Our Work
Civil Society

A civil society is one that promotes voluntary action and values the individual, pluralism, civic consciousness and a creative alliance among nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), government and business to address societal needs.

 

Counterpart International's (Counterpart) civil society programs work at the individual, community and institutional levels to:

  • give citizens a voice in their own development;
  • strengthen civil society organizations to better serve community needs;
  • promote partnership and mutual investment in community development among NGOs, business and government; and
  • foster civic engagement and advocacy for policy reform.

Counterpart's $172 million portfolio of civil society programs since 1993 has demonstrated an ability to work effectively in diverse geographic and cultural settings including Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Burundi, the five Central Asian Republics, Georgia, Egypt, Iraq, Russia, Sudan and Ukraine.

 

Millions of people have benefited from Counterpart's civil society programs, through voter and civic education, improved municipal services and access to clean water, sanitation and life-saving health interventions; improved laws and regulations governing Civil Society Organization institutions and the rights of vulnerable populations; environmental preservation; and community driven economic development, including job creation.

 

Global Civil Society Strengthening Leader with Associates

 

In 2009, Counterpart received the USAID-funded Global Civil Society Strengthening Leader with Associates (GCSS LWA) award, leading a consortium of world class organizations in the implementation of civil society, media development, and program design and learning activities. This initiative provides a unique opportunity to enhance learning and innovation, disseminate best practices around the world to implementers and thought leaders and document a body of knowledge about what works best in a particular country and cultural context. Learn more about Counterpart's LWA Award.

 

Core Practice Areas:

Photos: (Top) © Counterpart International(Bottom) © Kyla Springer/Counterpart International.