I had the opportunity this past weekend to travel throughout southern Armenia as part of a delegation from the Foundation Against the Violation of Law (FAVL) NGO.
We went to Civic Centers the organization has been operating in Vayq, Kapan, Meghri, Sisian, and Yeghegnadzor for the last several years, working to develop civic engagement and grassroots participation in local governance in the remote regions of Armenia.
The main purpose of the trip was to go over the local strategy and public relations for the upcoming year with the staff and volunteers at each of the centers. The emphasis for 2013 will be on working with women and youth to mobilize them around issues facing their communities.
It is worth noting that women and youth make up a majority of Armenian society and face a multitude of social, economic, and political issues. Yet, they are glaringly absent from the reigning public discourse and off the radar of most of the main political forces, especially in the regions.
It was inspiring, to say the least, to be able to meet and discuss issues with men and women working to improve their towns, cities, and villages. An added bonus of the trip was the ability to see the breathtaking view and beautiful mountainous geography of Armenia's south.
The strength of the country is definitely beyond simply Yerevan. The nation begins from the smallest unit and builds from the bottom upward. From the ruralest of villages to the biggest of cities.
I'm convinced that the way forward is to galvanize popular democracy from local communities on up, and not the other way around.
I'm heading to the Vayq Center again today.
We went to Civic Centers the organization has been operating in Vayq, Kapan, Meghri, Sisian, and Yeghegnadzor for the last several years, working to develop civic engagement and grassroots participation in local governance in the remote regions of Armenia.
The main purpose of the trip was to go over the local strategy and public relations for the upcoming year with the staff and volunteers at each of the centers. The emphasis for 2013 will be on working with women and youth to mobilize them around issues facing their communities.
It is worth noting that women and youth make up a majority of Armenian society and face a multitude of social, economic, and political issues. Yet, they are glaringly absent from the reigning public discourse and off the radar of most of the main political forces, especially in the regions.
It was inspiring, to say the least, to be able to meet and discuss issues with men and women working to improve their towns, cities, and villages. An added bonus of the trip was the ability to see the breathtaking view and beautiful mountainous geography of Armenia's south.
The strength of the country is definitely beyond simply Yerevan. The nation begins from the smallest unit and builds from the bottom upward. From the ruralest of villages to the biggest of cities.
I'm convinced that the way forward is to galvanize popular democracy from local communities on up, and not the other way around.
I'm heading to the Vayq Center again today.
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