Beware what you ask for.  We’ve been wanting to start a Civilitas blog. And we have. So much to think about, out loud, with you. So much to react to in the world around us. We welcome your comments on Hayk Petrosyan’s thoughts about the missing Armenian, Anna’s complaints about misplaced educational priorities, and my endless questions about the riddle that is Armenia’s economy.
But we’ve continued to push forward with several important projects. First among them, the Netherlands-supported effort to develop an online guide to civil society activity in Armenia. Civil.am is still in the development phase, but will be launched soon to serve as a link between those doing good work in Armenia, and those wishing to support the good work.
This project will be launched in July, during our monthly forum, this one focusing on the efficacy and accountability of civil society organizations. Prior to that, Gerard Chaliand will speak on "The Changing Geopolitical Realities and Its Impact on the South Caucasus"  as originally planned for april, but disrupted by the Icelandic volcano.
In May, Civilitas founder Vartan Oskanian expressed his concerns on Armenia, today and in the future, on democracy, economy and foreign relations. You can watch his interviews to Gala TV in Gyumri and his interview to Armenia Today is available in Armenian and Russian
Finally, we expect an active summer, full of new endeavors. This will be our third summer of activity and we will be hosting nearly a dozen interns. This means supporting their desire to learn and contribute to Armenia’s development. It also means benefitting from their energy and intelligence. Finally, it means we’ll need more laptop computers. If you’d like to help, please let us know. If you live in the US, we’ll put you in touch with the Civilitas Foundation newly registered there, as a tax-exempt 501c3 organization, whose mission is to support Armenia’s development by cooperating with established organizations on the ground in Yerevan and the regions.

Finally, do tell us what you think about the impact of the economic crisis on Armenia. Participate in the Civilitas informal poll.

Thanx for reading our newsletters. We appreciate receiving your responses.