This month we’ve added two new and exciting programs to our already varied plate of activities.

Our work in the villages, about which Programs Coordinator Hayk Petrosyan has begun to write in detail, brings a surprise with it each day. This work, which is basic for Armenia’s development, is supported by Armen and Nadya Ekserciyan of Argentina, as well as the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and the government of Poland. You can participate, too. One of the great aspects of this program is that $100 is as useful as $75,000.

With support from the US Embassy in Armenia, we’ve just launched a program (application deadline is October 31) to support Armenia’s public libraries to become true centers of civil society. Libraries can themselves decide what it is they need to offer a warm, free, receptive environment and relevant programming to nurture healthy and responsible citizenship. You can support this effort as well.

The government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is making it possible for Civilitas, in cooperation with Counterpart International, to develop a guide to the activity of non-governmental organizations in Armenia. This project has just begun. When completed, potential donors can identify the organization with which they wish to work based on their past track record and activity.

All these come to complement the work of the Council on International Relations. Our program, Neighbors About Each Other, offers translations of articles in the press of Armenia and Turkey, in order for us to understand better the fears, concerns, prejudices and approaches of the neighbors.

And, always, there are our monthly public debates, facilitated by the government of the Kingdom of Norway. These debates intend to broaden the discourse and encourage debate about the national and international issues facing us.

There’s a lot to do. Join us!