Our Mission

Advocacy Training and Resource Center (ATRC) is a Kosovar non-governmental and non-profit organization that works in increasing citizen and civil society participation in decision-making, as a prerequisite for a developed democratic society and regional stability.

ATRC aims at strengthening the role of NGOs as agents of change in the society; increase the capacity of NGOs and civic initiatives to undertake advocacy campaigns; and contribute in creating governing institutions that meet international standards.

ATRC works with NGOs, civic initiatives, public administration and political institutions regardless of religion, political affiliations, ethnicity, age, capability and sexual orientation.

ATRC accomplishes its goals through advocacy, training, information exchange and networking in and out of Kosovo.

Brief history of atrc

ATRC was established in October 2001 as a key implementing partner for the USAID/EWMI Kosovo NGO Advocacy Project (KNAP). Initially, it was part of the Forum, but later moved under the auspices of the Foundation for Democratic Initiatives (FDI), which led to its independence as a non-governmental organization (NGO) in June 2003.

The initial goal of ATRC was to create a vibrant advocacy training and resource center. During 2002 – 2005, ATRC leads a network of 27 Kosovar NGOs called AvoKo. In September 2005, ATRC formalized a partnership agreement with the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) to support the development of Kosovo NGO’s under the USAID funded Kosovo Civil Society Program. Through our enhanced role as a full-service NGO training, resource and information center, ATRC is working to strengthen the autonomy, effectivness, sustainability and impact of the NGO sector as a major catalyst in the development of a vibrant civil society and responsive democratic governance.
It has established an extensive Information Program, consisting of frequent public discussions; a monthly e-newsletter, “The Advocate”; advocacy publications; and a diverse library, with over 600 titles. As a part of it’s Capacity Building Program during Kosovo NGO Advocacy Project (KNAP), ATRC has trained over 700 NGO representatives with it’s 40 available trainers.

Since, 2005, ATRC has it’s own trainers and consultants who trained over 500 NGO representatives in key areas of NGO organizational development, managment, advocacy and fund raising.

What do we do?

• We serve as a full-service NGO advocacy, training, resource and information center.
• We work to strengthen the autonomy, effectiveness, sustainability and impact of the NGO sector.
• Our programs are designed to meet the current and evolving needs of our NGO clients.
• We provide basic and advanced training and consultancy in key areas of NGO organizational development, management, advocacy and fund raising;
• We provide electronic information resources via our updated website, marketing and communication, public dialogues and roundtables, coalition building, and facilitation of cross-sectoral partnerships and cooperation.
• We facilitate dialogue between Kosovar NGOs and international and Kosovar governmental structures.
• We offer training space and services for Kosovar and international NGOs based in Kosovo.
• We provide training for municipality officials, as well, in areas of organizational development, management, strategic planning, communication and media relations, etc.

Who do we work with?

ATRC serves the community of Kosovar NGOs that are engaged in efforts to bring positive change in their community. Advocacy Training and Resource Center (ATRC), works closely with the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX), which is partnering with ATRC to strengthen local capacity and support the development of Kosovo’s civil society through long-term mentoring, training, grant-giving, and technical assistance.

ATRC has developed working relations with a large number of Kosovar NGOs, international agencies, local unions, as well as with a number of key Kosovar decision-makers, including members of the central governing bodies.