Founded Shirak. three and is divided into residents, 11,000 with developed well was districts. Akhuryan or half-built of half-ruined remnants it aesthetically that render structures people of the unpleasing and remind has been then, the village Since earthquake. schools, a has five It now rebuilding. slowly a few center, cultural which also serves and child health center, and later the the earthquake, After Gyumri. Lich Sevana

Yerevan ARMENIA GyumriGyumriG Akhuryan SO THAT GUIDE THE PROGRAM ON THEIR OWN DECIDE CLUBS AND LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE MAKING PROCESS. DECISION AKHURYAN the OF ORGANIZING THE POWER IN ACTION YOUTH established a 25-member village Akhuryan sectors in five club with interests action youth health, social, sports, and (education, in 20 projects technical), and undertook over their For years. two-and-a-half chose an they structure, leadership body made up of executive vice an elected president, and secretary, president, who sector chairpersons carry out all of the organiza- tional aspects of the club. made by Most decisions are or by of the membership vote depending on the body, executive of who makes of the decision. Regardless level the final decision, all sides of an issue are debated among the discussed and thoroughly near by reached until decisions are members consensus. municipality, a separate Though of a suburb of the city be considered could 9 Page AM 9:12 1/5/09 1 Citizens_CC:Layout Armenia_Inspiring Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout11/5/099:12AMPage10

10 INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES a day withthechildren, playing games and YAC distributedthedonateditemsandspent the children oftheGyumri Orphanage. The first actionswas aclothesandtoys drive for VISITS TO ORPHANAGES. to improve thecommunity. helped provide afocus for organizing projects honey production. EstablishingtheYAC has husbandry andherding, chicken farms, and employment becameagriculture, animal collapse oftheSoviet Union,thevillage’s main Akhuryan YAC members' visittoGyumri Orphanage One oftheYAC’s youth group. experienced thesocialvalue ofanactive Akhuryan youth, thevillage hadnever attention. UntilYCAP partnered withthe the children, was theirwarm attitudeand the YAC brought, according tofeedback from toys, andsweets. The thing mostimportant children ofclothes, andbringthemsmallgifts society. They play andsocialize withthe children feel thatthey are notforgotten by orphanage regularly now, whichhelpsthe singing songs.YAC members visitthe

AKHURYAN YAC MEMBERS INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES 11 After participatingAfter in a popular topic whenever the popular topic whenever took their debate YAC seminar to other communities. During the debate seminar club in Kamo a new for youth Akhuryan the village, with knowledge their shared presen- gave their peers, Both sides debated well, resulting well, Both sides debated tations on how to debate, construct to debate, tations on how skills required and develop arguments, Should Army Service be Mandatory for Service Should Army Men? turned out to be a This in a draw. schools. The YAC facilitators prepared and prepared facilitators YAC The schools. other informational handouts and distributed the seminar, the end of the By materials. their debating in confident participants were on the a debate to organize skills and decided topic, for debating. The YAC proposed that the proposed YAC debating. The for debate. a real having by practice Kamo youth topic, this service the army proposed They Army time as Mandatory or Contractual and . Using well-constructed Service on both sides, again arguments convincing but the primary the debate ended in a draw, debate The the Kamo YAC. winner was that the seminar had been demonstrated Kamo are young people from and effective, debates—a key holding for prepared well now civic activism. skill for training of trainers course organized by the by organized course of trainers training Center Armenian Human Rights Protection two president, vice YAC the Akhuryan NGO, YAC and a Sarnaghbyur members, Kamo YAC a seminar and conducted member organized Protection in Environmental of Youth on the Role believed the group Since held in Kamo village. in problems environmental more were there communities, Kamo than in the other two COLLABORATION. . The . They The YAC The EXPOSE YOUTH TO DIFFERENT TO EXPOSE YOUTH METHODOLOGIES, PROGRAMS, TAKE THEY CAN AND IDEAS THAT THEIR COMMUNITIES. TO BACK IN APPLYING ARE ACTIVE YOUTH THEY LEARN. AND SHARING WHAT The Akhuryan YAC youth are youth YAC Akhuryan The program, where he learned debate where program, always looking for ways to share what they what to share ways looking for always seminars several organized have learn. They starting with of the community, the youth for Gender Stereotypes and Gender Equality invited the director of the Shirak Region of the Shirak the director invited with of the Women branch Education NGO to University and the seminar deliver discussions. This facilitate much seminar generated among the partic- interest ipants, and led them to in roles, gender reconsider of particular the role and in society women of women’s recognition partic- female rights. The had ipants admitted that they the responsibility taken fully never seminar inspired rights. The their to fight for by stereotypes current them to break rights and promoting women’s protecting of life. participation in all spheres their active DEBATES, DEBATES, DEBATES. DEBATES, DEBATES, SEMINARS. president attended the YCAP 2006 Yerevan attended the YCAP president in 5 Days what he by methods and techniques. Inspired the a seminar for learned, he organized a Debate to Organize on How YAC Akhuryan debate principles and explaining After participants the to come methods, he asked ten minutes of up with a debate topic. After chose the topic: the group brainstorming split Imprisonment. They or Life Death Penalty and used their new groups into two The debate. in a lively to engage knowledge imprisonment won. life side debating for so enthusiastic about were youth The another seminar organized debating that they students at one of the the upper level for Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout 1 1/5/09 9:12 AM Page 11 Page AM 9:12 1/5/09 1 Citizens_CC:Layout Armenia_Inspiring Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout11/5/099:12AMPage12

12 INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES “There isan interesting psychologicalnuance — about civicactivism,democracy, human to know more abouttheYAC’s activities and for theyouth oftheircommunity whowanted was theprogram, Three Days most ambitiousactivity theclubundertook problems inShirak region. force for addressing the environmental to cooperate sothey could bethedriving working together. They decidedtocontinue discovered thatthey could achieve more by The Akhuryan andSarnaghbyur YACs planting inthevillage. village monument,andorganizing atree removal, cleaningupandimproving the in theactionplanwere organizing garbage and developed anactionplan.The first items environmental problems intheircommunity, work, watched adocumentaryfilm,discussed environmentalism, ingroup participated the community received information on The KamoYAC andotheryoung peoplefrom and shouldbeurged totake action. ofenvironmentalthe importance protection they felt thatyouth shouldbemore aware of PASSING ONKNOWLEDGE. the community to find ajobelsewhere” as ouryoung peopleveryoften thinkofleaving feeling isespeciallyimportant for ourcommunity, you becomemore attached to it.Fostering this useful for it,thecommunity becomes‘yours’ and when you care for your community and tryto be atAkhuryan YAC, Perhaps the ~ NUNEMIRZOYAN, MARTUNI YAC MEMBER(GEGHARKUNIK REGION) YCAP youth clubs’ civicactions. youth show are mirrored inallofthe other The ideas,enthusiasm,andcaringthatthese community. Cultural andRecreational Center inthe initiative, they are working tocreate aYouth community problem solving.Astheirfirst more young people are engaged with other subjects.Asaresult of theprogram, 20 youth statepolicy, gender discrimination,and in thepublicservices andvolunteer work, non-formal education,involving young people democracy, humanrights,cultural education, people aboutcitizenship and civicrights, The three-day training program taughtyoung received 89,700 AMD(~$265 US). from theFlex AlumniAssociationand to theYouth Engaging Society Grant program program. To fundtheproject, theYAC applied inthe2007participated The ideacamefrom oneofthemembers who concepts underpinningthe YAC’s actions. rights, volunteerism, youth policy, andother Yerevan Days 5 in INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES 13 to set out to CAC The small-scale husbandry, and apiculture. agriculture, establish a transparent the in process budget Armenian law, By community. BUDGET. and budget budget the community The public information. are process with the community, an agrarian animal of primary occupations TOWN

of about has a population Tchambarak schools, one kinder- four residents, 7,700 an artgarten, and music school, policlinic, It is factory. hospital, and a milk processing the only were learned that not CAC in the dark about community residents allocations and spending, so were budget The members. Council some of the Town decided not only to find ways CAC to stay members Council Town encourage but also to on the budget, better informed about residents community inform regularly

Lich

Sevana

Yerevan ARMENIA KEY PUBLIC TO ACCESS SUCH AS INFORMATION, HELPS BUDGETS, MUNICIPAL PROBLEMS. SOLVE CLUBS OF ORGANIZING THE POWER TCHAMBARAK the right to bring in established their CAC town Tchambarak (11 men, 23 members September 2005. With subcommittees and five 12 women) social/health, civic advocacy, (education, they and sports), public relation, 50 projects carried out over have three in the last and seminars chose a leadership They years. of an elected structure and elected subcom- president six These mittee chairpersons. up the executive people make all for responsible body and are members issues. The organizational and council the general form an open floor by decision making occurs body brings executive The process. voting meetings that are topics to general debated among the discussed and thoroughly in a cases resulting in many members, have Members consensus. meetings discussion at general up topics for as well. IN ACTION A COMMUNITY 13 Page AM 9:12 1/5/09 1 Citizens_CC:Layout Armenia_Inspiring Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout11/5/099:12AMPage14

14 INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES September 2005,themembers have Since theTchambarak CAC’s founding in refusals toprovide information. for receiving answers and how torespond to tation emphasized themandatedtimeframes zations torequest information. The presen- local governments andbudgetary organi- Residents learnedhow to applytostateand tation ontheLaw onFreedom ofInformation. http://www.foi.am/en/) togive apresen- Center ofArmenia(FOICA, tative from the Freedom ofInformation the community, theCAC invited arepresen- Maintaining themomentumandinterest of could suggest changes inthebudget. Armenian Law, andhow thecommunity budget available tothepublicaccording to determined, therequirements for makingthe how thebudget revenues andexpenses were residents. They discussedbudget formation, the Tchambarak community budget totown which themunicipalfinance officer presented In early2006,theCAC heldameetingin priorities for budget allocations. community issuesandidentifying indiscussing participate to pay taxes and process tospurcitizens municipal budget to ensure atransparent residents. The goal was frequented by town and postedcopies inplaces leaflet basedonthisinformation, detailed budget information, developed a municipal financeandreceived department To achieve this,theCAC applied tothe budget process. the budget income, expenses, andthe OFTEN WANT PROOF OFLOCAL SUPPORT. FIRST. UPPERLEVELSOFGOVERNMENT GAIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT WATER. required amount. collection drives equalingfour percent ofthe directly involved inthisby organizing tax over thepasttwo years. The CAC hasbeen and submissionrates have steadilyincreased make up30percent ofthemunicipalbudget, accountability toresidents. This would create would increase thelocalgovernment’s information available tothecommunity budget. The CAC believed thatmakingthe the income andexpenses ofthemunicipal regularly informed community residents on upgrades. had nomoney for technicalrepairs and They could barely pay employee salaries and resources tofixsuchalarge undertaking. The AWSC Branch didnothave thebudget therefore water was notpurifiedproperly. the filtration system didnotwork, and the water was stored inopenreservoirs and to themclearly:inadditionbroken pipes, (AWSC). The director explained thesituation Armenian Water andSewerage Company director oftheTchambarak Branch ofthe the CAC members calledameetingwiththe prevent toomuchloss.To address thisissue, only openedevery two tothree days to become contaminated. Water mainswere residents. Broken pipescausedthewater to primary concern for many Tchambarak community drinkingwater supplywas a they hopedwould result inclose an atmosphere ofmutualtrustthat spent inthecommunity. Local taxes discussions onhow taxrevenue is Improving the quality ofthe have become active in working. More residents and itseemstobe community residents— local government andthe collaboration between the INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES 15 To get residents get To . Five local photographers . Five water, and now the water and now water, immediately responds company in the breaks new to repair has quality water The system. improved. and by has gone Another year Tchambarak still needs an entirely Tchambarak CAC The supply system. water new broken pipes, which mitigated pipes, which broken and runoff rain from contamination poor technical condition of the drinking condition poor technical already they (which internal system water’s that the AWSC importantly, but more knew), of to include the renovation planned in their system drinking water Tchambarak’s this project list. Unfortunately, project 2007 2007 list in project the AWSC’s did not make constraints. reason—budget or in 2008. The however. vain, not in were efforts CAC’s The brought effort, they their six-month Through even attention to this issue and high-level they system, a new do not have though they local The system. an improved do have the repair to sent technicians office AWSC and community residents are keeping this keeping are residents and community to determined are issue in the spotlight. They succeed. COMMUNITY ORGANIZING. COMMUNITY issues, the CAC in community involved more an organized Subcommittee Information of Tchambarak titled, Problems exhibit in Photos Community problems photos each, showing submitted 22 such as littering and waste in the community, of public property, vandalism management, water drinking the elderly, issues effecting and conditions, road poor infrastructure, was exhibit The dilapidated sports facilities. schools to secondary held in Tchambarak students to the attention of school draw EFFECTIVE USE OF EFFECTIVE MEDIA CAN MASS ENHANCE A PROJECT’S CHANCE OF SUCCESS. Presented with this information, the CAC information, with this Presented mass media. They to the went members and national radio on the problem discussed and to Armenpress releases sent press agencies—large information Tapan Noyan a sent CAC The distribution services. news office Yerevan of AWSC letter to the director issue and take this that he address requesting and quality water steps to improve necessary additional attention to the bring To delivery. of the sent a letter to the governor issue, they Region. Gegharkunik the end of passed and by months Several received had not September 2006, the CAC on this issue. They responses any and in October decided to persevere the issue of the water 2006 raised broadcast a live during problem the Gegharkunik with interview TV regional on the Gavar governor station. the the interview, Following experts to send to promised governor on a survey to conduct Tchambarak and after quality that, if the drinking water needed, to bring the issue to the appropriate to bodies. True and government organizations of a committee formed the governor his word, Regional the Gegharkunik specialists from Tchambarak AWSC, Municipality, to CAC and the Tchambarak Municipality, The assess the situation on the ground. and problems serious found committee should be taken. measures that urgent agreed samples to the AWSC sent water They and Hygienic and to the National laboratories Epidemiological Center. the governor results, Based on the laboratory them an official letter informing sent the CAC the caused by were problems that their water Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout 1 1/5/09 9:12 AM Page 15 Page AM 9:12 1/5/09 1 Citizens_CC:Layout Armenia_Inspiring Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout11/5/099:12AMPage16

16 INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES “The [YCAP] program provided to uswithopportunities self-consciousness and self-determination.” develop newskills, and allthat resulted inourincreased tours, whichhelpedusto enrichourknowledgeand participate invariousseminars, trainings, and study that developed nationsdonotonlydependon economic development. The optimistsargued mineral orothernatural resources tohelp cultivation orgrowing produce andno in thevillage—almost nolandsuitablefor pessimists argued alackofnatural resources Tchambarak’s economic development. The residents todebatethepossibilitiesfor by theCAC. They engaged andchallenged are they? Development: Are there any prospects, andwhat Prospects for Tchambarak’s Economic concerned citizens. new generation ofvolunteers and the town’s youth, thusgrowing a introduced community service to photo exhibit, theCAC town litterclean-up. Through the contact. They alsoassistedina chores andtogive themmore social family, tohelpthemwith household visit elderlyresidents whowere without community projects. The studentsdecidedto helped theCAC andstudentstodevelop Tchambarak’s four highschools.This activity including teachers andstudentsfrom The exhibit attracted about700 people, causes. resolve problems, butalsotoprevent the interest andactive notonlyto participation, community problems, andtogenerate was thetopicofadebateorganized PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF. contribute tosociety for thebenefitofall. citizens canmake asignificantdifference and commitment, and thebeliefthatregular residents andgovernment, persistence, open dialogue,innovative engagement with leadership role inthecommunity through the Tchambarak CAC hasestablisheda engaged citizenry. Despiteallthe challenges, These types ofactivitiesmarkahealthy, industry, andtourism. debate very interesting andstimulating, human capacity. The found participants the the government toinvest more inbuilding need topromote people’s initiatives andurge succeed, however, thecommunity would for economic development doexist. To convincing theiropponentsthatpossibilities resources. This core strategy succeeded in ability toself-organize andusetheirhuman economic development butalsohave the existing natural resources for wealth and ~ ARPINEMATINYAN, MARGAHOVIT CAC MEMBER(LORI REGION) initiatives todevelop theircommunity. were motivated tocreate new projects inagriculture, cottage rural economic development assess Tchambarak’s potentialfor development NGOstofurther with microenterprise One initiative was tocollaborate INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES 17 and through the long winters, and through and inclement weather. in cold a meeting arranged CAC The of the with the director Regional Gegharkunik Departmentof Transportation (GDOT), several minivan and bus minivan several (GDOT), and in Tchambarak, owners main road and then flag down cars or cars and then flag down main road in long waits, often resulted buses. This of the issues that emerged. The regional The of the issues that emerged. along are located there, municipal offices a not seem like may This with a university. no was but because there distance, great getting or service, route transportation direct ordeal. an all-day back was and there a or catch had to walk residents Tchambarak the ride the nine-and-a-half miles to reach president CAC The members. community the showing results survey presented He cited to Gavar. route a direct demand for capital and position as the regional Gavar’s TRANSPORTATION IMPROVING COMMUNITIES IMPROVING BEGIN WITH AN ASSESSMENT, BEGIN A SURVEY, INCLUDE WHICH MAY ISSUES AND DETERMINE NEEDS TO THE COMMUNITY. TO IMPORTANT PEOPLE ON THE MOVE PEOPLE the communities in Armenia has been in Armenia the communities One of the overarching issues for many of many issues for One of the overarching lack of public inadequate or a complete nearly the whole affects This transportation. students who go university from community, to people who travel to class in another city or other business capital for to the regional took up this communities activities. Several it in issue and approached ways. different located town, Tchambarak in the mountains of northeast in the Armenia region, Gegharkunik established its community in action committee September 2005. One of the to develop actions was first CAC’s to identify priority survey a community need to open a public issues. The capital to the region’s route transportation one was about 55 miles away, of Gavar, city Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout 1 1/5/09 9:12 AM Page 17 Page AM 9:12 1/5/09 1 Citizens_CC:Layout Armenia_Inspiring Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout11/5/099:12AMPage18

18 INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES The presentation generated alively Town Council, andthelocalmini-busowners. arranged a presentation for thedeputy mayor, Transportation Improvement Program and The YAC developed aDilijan Public academic year inSeptember. more acutewiththecoming ofthenew districts. This problem was abouttobecome Golovino Districtwiththetown’s other regular publictransportation connecting the districts. The YAC found thatthere was no town inTavush Region hasseveral residential that neededimprovement. Their mid-size municipal transportation system for areas CAC, theDilijanYAC assessedtheir Inspired by thesuccess oftheTchambarak later inTchambarak’s profile. confident toaddress otherissues,described route. With thissuccess, theCAC felt action andissuedlicenses toopenthenew Tchambarak route. The GDOT approved the need for aTchambarak-Gavar- The CAC was abletoshow aclear city alongtheproposed route. zations are locatedinSevan, a ofmanyheadquarters organi- university inGavar andthe neighboring areas studyatthe In addition,many studentsfrom thetown and personal matters toconduct there every day. neighboring areas have businessesand that many peoplefrom Tchambarak and the successful campaignorganized by theTchambarak CAC Tchambarak-Sevan-Gavar busroute openedasaresult of PREPARE ANACTION PLAN.

TCHAMBARAK CAC MEMBERS requesting tosolve support thispressing Administration, describingthesituationand also sentalettertotheMinisterofTerritorial requesting anew transportation line.They ofTransportationDepartment (ADOT), The YAC appliedtothe Ararat Regional especially for young women. highway, whichcreated safety issues, intersection ofthevillage road andthe There was noofficialbusstopatthe they found themini-busesalready often full. walkingafter thetwo miles tothehighway, More studentswere attendinguniversity, and the beginningof2007 academicyear. route. This issuebecamemore urgent with establishing anofficial Yerevan-Araksavan Meanwhile theYAC continued towork on his services available for anominalfee. resident withaminivan whoagreed tomake interim solution,theYAC found alocal of whomtravel dailytoYerevan. Asan affected were theuniversity students,many bus toYerevan, Armenia’s capitalcity. Most two milestoreach themainroad tocatcha solved. For years, residents hadtowalk about that thetransportation problem could not Araksavan village inArarat Region thought The mayor andsomecommunity residents of in othercommunities. peer networking caninfluence civicinitiatives youth’s efforts,thedistrict’s residents now and schedulefor Golovino. Becauseofthe agreed toopenaregular transportation route discussion duringwhichtheTown Council transportation system. Their initiative enjoy aproperly working public power oforganizing andpeer-to- initiative demonstrated how the school attendance. This problems, includingpoor has helpedtosolve related INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES 19 motion replace the minivan with a passenger bus large with a passenger the minivan replace all. them accommodate enough to to route round-trip a direct of absence The been a significant had universities Yerevan in village students of Aramus the for problem the In the summer of 2007, Region. Kotayk held a series of community YAC Aramus student transportation. meetings to discuss plan project a step-by-step developed They from to and route opening a direct for numbers the exact showed plan The Yerevan. transport, use the of students who would locations, and an and drop-off pick-up the service. operating optimal timetable for to the mayor the proposal presented They the support to gain of the Council and Village and Council mayor The municipality. and in the supportedmembers the project with the worked the YAC weeks following service The to open the route. municipality with a one- 2007 in October operating began US). of 200 AMD (~$0.65 fare way 2007 attended the December YAC The meeting to thank the Council Village Aramus their support. for As an leaders community their efforts, for of his gratitude expression to allocate funds in the moved the mayor the new for to pay budget 2008 community The service. student transportation Aramus and now unanimously approved was free students have university village attend class. This to services transportation in their confidence youth’s the effort bolstered ~ LYOVA SARGSYAN, TCHAMBARAK CAC MEMBER (GEGHARKUNIK REGION) REGION) MEMBER (GEGHARKUNIK CAC TCHAMBARAK SARGSYAN, ~ LYOVA problem. The ADOT sent representatives to representatives sent ADOT The problem. the YAC and meet with visit the community As a result, representatives. and community Araksavan for allocated a mini-bus ADOT been running in the students, which has still is There September 2007. mornings since but this is to the village, route return no direct Yerevan from an issue. Traveling not as large The to Yerevan. is easier than traveling Yerevan from routes many have villagers the bus where villages to neighboring going walking them within a reasonable can drop to Araksavan. distance in central village Vosketap from route The took students to Yerevan Region Ararat only one 14- was nearly one hour and there 50 students. Most seat mini-bus to serve students struggled to find alternative a meeting organized YAC The transportation. ideas—a with students and brainstormed learned in the Community technique they while workshop Action Planning (CAP) 2007. establishing their club in May decided they ideas generated, the many From help, for municipality the village to approach all of the student s signed by a letter, and wrote a bus requesting to the mayor in the village, a seem like may This instead of a minivan. that still but in a society simple thing to do, was of authoritarian rule, this the effects feels their surprise, the mayor, To truly a bold step. and need of their request, seeing the urgency to to support the students and arranged agreed solve our problems, today we initiate solving some we initiate today solve our problems, the relevant on our own by engaging problems structures.” or non-governmental governmental “If in the past we were waiting for the government to the government waiting for “If in the past we were Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout 1 1/5/09 9:12 AM Page 19 Page AM 9:12 1/5/09 1 Citizens_CC:Layout Armenia_Inspiring Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout11/5/099:12AMPage20

20 INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES unable tolegally justifytheincrease inthe transportation company. The company, being requested anexplanation from the to thevillage mayor. The mayor thenofficially information, theYAC presented theproblem process withtheDOT. Armed withthis changed withoutgoing through arequest of Transportation (GDOT) andcould notbe rates were fixed by theRegional Department public information, they hadlearnedthatfare knowledge they hadgained aboutaccessing not satisfiedwiththisexplanation. Using vehicle maintenance andrepair. The YAC was increase would offsetincreased expenses in Gavar was indisrepair and thatthefare was becausetheroad from Ltchashen to company toldtheYAC thatthefare increase fare from thetransportation company. The to request anexplanation for theincreased their ActionCenter, anddecidedfirst The YAC convened ameetingat get totheuniversity inGavar. every day by themini-busto poorer families, andtraveled them didnotwork, were from steep for many students.Mostof US). The$3.30 fare hike of200AMDwas from 800AMD to1000AMD($2.60 to Gavar publictransportation fare increased to helpthemfindoutwhy theLtchashen- received arequest from community students of theacademicyear, theLtchashen YAC community’s needs.However, inthemiddle route isestablishedandfunctionswell for the around thelake, thepublictransportation most ofthesmallvillages onthemainroad Lake Sevan intheGegharkunik Region. Like Ltchashen isasmallvillage ontheshores of pality canbringaboutsuccessful civicinitiatives. collaboration between theYAC andthemunici- ability toeffect change. Italsoshowed how IN RESOLVING THEISSUES. INVOLVE ALLSTAKEHOLDERS transportation problem. involvement successfully solved their initiative andthecommunity’s active were allocatedtothecommunity. The CAC’s of thepetition16new 32-passenger buses government levels. InSeptember, asaresult raise theissueatregional andnational sent tothevillage mayor witharequest to buses onthetwo routes. The petitionwas requested changingthemini-busestolarger signatures andprepared apetitionthat After thesurvey, theCAC collected 650 CAC conducted asurvey inJanuary2008to residents. Inresponse tothecomplaints, the the neighboringcommunity of15,000 passenger mini-buses.These routes alsoserved people withtwo routes serviced by 15- Nor Kharberd isalarge village ofaround 7,000 public transport inthecommunity. received many complaints aboutinsufficient The NorKharberd CAC intheArarat Region individuals tookactiontoprotect theirrights. organized andknowledgeable group of day andpay theregular fare of800AMD. An continue traveling toGavar University every AMD. To date,theLtchashen students fare, lowered itbacktotheoriginal800 the community abouttransportation discover theviews ofalarger segmentof public transportation system inadequate. community members found the a significantnumberof The survey results confirmed that availability andquality ofservice. INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES 21 tatives of local government, and of local government, tatives residents community other active CAC attended the meeting. The the need for presented president citing the kindergarten, village importance of early childhood productive a healthy education for possible support. CAC members, possible support. CAC represen- parents, young teachers, might be renovated for the kindergarten. The the kindergarten. for might be renovated it is in a central since perfect, old clinic was space and has green location in the village a playground. as serve that could the CAC further, the community engage To of the with the director a meeting organized and Education, Culture, Regional Dzor Vayots Sports and Department discuss the project to and the historical emphasis on society village The education in Armenian history. some possible solutions, presented mayor of the old health including the renovation clinic. MANY PROBLEMS CAN MANY PROBLEMS LOCALLY. BE SOLVED STEP BY STEP IMPROVING COMMUNITIES IMPROVING CIVIC ENGAGEMENT CIVIC At its core, civic participation about people is its core, At in their a difference to make working a and bringing together communities and skills, values, of knowledge, combination impact. YCAP a positive to have motivation of civic has helped to build the momentum to of volunteerism participation in the context everyone for of life the quality promote non-political processes. through had been no a decade, there over For in a village in Areni, kindergarten of Vayots the southern region were residents and village Dzor, raised issue was The concerned. time during the the first for Action Planning Community CAC 2005. The in the fall Workshop this issue to the attention of the brought the regional the issue with who raised mayor, the mayor Shortly thereafter, governor. that the regional the CAC informed village planned to build a new government clinic that former health clinic. He suggested Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout 1 1/5/09 9:12 AM Page 21 Page AM 9:12 1/5/09 1 Citizens_CC:Layout Armenia_Inspiring Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout11/5/099:12AMPage22

22 INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES CAC andcommunity volunteers served as developed aprogram for eachgroup. The the children intofive groups by age and summers of2007 and2008.They divided community children ages 4–8duringthe pre-school camp—Astghik (Star)—for health clinictheCAC organized a of waiting for therenovation ofthe by theendof2008.Instead scheduled tobecompleted The new healthfacility was repairs. budget for renovations and funds from theregional kindergarten, butalsoallocated building tothevillage for useasa response. They would notonlytransfer the regional government sentbackapositive be reallocated for thekindergarten. The residents requesting thattheoldhealthclinic government signedby allinterested and sentapetitiontotheregional the CAC andcommunity residents prepared At theEducation Department’s suggestion, nottheEducationDepartment. Department, under thejurisdictionofHealth administrative system. The buildingwas more effectively through thecurrent regional how thisprocess could beorganized topass The director EducationDepartment shared Areni CAC members preparing for acommunity event AND NOT LOSE MOMENTUM. SOLUTION TO BRIDGETHEGAP TAKE TIME,THINKOF ANINTERIM WHEN ASOLUTION ISGOING TO

ARENI CAC MEMBERS village. Inthefall of2007, they decidedto YAC felt thisfestiveness was missingintheir which Lejan residents The participate. Lejan a harvest festival inaneighboringvillage in years, theregional government has organized in thefall duringharvest. For thepastseveral hours oftoilinthespringplantingseasonand an agrarian characterized life often by long of Lori. Asinmostrural villages, people live Lejan isasmallvillage region inthenorthern National Parliament. later they were presenting thisissuetothe organizing atthelocallevel, andtwo years began their questfor akindergarten by summer of2009. The residents ofAreni to have aworking kindergarten by the government thisinitiative tosupport andplan to prepare children for theirfirst schoolyear. garten isopened,thesecampswillcontinue paintings andhandicrafts. Untilthekinder- dances they learnedandexhibited their camp, thechildren performed songsand the desks andchairs. At theendofeach pens, paint,andpaper. The schoolprovided camps covered thecosts ofthenotebooks, and theparents ofthechildren attendingthe conduct. The village municipality, theschool, environment, andsocialrulesof sports, music, singing,dance, healthy lifestyle, counselors andgave classesinpainting, Armenia heldhearingsonarural When theNationalParliament of from theparliamentandregional They anticipateapositive response need for akindergarten. program, discussingthe including theirvillage inthis presented thecasefor mayor, residents, andCAC border villages, theAreni development program for INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES 23 residents to bring issues to to bring issues residents many were them. What emerged in about inaccuracies complaints to related land measurements CAC The land registration. suggested calling cadastre officials calling cadastre suggested this issue. to a meeting to resolve suggestion boxes throughout the throughout boxes suggestion means for as an easy community Best Table, Best Dessert, Tastiest Tomatoes, Best Dessert, Tastiest Best Table, this they for and Pumpkin, and Biggest a youth organized They funding. needed more monetary small fun run and collected charity whose children the families from pledges applied to the participated in the run. They the municipal funds from for mayor village to the International Outreach and budget, a fund that encourages Camp Alumni Fund, and participation. They civic awareness AMD ($250 US), a total of 73,000 raised of the purchase to cover enough which was ribbons and awards. this time success, a great was festival The with the participation of the whole of the this initiative Through community. involved became more residents youth, Lejan Gatherings such as the life. in community and discussion interaction encourage festival issues, which can result of other community in action and civic engagement. located in the village, in Aragats CAC The of Armenia on the eastern slope of Mt. center placed of Aragatsotn, in the region Aragats of the director a meeting with organized They to discuss the Committee the State Cadastre offices cadastre of the regional poor work that led to these problems. neighboring villages of the residents The if and asked initiative about the CAC’s heard had too, participate they, could since they GET INFORMATION OUT TO GET INFORMATION THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY. First Annual Lejan Village Harvest Village Lejan Annual the First organize in event a first-time this was . Since Festival a community conducted the youth the village, would to find out if residents survey enthusias- responded participate. Villagers and were of a local festival tically to the idea part. take to ready into community the organized YAC The and set up families to three of two groups the from borrowed desks tables (student On the morning square. school) in the village in the gathered the families of the festival, of the tables with varieties to decorate square fruits, and homemade dishes. vegetables, sampled the community During the festival, sang songs, danced, recipes, exchanged food, the from People poetry. and recited also attended and towns neighboring villages the end of the At YAC. of the at the invitation so were residents the community day, that of the event pleased with the outcome the Harvest to make the YAC asked they the in a tradition celebration Festival year. it every and to organize community the involved 2008, the YAC For in planning and more community festival. the harvest organizing visited village YAC The them to and asked families into themselves organize families to three of two groups the logistics. With to arrange year’s of the previous success With agreed. readily the residents festival, in their volunteer Corps the help of a Peace Table” “American included an they village, and desserts. with American fare on a the festival organized the youth In 2007 they the 2008 festival, For small budget. very such as categories for awards to have wanted Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout 1 1/5/09 9:12 AM Page 23 Page AM 9:12 1/5/09 1 Citizens_CC:Layout Armenia_Inspiring Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout11/5/099:12AMPage24

24 INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES measurement oftheirlandplotsandreal with thevillage municipality for re- community members whohave registered work, addressing thecomplaints of estate value. The committee continues its measurements oftheirlandplotsandreal new ownership withcorrected certificates were re-measured andtheowners received September 2008,50landplotsandhouses continues tobecloselyinvolved. Asof The work began inspring2008andtheCAC the ownership documents. palities andresidents, correct themistakes in the issue,andtogether withthevillage munici- director formed aspecialcommittee tostudy documents. The StateCadastre Committee from mistakes intheresidents’ ownership other property, andthedisputesthatoriginated incorrect measurements oflandplotsand residents’ complaints, theconsequences of At themeeting theCAC presented the invited aMemberofParliament. and how toresolve theissues.The CAC also inform theirown residents oftheoutcome to take inthemeetingsothatthey part could the mayors from thesurrounding 25villages the issuesaffected somany, the CAC invited work oftheregional cadastre offices. Since complaints aboutlandregistration andthe organized by Aragats CAC Meeting ofcadastre representatives andVillage Mayors

ARAGATS CAC MEMBERS volunteerism intheirtown. the work of volunteers promoting andfurther YAC isvery enthusiasticaboutcoordinating areas ofhealth,education,andecology. The to theyouth andcommunity members in have expressed interest inproviding seminars household chores. Professionals inthetown provide socialcontact andassistwith town whoare confined totheir homesto volunteered tovisitelderlyresidents inthe students indifferent subjectsandothers have students have volunteered totutorschool names tothedatabase.Thus far, university in thedatabase.The YAC isstilladding askedeffort the YAC to register theirnames survey orfocus groups whoheard about this inthe Others whohadnotparticipated Community residents welcomed theidea. database ofvolunteers withthisinformation. to volunteer. The YAC began creating a that many community residents were ready volunteer, andinwhat areas. The YAC found volunteerism, willingnesstobecome a with adults) togather opinionsregarding group meetings(one withstudentsandone the youth conducted asurvey andheldfocus past experience withorganizing volunteers, volunteerism. After anexchange ofideasand ways ofattracting volunteers andpromoting meeting attheirActionCenter tobrainstorm As afirst step, theyouth heldaround-table skills they hadlearnedtofoster thenetwork. its first three years andmembers usedthe Theundertaking. YAC hadmatured greatly in still initsinfancy inArmenia,thiswas abig volunteer network. Becausevolunteerism is Aparan, theyouth created anAparan town Also intheAragatsotn Region inthetown of continue through 2009. estate. The re-measurement work will INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES 25 necessary equipment. necessary the results, by Inspired the CAC asked residents similar to organize with meetings regularly to the municipality other discuss and solve issues. organize garbage removal services removal garbage organize and other and buy a vehicle Increased accountability of local government, accountability Increased of the Village responsibilities and the role the issues were and community Council, (Tavush topics of a meeting the Gandzakar munici- the village for organized CAC Region) Village The residents. and interested pality and function its community explained Council past year. the over on their work reported a number of issues, but raised Participants removal the lack of garbage emphasized of the As a result in the community. service allocated funds to leaders meeting, the village ~ OVSANNA KHANDILYAN, AYGEPAT YAC MEMBER (ARARAT MARZ) MARZ) MEMBER (ARARAT YAC AYGEPAT KHANDILYAN, ~ OVSANNA ENCOURAGE CLUBS TO START TO CLUBS ENCOURAGE THAT ISSUES COMPLEX WITH LESS BUILD TO SUCCEED TO ARE LIKELY TACKLE SKILLS AND CONFIDENCE. LATER. BIGGER ISSUES the young people became more self-confident. If self-confident. more became people the young to impossible it was that they thought previously that now they know without money, do anything initiate work and to desire and is a will if there money the community, for useful something ” becomes secondary. “After coming together in the Youth Action Club, Youth in the together coming “After Meghradzor is a village of about 2,700 of about is a village Meghradzor of Kotayk valley people nestled in a narrow Armenia. When the CAC central of Region to let had agreed leaders learned that village of businessmen build a gold a group for on land reserved factory processing a organized they development, agricultural the meeting and invited community to leaders businessmen and community concerned were discuss this issue. Residents for prospects about pollution and reduced if the gold development community built on the were factory processing lands. A heated discussion reserved ensued, but the CAC the in convincing succeeded Council Village mayor, village the and even members, businessmen to abandon the the land for and keep proposal The development. community that this participants believed their self- action increased and trust in their own confidence and abilities to solve strengths their understanding and enhanced problems, in their opinions and engaging voicing of how impact on a positive civic activism can have the community. Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout 1 1/5/09 9:12 AM Page 25 Page AM 9:12 1/5/09 1 Citizens_CC:Layout Armenia_Inspiring Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout11/5/099:12AMPage26

26 INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES Summer camporganized by Areni CAC for community children Harvest Festival organized inLejan community by Lejan YAC members

LEJAN YAC MEMBERS ARENI CAC MEMBERS INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES 27 Give them a Give Foster YAC’s and YAC’s Foster Give young people and young Give CAC’s ability to carry out projects that to carry out projects ability CAC’s public or a targeted benefit the general in lead to improvement group, community and addressed, issues are the way that approaches a shift toward encourage the long term. over to succeed likely more are THEIR FORMATION. adults the opportunities to develop and learn the and knowledge awareness address need to successfully skills they and public concerns community, youth, identify. themselves they framework and guidelines, but do not tell and guidelines, but do framework them figure Let what to do. them exactly out most of it themselves. There are three main components to the main components three are There YACs used to develop methodology YCAP civic grassroots and increase and CACs participation. 1. ESTABLISH YACS AND CACS AND GUIDE AND CACS YACS 1. ESTABLISH 2. TRAIN THEM. DOING. 3. LEARN BY The Youth and Community and The Youth Methodology Action Program AED designed YCAP to provide a sustained to provide AED designed YCAP and organizations community for foundation Armenia to support rural across networks the that engaged development community with in each community, of citizens range broad leadership particular on youth focus staff program do this, YCAP To development. action youth establish helped communities action committees and community clubs (YAC) were these civic groups After (CAC). Action Planning established and Community members held, group were Workshops (CAP) to the resources generating for responsible were staff initiate and carry out their activities. YCAP advice. and initial technical assistance provided designing, implementing, and finding However, of the responsibilities activities are for resources for a model provided This CACs. and the YACs for mechanisms supporting organized participation that can be established community cost. short time at a low in a relatively Throughout Armenia there are 37 Youth Action Clubs (YACs) Action Clubs Youth 37 are there Armenia Throughout in 80 active (CACs) Action Committees and 43 Community The each of the 10 regions. in communities communities—8 population of with a median primarily rural, are communities residents. of 206 to 14,400 and with a range 2,549

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28 INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES • used toselectthe80communities: developed the following criteriathatwere for atotalof80communities. YCAP were years oftheprogram, 10new communities process thatevolved over time.Over thefour Communities were Phase I:Community Selection as theprogram evolved. appropriate changes for greater effectiveness capitalize onlessonslearned,andmake to YCAP’s success becauseitallowed AEDto Having aflexible approach was alsointegral YCAP useda in abroad array forward toget involved. that the“right”peoplestep this town-hall-style meeting maximize attendance. Itisat Introductory Meetingto advertise anupcoming work withthecommunity to After theselectionprocess, MEETINGS 2. INTRODUCTORY selection process. inacompetitiveparticipate program andinvite themto that brieflyexplain the Send letters tocommunities SELECTION 1. COMMUNITY Commitment from thecommunity mayor to theprogramsupport enthusiastically addedtotheprogram every sixmonths FOUR-PHASE APPROACH ofcivicissuesatthegrassroots level. selectedinphasesa accomplish them. understanding ofhow to clear goals andan onastrongstarted track with essential toget thegroup accomplishing activities.Itis duties andtimeframes for withpeopleassignedto start, a framework from whichto end oftheday, thegroup has one-day workshop. By the forward, andinteractive projects inasimple,straight- planning andimplementing group totheprinciplesof introduces thenewly formed This element important PLANNING WORKSHOPS 3. COMMUNITY ACTION that evolved over timetoinitiatecitizen engagement ipating. The materialsinstructedthemto of alltherural municipalitiesnotyet partic- addressed tothemayor andschooldirector letter andaone-page program description 40 communities, AEDsentaninvitation In thefinalform thatevolved toselectthelast • • • • Viable schoolorotherpublicinstitution • Youth andresidents whoare eager to Possible NGOsworking inthecommunity Civic leaders whowant tobeinvolved Commitment from thebusinesscommunity participate who may collaborate onactivities by willing tohosttheprogram, demonstrated to provide program support awrittencommitment from thedirector development. tional andcapacity with continued organiza- programs andassistance comes intheform ofspecial society. Continued support shape thefuture oftheir realize theirpotentialto more onthemselves. They projects, they come torely funding for theircommunity By 4. CONTINUED SUPPORT having tofindtheirown INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES

29

YCAP YCAP TF MEMBERS STAFF YCAP Introductory meeting in Bavra, Shirak Region Shirak meeting in Bavra, Introductory YCAP as well as having small group meetings and meetings small group as having as well a diverse to attract presentations program a played Coordinators Regional The audience. relationship the initial building by role key a series of through leaders with community the Introductory them for visits to prepare Meeting. was the community this meeting, For in a public finding a room for responsible building, or municipal building (school, Group their Action where center) cultural plan activities, could YAC) or CAC (either guest and have seminars, hold community were communities The events. speaker to space the and renovate to repair required room standards—the minimum, achievable and windows secure to have required was a leaky and not have electricity, have doors, the demonstrated initial investment This roof. to support commitment their community’s or CAC. YAC future YCAP held a town-hall-style meeting held a town-hall-style YCAP to Coordinator the Regional by facilitated to the broader the program introduce the Introductory advertised YCAP community. at least one week Meeting in the community and word-of-mouth using posters in advance Phase II: Introductory Meeting Phase II: Introductory contact their YCAP Regional Coordinator for Coordinator Regional their YCAP contact if an application packet and information more in participating in the interested were they The process. selection competitive program’s demographics a community contained packet the municipal for a questionnaire form, the for and a questionnaire government, school management. some self- for allowed approach This were that communities selection; only those applied. The in the program truly interested and share to read the mayor for step was first the letter with other people in the community. their she had to contact he or Second, an application packet. for coordinator regional the in people (specified least four at Thirdly, mayor, deputy instructions as the mayor, or school director and deputy school director, in civics teacher) had to be involved and submitting it by the packet completing 850 letters over the specified deadline. From applications. AED 72 received sent, YCAP to evaluate, a selection committee formed discuss, and select the final 40 rank, participant based on the criteria. communities of the communities all AED then informed of the selection process, about the results and told both those selected and not selected, when of the selected communities the mayors be and what was their start date would the program. for of them to prepare expected then followed-up coordinators regional The or school mayor with each community Phase II, the them for to prepare director Meeting. Introductory Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout 1 1/5/09 9:12 AM Page 29 Page AM 9:12 1/5/09 1 Citizens_CC:Layout Armenia_Inspiring Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout11/5/099:12AMPage30

30 INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES with thecommunity tohelpthemidentify the Regional Coordinators worked closely for theCAP workshop. Duringthisprocess, community, comprisedgroup theparticipant Regional Coordinator asactive inthe people identifiedincoordination withthe introductory meeting,alongwithother The Initiative Group formed duringthe nation process ineachcommunity. YAC oraCAC—part oftheself-determi- workshop helpedsolidifythedecisionfor a members from thecommunity. The CAP Action PlanningWorkshops withabout 30 Coordinators conducted one-day Community YACs andCACs, theYCAP Regional to thispoint.To establishandactivate the inallaspectsoftheprogramparticipated up being thenumberofyoung peoplewho would establishaYAC oraCAC, akey factor became fairly clearwhetheracommunity By thetimethey reached thisphase,it (CAP) Workshop Phase III:Community Action Planning the preparations for theActionCenter. Action PlanningWorkshop, andtocomplete community for theupcoming Community would beresponsible for organizing the volunteers toform anInitiative Group, which meeting, theRegional Coordinator asked for totheprogram.pertaining To closethe attendees were free toaskanything was followed by anopenQ&Asessionwhere his orherexperience withtheprogram. This community was alsopresent andspoke about established YAC orCAC inanother discussion. Arepresentative from an Asked Questionshandouttoguidethe program worked anddistributedaFrequently Regional Coordinator explained how the During theIntroductory Meeting,theYCAP Unlike anumber ofprograms thatprovide planning andimplementingtheiractivities. to helpthemidentifytheirown resources for been providing guidance toYACs andCACs A primaryelementtoYCAP’s success has Phase IV: Continued Support developed actionplan,asenseofpurpose. for theiractivities and,coupled withtheirnewly allowed for thegroup todevelop aformal place initial investment ofapproximately $3,500US Action Center. This simpleandinexpensive printer/fax/scanner andfurnishingsfor the computer workstation, includinga provided thenewly formed YAC orCAC a Center renovations were completed, YCAP Following theCAP workshop, Action andafter planned andcarriedoutprojects. community actionplantoguidethemasthey issues anddeveloped aframework for a through whichthey discussedcommunity throughparticipants aseriesofactivities the workshop, YCAP staffmembers ledthe to become thegroup’s ActionCenter. During community, ifpossibleintheroom thatwas The CAP workshop tookplace inthe professions, andpositionsinthecommunity. diverse representation ofage groups, also helpedtoensure gender balance anda people whowould actively and participate Community ActionPlanningWorkshop inHaykadzor

YCAP STAFF MEMBERS INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES 31 to all to everyone as to everyone RESPONSIBLE authority among as many authority tasks along rational criteria. along rational tasks specific authority to specific specific authority all those to whom authority has all those to whom authority tasks among individuals. among individuals. tasks those who selected them. individuals for specific tasks by democratic by tasks specific individuals for procedures. frequently as possible. frequently needed by the group. the group. needed by people as is reasonably possible. people as is reasonably been delegated to be been delegated ~ JO FREEMAN, THE TYRANNY OF STRUCTURELESSNESS The seminars adapted concepts from The from concepts adapted seminars The to Building A Guide Handbook: Citizen’s the from Dobson Charles by Community Committee Citizen’s Vancouver ). (http://www.vcn.bc.ca/citizens-handbook/ the YCAP for work Another influential and structure group regarding approach principles of seven the was conduct Jo defined by structuring as democratic these are: Briefly, Freeman. 4. ROTATE 5. ALLOCATE 6. DIFFUSE INFORMATION RESOURCES TO ACCESS GIVE EQUAL 7. 1. DELEGATE 2. REQUIRE 3. DISTRIBUTE In addition, YCAP supports the civic In addition, YCAP members and CAC of YAC development programs. core four through HTTP://WWW.JOFREEMAN.COM/JOREEN/TYRANNY.HTM whatever structures are developed...will be developed...will structures are whatever the group... to be responsible by and controlled position easy not be in such an will leaders] [Group institutionalize their power because ultimate to large.” at be made by the group decisions will seed funding for community projects, YCAP projects, community for seed funding or grants activity community give does not the initial guidance Instead, the equivalent. Regional the YCAP from and facilitation to and CACs helped the YACs Coordinator’s this through and, resources identify their own their them to develop inspired process, for mechanisms as self-sustaining groups development. and youth community ongoing that it was An important part process of this systems find out how exploratory—to was and what who influential people are work, and lie. YACs resources and where do, they and ongoing guidance provided were CACs processes their own developed but coaching and resources, planning, identifying for important was carrying out activities. This the process to own and CACs YACs both for and and adapt it to the particular context leaders natural also allowed This community. to emerge. groups within the community staff YCAP As part of this process, and the need to support the YACs recognized development in their organizational CACs on guidelines held seminars and, therefore, groups community volunteer organizing for about one month after workshops. the CAP “When these principles are applied, they ensure that applied, they ensure “When these principles are Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout 1 1/5/09 9:12 AM Page 31 Page AM 9:12 1/5/09 1 Citizens_CC:Layout Armenia_Inspiring Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout11/5/099:12AMPage32

32 INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES Asset MappingTraining organized for Aparan YAC members seminar onlocalgovernment sothat when YCAP youth round outtheweek witha • • • • develop youth inseveral ways: (http://closeup.org/), Yerevan Days 5 in Days” program from theClose UpFoundation the“Washington,Modeled after DCin6 seminars given by civilsociety organizations. government structures in andparticipate members receive aninsidelookatnational during whichapproximately 30YAC Program 1. • They They They They Youth They They legislative process. groups, andpartypoliticsaffect the participatory democracy.participatory rights andresponsibilities of citizens ina society. impact ofthestructure ofgovernment on facing theNationalAssembly. domestic andinternationalpolicyquestions local) andcitizenship inArmenia. concepts ofgovernment (bothnationaland The Yerevan in5Days Civic Education EXPLORE DEEPEN LEARN ENHANCE GAIN for youth isaweek-long event greater knowledge ofthebasic how constituents, interest diverse viewpoints concerning their understanding ofthe their understanding ofthe helps

YCAP STAFF MEMBERS report their experiences totheircommunity Upon theirreturn toArmenia,theparticipants Kiev, Ukraine, andNovosibirsk, Russia. date, YAC andCAC members have gone to selected through acompetitive process. To program isorganized by ahost-country NGO with theirhost-country The counterparts. also share theirexperiences andapproaches where learnnew theparticipants ideasand of interactive workshops andsitevisits, they have used.The tours feature seven days engagement andthesuccessful approaches developing volunteerism andcivic other transitional countries have faced in exposed tothechallenges civicgroups in and CAC representatives peryear are Activism StudyTour, between 20and40YAC 2. Through anannualGrassroots Civic and work withtheircommunity leaders. better understand how they canapproach they go back totheirvillages andtowns, they members (September 2007) Grassroots Civic Activism StudyTour toUkraine for CAC

STUDY TOUR PARTICIPANTS INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES

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YCAP YCAP TF MEMBERS STAFF ) session whose day conference included three tracks: included three conference day and Civic Relations, Public Leadership, made poster presen- Participants Advocacy. and what YACs tations that represented to their communities’ contributed CACs democratic, social, educational, economic, last The progress. and environmental cultural, an Open for reserved was day-and-a-half (http://www.openspaceworld.org/cgi/ Space wiki.cgi?AboutOpenSpace helped Collaboration theme of Community engaged of people network establish a strong in Armenia. This, in civic action throughout of the YCAP part, led to the development , Mechanism Coordination Community 160 and 180 Between described below. participated members in the community each year. conference Conference Annual YCAP second The with similar thematic sessions and continued encourages , youth developed a developed Quest, youth Poster Exhibition during the YCAP Conference Exhibition during the YCAP Poster groups and look for ways to apply what they to ways and look for groups during the youth example, learned. For have activity learned an they study tour in Ukraine, . Agents Change called Quest—Community effective to practice Quest’s aim was techniques using engagement community earlier in their gained they and skills knowledge Through program. plan, involved mobilization community and identified the best leadership followers, youth Several carrying out the project. for style community used this novel clubs have communities. tool in their own mobilization sessions formal more 3. In addition to having the Annual YCAP and workshops, National Conference Communities participants from all communities to network all communities participants from each other and to support and learn from involved of network establishment of a larger three- first Armenia. The across communities Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout 1 1/5/09 9:12 AM Page 33 Page AM 9:12 1/5/09 1 Citizens_CC:Layout Armenia_Inspiring Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout11/5/099:12AMPage34

34 INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES the 4. The capstoneofYCAP istheformation of to address oneormore publicconcerns. with asolidplantoadvocate for improvements Participants went backtotheircommunities their work onthethird day oftheconference. these issuesandpresented theresults of for civic advocacy campaignstoaddress production. The developed participants plans irrigation systems, and increasing agricultural access tohealthcare services, improving communities, improving education,improving programs, bringingnatural gas to with specialneeds,developing sports needs ofvulnerable groups andotherpeople jobs inthecommunities, addressing the unemployment andtheneedtocreate more discussed were constraints thatyouth faced, the group’s priority problems. Amongissues and campaignstogenerate ideastoresolve groups todevelop civicadvocacy strategies workedmethods, theparticipants in10 knowledge oncivicadvocacy toolsand National Levels. Having enrichedtheir was Civic Advocacy atLocal, Regional, and poster exhibition. The OpenSpace theme YCAP Conference duringoneof theworkshops participants YCAP Community Coordination

YCAP STAFF MEMBERS representatives developed further the At thenational-level meetings,the10 region atthenational-level working meetings. then selectedoneperson torepresent their regional-level coordination group (RCG). They representatives from eachregion formed a vision ofhow tomove forward. The eight purpose oftheCCM anddevelop acommon attended atwo-day sessiontoclarifythe each YAC andCAC—80 peopleinall— the first meeting,onerepresentative from conducting theworkshops andmeetings.For were halfway through theprocess of By December 2008,YCAP staffmembers determined by them. zation, union,cooperative, etc.) willbe an association,nongovernmental organi- process. The type ofstructure they form (i.e., YACs andCACs asthey work through the as nottoimposeaspecificstructure onthe YCAP purposelychose tocallthisaCCM so facilitated by YCAP staffandoutside experts. members through aseriesofmeetings currently beingdeterminedby YAC andCAC function andstructure ofthe CCM is quality oflife for citizens ofArmenia.The development andotherissuesthataffect the among thecommunities toaddress formal network tofacilitate collaboration exchange ofexperiences andtoprovide a The CCM’s the purposeistosupport association beformed. suggested themselves thatsuchan conference whentheYACs andCACs approach was realized atthefirst annual see theneedthemselves. The success ofthis reach alevel ofmaturity thatallowed themto to happen,thecommunity groups neededto national-level association,butinorder for this YCAP includedforming sometype of Mechanism (CCM). The originaldesignfor INSPIRINGINSPIRING CITIZENS, CITIZENS, IMPROVING IMPROVING COMMUNITIES COMMUNITIES

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YCAP YCAP TF MEMBERS STAFF CCM Development first meeting in Tsakhkadzor meeting first Development CCM After YCAP’s first two years, AED began years, two first YCAP’s After of Sister Communities the idea promoting and CACs YACs that and suggested on activities with neighboring collaborate not part of the that were communities part in them to take inviting by program long for It did not take and seminars. events than more present, this idea to catch on. At collabo- are 50 neighboring communities partic- and have CACs or YACs with rating and seminars. events ipated in many to the exposure of their outcome As a natural of several aspects of civic activism, positive in an interest expressed the 50 communities (CAG). groups similar civic action forming supported in these communities YCAP CAP conducting by establishing a CAG as members and CAC with YAC workshops more created not only This co-facilitators. opportunities the for it also created CAGs, skills valuable gained people who have and to use those skills for YCAP through the growth activities and facilitate outreach of civic activism in Armenia. Sister seven four, the end of year By and at least established CAGs Communities year. in the coming expected are more three to cooperate will continue and CACs YACs The and help them CAGs, with Sister Community and carry out basis to develop on regular development. their own and foster projects has been a purpose, constitution, and by-laws of the and by-laws constitution, purpose, the information then disseminated and CCM, The and feedback. comment for to the RCGs with this information shared members RCG brought and members and CAC their YAC about representatives to the CCM feedback and purpose. This structure the CCM’s and YAC intended to maximize was process and participation members’ develop to CAC and transparent, in a fair, establish the CCM process, Using this process. representative a robust to become is expected the CCM can address whose members organization and regional community pressing and solve the needs of rural for issues and lobby and to the national government communities international agencies. unstructured used many In addition, YCAP opportunities to guide, and non-formal very participants.support, Having and train coordinators the regional how rules for few can work groups and the community community staff and the program together, decentralized been allowed have members the speed decision making that has provided of opportu- advantage to take and flexibility program coordinated nities that a centrally result, self-determi- could not. As a office the become nation and self-sufficiency the civic groups. within mantras unwritten the phases above, In addition to the four of Sister Communities formation and an indicator that approach successful in a foothold civic activism is gaining beyond of outreach concept Armenia. The in new is relatively community own one’s people the opportunity gave Armenia. YCAP beyond their notion of community to expand borders. or village’s their towns Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout 1 1/5/09 9:12 AM Page 35 Page AM 9:12 1/5/09 1 Citizens_CC:Layout Armenia_Inspiring Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout11/5/099:12AMPage36

36 INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES CONCLUSION 2,000 activitiesthat have pating inYCAP. They community’s development. To citizens, bothyouth andadult,canmake asignificantimpactontheir andthefreedom tothem,regularsupport todecide whatisimportant transformed. Their remarkable progress proves thatgiven alittletechnical communities and theirCAC andYAC members have grown and and takingonmore complex socialissues.Over thepastfour years, these AED, they are developing athrivinggrassroots civicmovement inArmenia In 2009, astheYCAP communities begin theirlastyear from ofsupport ,0 participants 1,500 have affected thelives ofupto250,000 people. conceived, planned,andimplementedover 80 date,there are over 1,500peoplepartici- villages 2,000 civicactivities 250,000 livesaffected Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout 1 1/5/09 9:12 AM Page 37

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

AED would like to thank all the women and men in Armenia, both young and old, who saw value in the YCAP program and chose to become involved. We would also like to acknowledge the YCAP local staff members, whose enthusiasm, creative energy, and care made YCAP what it has become—an outstanding example of grassroots civic engagement on many levels for the betterment of society.

AED YCAP STAFF:

Anna Melkonyan Ruzan Ghazaryan Lusine Shegunts Gayane Sargsyan Tigran Ghazaryan Lusine Simonyan Naira Margaryan Laura Harutyunyan Narine Zakyan Vahagn Dabaghyan Naira Karapetyan Nick Bruno Artur Ghazaryan Zoya Papyan Susan Fickling

DESIGN: AED SOCIAL CHANGE DESIGN MANAGING EDITOR: KAAREN CHRISTOPHERSON HTTP://AED-DESIGN.ORG INSPIRING CITIZENS, IMPROVING COMMUNITIES www.aed.org Tel. 202.884.8000 Tel. Fax. 202.884.8400 Fax. Washington, DC 20009 Washington, 1825 Connecticut Ave., NW Ave., 1825 Connecticut YCAP is implemented by staff in the AED Center for Enterprise and Capacity Development (CECD). Development for Enterprise and Capacity Center staff in the AED is implemented by YCAP to development constraints and economic institutional, human capacity, focus on addressing staff CECD activities, please or other CECD about YCAP information more sustainable solutions. For through at [email protected]. CECD, Director, and President Vice Ketcham, Mark P. contact AED is a nonprofit organization working globally to improve education, health, civil society and economic education, health, civil society globally to improve working organization AED is a nonprofit AED implements more on the underserved, of thriving societies. Focusing foundation development—the 150 countries. than serving people in all 50 U.S. states and more than 250 programs Armenia_Inspiring Citizens_CC:Layout 1 1/5/09 9:12 AM Page 38 Page AM 9:12 1/5/09 1 Citizens_CC:Layout Armenia_Inspiring