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Achieving active and vibrant citizenship through empowerment of Civic Centers in rural and isolated regions of Armenia. The Foundation Against the Violation of Law’s (FAVL) regional civic centers—with the support of Oxfam in Armenia—took to the streets this summer and engaged in community-based fundraising around key community issues pending solution. This unprecedented form of fundraising in the regions of Armenia not only served to help resolve local problems, it also succeeded in mobilizing and educating countless citizens throughout the country.
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Achieving Active and Vibrant Citizenship through Empowerment of Civic Centers
STREET FUNDRAISINGSCHEMES
Summer 2013
Background
The Foundation Against the Violation of Law’s (FAVL) regional civic centers—with the support of Oxfam in Armenia—took to the streets this summer and engaged in community-based fundraising around key community issues pending solution.
This unprecedented form of fundraising in the regions of Armenia not only served to help resolve local problems, it also succeeded in mobilizing and educating countless citizens throughout the country.
*The initiative was part of the Oxfam-sponsored “Achieving Active and Vibrant Citizenship through Empowerment of Civic Centers” program.
Sisian Road ConstructionThe Sisian Civic Center started things off with a street fundraiser on July 6 aimed at renovating a vital 700-meter road leading into the rural community of Torunik, in Syunik Province.
The event featured singing, poetry, and outdoor performances from local students. The community actively supported the event, helping raise around 150 GBP - more than the target amount to construct the road.
Residents give donations during the event.
Road construction begins 5 days after the event.
Yeghegnadzor “Help Me Become One of You”
Three weeks later, on July 26, the Yeghegnadzor Civic Center held a talent show dedicated to assisting people with disabilities living in Vayots Dzor Province.
The event featured song and dance performances, as well as information on issues affecting the disabled.
The event’s financial target – GBP 160 was surpassed, with money raised both through ticket sales and donations. The funds are being used to build a wheelchair ramp in front of the Yeghegnadzor Cultural House.
Attendees make their contributions at the entrance.
Performers receive an ovation from the audience.
Vayk “My City is My Home”
On July 29, the Vayk Civic Center organized a fundraiser coinciding with an outdoor concert marking the 55th anniversary of the city’s establishment.
The effort was geared towards purchasing trash cans for key public areas in the city.
Over twenty volunteers set up a booth and succeeded in raising GBP 353 in donations. The team also passed out balloons, painted children’s faces and spread awareness about the initiative.
Local residents insert money into the donation box.
Civic center volunteers decorate the new trash cans.
Kapan “Together We Can Do More”
On August 29, residents of Geghanush village participated in the "Together We Can Do More” benefit chess tournament.
Donations totaling GBP 100 were collected from parents, residents, and supporters in attendance with the aim of collecting enough money to set up 5 trash zones and 15 trash cans in the community.
Civic Center volunteers also distributed balloons to kids and personalized “winged word” messages encouraging citizens to be active and involved in their community’s development.
A young participant brings forth her contribution.
A reporter interviews a victorious chess player.
Funds Raised (AMD)
Sisian Yeghegnadzor Vayk Kapan0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
60,000
120,000
150,000
100,00085,000
200,500
220,000
52,300
Goal Raised
Fund Allocation
In each case, a commission of local NGO’s, government officials, and concerned residents was formed to transparently allocate the funds raised.
Sisian– Construction was completed on July
15 and the road is now fully functional.
Yeghegnadzor– A contractor was commissioned to
design the wheelchair ramp and begin constructing the project.
Vayk– Twenty trash cans were purchased
and will be situated on Shahumyan Street, a main road in the city.
Kapan– Donations are still being solicited from
supporters and will soon be spent to set up the village trash zones.
Raising Awareness
Each fundraiser garnered extensive media coverage from local and national outlets, helping spread awareness about each advocacy issue beyond the local community.
Collaboration
Armenian Youth
Foundation
Young Families Support Center
Socio-Psychological and Statistical
Research Center
Davit Bek NGO
Vokhj NGO
Young Armenian Lawyers’
Association
Jinishyan Foundation
Syunik Health Protection Foundation
Yeghegnadzor Mayor’s Office
RA Human Rights
Defender
Torunik Municipality
Kapan Mayor’s Office
Vayk Mayor’s Office
NGO’s
Local Government
The street fundraisers facilitated close collaboration between the Civic Centers and local NGO’s and government officials.
Volunteerism
The fundraisers were fueled by the energy of local volunteers. They served as important platforms for young people to exercise their talent and hard work around community concerns.
