About us
- About
Supporting civil society and fostering a democratic culture in Kosovo
//OUR PROFILE
ATRC PROFILE
The Advocacy Training and Resource Center believes that a strong civil society sector is fundamental precondition for democratic functioning of the state and public institutions. In addition to this, ATRC is committed to focus its support to the local level which has been largely ignored in the recent years. The primary goal of the ATRC through grant giving will be to strengthen the democratic norms of government such as accountability and transparency, and respect for human rights, including minority rights.
Another major component of this program will be financial assistance for nongovernment organizations, especially grassroots organization an community initiative that seek to mobilize citizens to address everyday challenges.
The ATRC will provide grants to organizations that will seek to raise awareness among the citizens about their rights, and foster a democratic culture in the society. In this context, the ATRC will also support activities that seek to raise awareness about the minority rights or the rights of on-majority communities in Kosovo, as well as activities that will promote awareness about the environment and campaign for green agenda in public policies, especially at the municipal level. ATRC will be supporting activities that seek to address gender issues and structural challenges and discrimination in the society against women.
//OUR MISSION & VISION
ATRC MISSION AND VISION
The Advocacy Training and Resource Center (ATRC) is a Kosovar non-governmental and non-profit organization. Its vision is to create an enabling environment that fosters democratic resilience and active citizenry.
ATRC’s mission therefore is to increase citizen and civil society participation in decision-making, in order to promote democratic values and norms.
The achievement of the vision and mission of the ATRC, are facilitaed by three overall objectives of the organization:
- Support citizen adn civil society participation in decision-making process through development of capacities:
- Strengthen citizen and civil society participation in decision-making process through community activities that foster resilience, and
- Facilitate citizen and civil society participation in decision-making process through.
These three overall objectives form the three main programs of the ATRC, and are centered on the core of the mission of the organization, which is to increase citizen and civil society participation in decision-making process.
Facilitate through advocacy
Support through capacities
Strengthen through resilience
Citizen and civil society participation in decision-making
//OUR HISTORY
ATRC HISTORY
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 1000 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.
//WHO WE SERVE?
ATRC PURPOSE
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.
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.