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.

1. Achieving Active and Vibrant Citizenship
through Empowerment of Civic Centers
STREET FUNDRAISING
SCHEMES
Summer 2013

2. 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.

3. Sisian
Road Construction
The 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Funds Raised (AMD)
60,000
120,000
150,000
100,000
85,000
200,500
220,000
52,300
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
Sisian Yeghegnadzor Vayk Kapan
Goal Raised

8. 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.

9. Raising Awareness
Each fundraiser garnered extensive media coverage from
local and national outlets, helping spread awareness about
each advocacy issue beyond the local community.

10. Collaboration
Armenia
n Youth
Foundati
on
Young
Families
Support
Center
Socio-
Psycholog
ical 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.

11. 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.