P.O. Box 802
93 Toktogul St
Bishkek, 720040
Kyrgyzstan
Tel.: +996-312-296392
Fax: +996-312-296392
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Ms. Tolekan Ismailova
Organization Type: Advocacy NGO
Founded: 1998 as Coalition (before that was NGO Forum)
Staff: 4 at Bishkek office with 15 in 6 oblast
International Partners: National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)
Coalition of NGOs is a non-partisan and neutral organization working on strengthening democracy and building civil society uniting more than 130 NGOs in every rayon of KR and have a regional office in every oblast center and Balykchy. Its principal partner is National Democratic Institute working on USAID grant.Objectives of coalition members include:
- Support of a lawful, honest, objective, and democratic election system
- Civic education
- Public advocacy
- Participation in reform of government on local, regional and national levels
The coalition supports and promotes initiatives of local NGOs and is devoted to strengthening of democratic values, institutions, and processes of building of strong civil society and developing democracy. It monitors elections at all levels to protect principles of lawfulness, honesty, and objectivity; develops legislative recommendations; and protects the interests of citizens and NGOs. The coalition assists NGOs to play a dynamic role as civic advocacy organizations by participating in public advocacy, mobilizing constituencies in support of public policy, ensuring government accountability, and serving as agents of reform in strengthening and broadening democratic governance.
Program of Activities: The coalition will support a democratic election system by organizing and training NGOs and voters, organizing public meetings and debates, working with governmental officials, and training independent observers.
The coalition will conduct civic education, that is, NGO training with the purpose of developing civic participation in governance, by doing the following: publishing newsletters, preparing materials on civic education and leadership, and setting up a library on civic education.
The coalition will also conduct advocacy training in the following areas: developing and lobbying for legislation; building coalitions; developing a project or campaign and managing it; representing an issue or organization in parliamentary hearings; developing leadership; organizing and conducting public meetings and debates.
The coalition will seek to involve the public in the decision-making process, thereby developing participation of citizens in management, setting up a culture of civilized dialogue between citizens and local authorities, and involving citizens in important issues in order to protect and stand for their values.
The coalition will also continue to strengthen its internal organizational structure.