Civic Initiative Center (CIC) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit coalition of seven prominent civil society organizations operating throughout Georgia. The Coalition is a coordinating network for non-government organizations engaged in democratic development of civic society in Georgia, facilitating involvement of citizens in education and actions to promote positive changes in their respective communities. CIC implements a wide variety of activities and projects to achieve these goals, thereby increasing participation of Georgian citizens in the process of building a better and more open, democratic society.
Convinced that civil society exists not only for the few, CIC is first and foremost a hub for civic information. CIC focuses on strengthening the capacity and motivation of citizens to participate in civic affairs, build community resources, and improve democratic practices within our community institutions. Through public education, community mobilization and issue-based advocacy, CIC promotes programs and free public resources to advance civic life. Our Origins Our coalition was formed after several years of efficient and valuable collaboration that led us to the elaboration of the USAID-funded Citizens Advocate! Program (CAP), which aims to strengthen the capacity of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and create an enabling environment so that CSOs can promote citizens' interests and effectively advocate their cause. CIC is one of the noteworthy products of CAP, built on shared vision and goals, experience and resources of seven local implementing partners. Our Vision Civic initiative is not an accident and cannot be built overnight. As the events of our century prove only too clearly, oppressive power can ruin it. Small insults and petty diversions can discourage it. Shortsightedness and opportunism can derail it. Yet wise public policies and generous leadership can foster civic initiative. It blossoms when people believe in its power. It flourishes when people witness its effects. It expands when nurtured in a creative and respectful spirit. Civic initiative knows no boundaries of class or culture. No single act can guarantee a healthy climate for civic initiative. No exhortation can reverse deep changes in the routine of everyday life across the nation and around the world. But we can give greater attention to the place of civic initiative in our communities. We can make a greater commitment to opening possibilities for positive civic acts. We can pause to consider ways to avoid damage to people's good intentions. We can work to create more opportunities for the expression of community spirit. This is the purpose we serve! Our Mission Our mission is to strengthen civil society through education, promotion of democracy and support of active citizenship and to deliver cutting edge expertise and professional services to its stakeholders and beneficiaries. Our Aims The principal goal of the CIC is to support creation of a vibrant, diverse, self-sufficient not-for-profit sector, which will facilitate the development of a strong civil society and a lasting culture of democracy in Georgia. The center works proactively, encouraging long-term thinking, inter-sectoral partnerships and innovative approaches to solving social problems. In its activities, CIC is guided by the principles of transparency, openness and accountability. CIC also serves as a forum for CSOs by organizing conferences, NGO Fairs, debates, seminars and training sessions, publishing policy papers and reports, conducting research and social campaigns. The aims of the Center are: - to support development of civil society and increase the influence of public opinion in formation of public policy by involving civil society organizations;
- to support the professional growth of civil society organizations by enhancing their organizational management, strengthening communication/feedback with the society, and forming partnership networks throughout Georgia;
- to expand democratic practices by encouraging and introducing innovative methods and approaches;
- to promote community activism and advocacy of constituencies’ interests with unified support;
- to create a common space for effective cooperation among citizens, non-for-profit organizations, the government and the business sector on issues of common importance and public concern.
Our goals Currently Georgia has a cohort of civil organizations with unique experience and capacity to serve the society; however, few citizens are aware of such services and expertise. Our efforts are directed towards fostering cooperation between such organizations and citizen groups to advocate for their rights. The priority areas of the Center are: - initiation and support of issue-based advocacy campaigns;
- lobbying for not-for profit legislation;
- promotion of citizens’ participation in public life through increased awareness and media campaigns;
- transparency of civil society organizations and increased level of accountability with respect to the society;
- encouragement of partnership-based programs in the not-for-profit sector;
- strengthening of internal organizational practices.
Who we are The founders of Civic Initiative Center are the seven leading Georgian civil society organizations, which bring together a wealth of experience, resources and expertise. - Caucasian Institute for Peace, Democracy and Development (CIPDD)
CIPDD is a public policy think-tank, specialized in two major directions: (a) democratic transformation and institution-building, and (b) creation of solid foundations for sustainable peace and security. - Center for Change and Conflict Management Partners-Georgia
Partners-Georgia, a member of Partners for Democratic Change – International, is dedicated to promoting civil society and advancing a culture of change and conflict management in Georgia and the South Caucasus region. Partners-Georgia is a leading training provider for NGOs, local government entities, the business sector and other interested groups. - Center for Strategic Research and Development of Georgia (CSRDG)
The Center for Strategic Research and Development of Georgia (CSRDG) is a non-governmental organization that seeks to promote the development of civil society in Georgia by raising the awareness of the population, stimulating active involvement of citizens in decision making processes, advocating interests of various civic groups, supporting civic initiatives, and conducting applicable practical research. The Center endeavors to support groups and individuals that promote social, political and economic reforms, and contribute to the development of efficient institutions for the protection of human rights. - Center for Training and Consultancy (CTC)
CTC services offer support primarily to development actors like civil society organizations, public or church institutions, and local and self-government bodies. CTC wants to promote the organizational and project management capacity of different institutions in order to increase their impact and organizational effectiveness for the progress of social and economic reforms. - Civil Society Institute (CSI)
CSI facilitates formation and development of civil society and a democratic state by promoting democratic values and the rule of law, educating social actors and increasing their civic activity, and creating an enabling legal environment for civil society organizations. - United Nations Association of Georgia (UNAG)
Established in 1995, UNA-Georgia operates all over Georgia and specializes in information and analysis, democracy and governance, as well as refugees and migrants and youth. Advancement of democracy and civil society in Georgia and supporting development of civil society organizations are the main aims of UNAG. - Association of Young Economists of Georgia (AYEG)
is dedicated to support the development of civil society, promote democracy and cooperate with partner organizations, institutions and private sector in order to contribute to the community advance. Association of Young Economists of Georgia assists changes in sustainable economic and social development of the country." Any civil society organization sharing the goals and values of the Civic Initiative Center can become a member of the Coalition. "
Contact Information
www.nonprofit.ge
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