New Generation of Advocates: Empowering Civil Society in Egypt
Middle East and North Africa
Civil Society Development
Support for Human Rights
http://www.freedomhouse.org/template...=66&program=84
Excerpt:
Challenge: Egyptian civil society is both vibrant and constrained. There are hundreds of non-governmental organizations devoted to expanding civil and political rights in the country, operating in a highly regulated environment. The government employs various laws and practices to silence advocates of reform and crack down on political activism.
Approach: A new generation of young Egyptian citizens is dedicated to expanding political and civil rights in their country. Referred to as the "YouTube Generation," many of these courageous men and women are supported by Freedom House to enhance their outreach, advocacy and effectiveness. The New Generation project helps to reinforce the values of free expression, human rights, women's rights, and rule of law.
Impact: Freedom House’s effort to empower a new generation of advocates has yielded tangible results and the New Generation program in Egypt has gained prominence both locally and internationally. Egyptian visiting fellows from all civil society groups received unprecedented attention and recognition, including meetings in Washington with US Secretary of State, the National Security Advisor, and prominent members of Congress. In the words of Condoleezza Rice, the fellows represent the "hope for the future of Egypt."
Freedom House fellows acquired skills in civic mobilization, leadership, and strategic planning, and benefit from networking opportunities through interaction with Washington-based donors, international organizations and the media. After returning to Egypt, the fellows received small grants to implement innovative initiatives such as advocating for political reform through Facebook and SMS messaging.
Bloggers Learn New Media Tools
March 24, 2010
http://www.freedomhouse.org/template...ram=84&item=87
From February 27 to March 13, Freedom House hosted 11 bloggers from the Middle East and North Africa for a two-week Advanced New Media Study Tour in Washington, D.C. The Study Tour provided the bloggers with training in digital security, digital video making, message development and digital mapping. While in D.C., the Fellows also participated in a Senate briefing, and met with high-level officials at USAID, State and Congress as well as international media including Al-Jazeera and the Washington Post