We promote and apply common international standards for democracy and good governance. We offer a range of services, from developing e-government systems to building civil society’s capacity to serve as a watchdog.
Tools and Services
Rule of Law and Human Rights: Using expert analysis, substantive and capacity-building training, technology, process streamlining, and public education, we promote the rule of law by improving the effectiveness, efficiency and accessibility of justice systems. We work with the private and nonprofit sectors to improve accountability and ethic in legal and judicial institutions and public confidence in courts.
Public Administration Reform: We strengthen the legitimacy of government by improving service delivery, access to information, and strengthening accountability mechanisms. Our efforts streamline the laws, regulations, and policies that guide interaction with government institutions and design independent oversight mechanisms, as well as build the capacity of government officials to manage these processes.
Civil Society Development: Using a unique toolkit that includes grants, subcontracting, incentive programs, and competition, we work to ensure community organizations receive what they need most, from initial start-up capacity building support to technology and materials for growth and innovation. Our programs assist civil society groups on issues such as advocacy, monitoring and evaluation, public awareness, gender empowerment, youth involvement, and legal aid to build demand for democratic reforms.
Local Governance and Decentralization: Through technical assistance and capacity building activities, we strengthen local governments’ institutional capacity, improve service delivery, spur local economic development, enable citizen participation, and strengthen civil society organizations.
Legislative Strengthening: We work with legislators to design programs that improve deliberative bodies’ ability to give citizens a voice in how they are governed and support economic growth and development by shaping laws, budgets, and policies to that end. Our programs address issues such as constituent relations, policy analysis, and gender equity.
Elections and Political Processes: We build sustainable democracies by supporting public education campaigns on voting processes, youth awareness of political platforms and government functions, and women’s political involvement.
Anti-Corruption: The prevention of corruption cuts across all of our programs. Our partners in these efforts include government, civil society, media outlets, and international organizations. We support educational efforts, improvements to governmental transparency, reforms of public procurement and other areas of government services prone to abuse, and the creation of effective national anti-corruption strategies.