Program Description
Civil society organizations, such as think tanks, business associations, and chambers of commerce are important vehicles for democratic and market reform in the Balkan and Caucasus regions. Yet, before they can fulfill that role, they must themselves exhibit democratic ideas in the way they organize and operate. Many associations require outside support in order to gain a solid membership base, to be effective in their advocacy efforts, and to strengthen their internal governance mechanisms.
In response, CIPE will develop a base of local professional trainers and facilitators throughout the region to assist local business associations and chambers of commerce. CIPE will combine international best practices with local realities and thus, business associations in the region will be able to have reliable and easy access to the most current knowledge and skills.
This project aims to strengthen business associations in the Balkans and Caucasus by developing a permanent network of trainers, facilitators, and consultants for the region.
The project will help develop skills for assisting local organizations for effective advocacy, strategic planning, membership development and successful communication with government and public authorities. This project specifically recognizes the value of local experts and trainers in understanding the subtleties of local political environments.
Ultimately, the purpose of the program is to help the participants develop the professional skills allowing them to become a valuable resource for the associations in their respective countries.
At the end of this project, the participants will have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to act as experts, consultants, and trainers for business associations at the grassroots level. They will work to consolidate and strengthen the still-fragile democracy in the respective countries by becoming a conduit for knowledge transfer, skill building, and local expertise among local associations.
Not only will the organizations employ them as consultants, trainers, and partners in international or regional projects, but also as facilitators for events involving group discussions (for example, board retreats or annual meetings).
See the list of participants in the program.
LATEST
CIPE Celebrates UN International Youth Day
In celebration of UN International Youth Day on August 12, 2010, CIPE has created a series of blog posts, photos, and videos about inspiring young people working to strengthen democracy around the world. These emerging leaders make sure that their voices are heard and their needs are met. In so doing, they uphold their responsibilities as citizens and help create positive change in their communities.
CIPE Development Institute is an open resource for students and professors around the world looking for self-study and classroom materials on democracy, market economy, and their role in development.
In celebration of UN International Youth Day on August 12, 2010, CIPE has created a series of blog posts, photos, and videos about inspiring young people working to strengthen democracy around the world. These emerging leaders make sure that their voices are heard and their needs are met. In so doing, they uphold their responsibilities as citizens and help create positive change in their communities.
CIPE's 2010 International Youth Essay Contest is now closed. Winners will be announced soon.
The three contest topics are: Democracy that delivers, Entrepreneurship and society, or Women and participation. Winning articles will be published by CIPE and will receive a $1,000 honorarium. Read more
The three contest topics are: Democracy that delivers, Entrepreneurship and society, or Women and participation. Winning articles will be published by CIPE and will receive a $1,000 honorarium. Read more
CIPE Development Institute is an open resource for students and professors around the world looking for self-study and classroom materials on democracy, market economy, and their role in development.
PROGRAM UPDATES
The Association of Business Women and Top Managers in Brasov (Romania) Launches CIPE Publication
CIPE Regional Office Director Facilitates Serbian Association of Managers' Board Retreat
RCOM Invited to Provide Advocacy Training to the Macedonian Chamber for Information and Communication Technology (MASIT)
Romanian ICT Coalition’ Efforts in Advancing Public Policies Promoted as Best Practices in the Eastern Europe Region
CIPE IN ROMANIA & THE REGION
Strengthen Business Support Organizations in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and Romania Program (2007-2008)
KEY RESOURCES
- CIPE Development Institute
- Business Fighting Corruption Portal
- National Business Agenda Handbook (English)
- National Business Agenda Handbook (Romanian)
- National Business Agenda Handbook (Russian)
- Advocacy Guidebook (English)
- Advocacy Guidebook (Armenian)
- Advocacy Guidebook (Russian)
- Corporate Governance Handbook
- A Practical Guide to Advocacy Campaigns: The Romanian Experience
- Guide for Business Associations - Montenegro: How to Advocate Effectively (Serbian)