On 15 February, the Workshop for Cooperation and Strengthening of CSO Coalition Sub-Grantees in the Scope of the EU funded “Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” continue its work.

Presentation of sub-grant projects implemented in the scope of CCD Project continued. The day before 6 coalitions had presented their project.

• Artak Kirakosyan, presented the “Step towards Just Armenia” Project implemented by the “Support to Probation” National Network.

• Ms Zhanna Alksanyan, “Human Rights , Monitoring and Publicity” Project Manager and Ms Anush Aslanyan, President of the Coalition member “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities” presented the project implemented by the Human Rights Protection Coalition created in the scope of the CCD Project

• • Ms Nvart Khachatryan, “Budget for Everyone” Project Manager presented the project implemented by the “Winnet Armenia” Network of Women Resource Centers.

Armen Galstyan, Executive Director of the “International Center for Human Development” Public Organization, which is member of CCD Project implementing Consortium, presented the workshop participants the purpose, methods and outcomes of the organization of expert workshops “without the right to reference” by the International Center for Human Development.

He noted that it is important to create a “protected environment” where there are no cameras and problems for information leakage, and people can say things that they will not say in another environment. Although this does not mean that after the meeting, other people do not talk about what was said and heard, but they do not mention exactly which the person has said that. Their experience has shown that there are no such cases. For meetings of such format it is important to select specific targeted people who have to introduce clear statements on the topic.

Ms Narine Mezhlumyan Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist of CCD Project presented the topic ” Public Policy Monitoring and Improvement Program of CSO Coalition (Network) as Institutional Tool”, focusing on the key principles of public policy, the most important principles and approaches to public policy and the overall monitoring process, as well as highlighted the role of CSO coalitions in these processes.

Mr. Marat Atovmyan, Coordinator of Mentors’ Group /Mentor of Justice Sector of CCD Project presented scheme for developing integrity of the community that enables the community, its residents, activists to engage in community life, and monitor the implementation of various programs and projects.

Ms. Syuzanna Soghomonyan, CSO-Government Dialogue Coordinator/Lawyer of CCD Project presented the successful experience of the CSO Anti-Corruption Coalition of Armenia in adopting a number of key legislative provisions.

She noted that the coalition’s expert potential has played a major role in this issue international experience has been studied, recommendations have been presented, and legislative drafts were developed.

The other important mechanism was the creation of a constructive platform when a memorandum was signed between the coalition and the government in the person of the Ministry of Justice, and as a result a working group was created.

At the same time, the coalition has proposed to work with all the parliamentary forces and had meetings with all who responded to the proposal.

Mr.Armen Galstyan, Executive Director of the “International Center for Human Development” noted that they had used the mentioned mechanisms before as well.

Speaking about the work with the National Assembly, he noted that, unlike cooperation with the new MPs, in the past it was really difficult to establish cooperation directly with the MPs, which would provide opportunity to for the experts to direct the certain concrete legislative proposals on making legislative changes to the decision makers.

Mt. Emin Yeritsyan, President of the the Union of Communities of Armenia which is member of CCD Project implementing Consortium, highlighted the fact that the resources spent and their results should be adequate. For example, there may be a situation when resources are spent, the results are achieved, but it does not lead to a qualitative change.

Then the session of the group work was held. The participants mentioned that cooperation with coalitions is really a good idea and that the joint efforts will definitely bring greater results. Further the issue to draft a joint declaration, and to sign it was proposed.

CCD Project Manager, President of the Armenian Lawyers’ Association Karen Zadoyan presented the strategic planning process and strategic plan development of CSO coalitions/networks.

He noted that in order to reach the goals of coalitions the original document, strategic plan, must be created. It is usually developed for the coming 3-5 years.

In this case, the key participants of the team first create the strategic plan group which must in average comprise 8-12 people and must analyse the strong and weak points of the organisation, its opportunities and risks. Then the vision, mission and values of the organisation are revealed. The strategic goals stem from them (mainly 2-3), the expected results are mentioned.

The coalitions’ strategic plans must have the following structure: historical overview or information on the organisation, vision, mission, values, strategic goals, issues, activities, implementation period, responsible persons, results, assumptions, monitoring and evaluation, strategic process. The latter must be participatory.