During April 11-15, 2022, the USAID Civil Society Engagement Program organized a training program for emerging and experienced civic activists on non-violent and creative activism. The training was led by the founders and leaders of the Center for Applied Nonviolent Actions and Strategies (CANVAS) with over 20 years of experience in training and mentoring pro-democracy activists from more than 50 countries.
The training brought together 20 activists from Tbilisi, Kakheti, Kvemo Kartli, Ajara, Samegrelo, Svaneti, Guria, Imereti, Racha who worked on diverse issues, such as community development, arts and culture, environmental protection, political freedoms, and others. Many of them had not met each other previously and for many this was the first training of the kind.
Apart from acquiring theoretical knowledge, participants had an opportunity to discuss their upcoming/ongoing civic campaigns and get professional advice from the trainers. The training helped participants reflect on experience and skills they already possessed and identify new opportunities for mobilizing citizens to achieve greater success. It also connected activists from different regions and areas of activism and inspired new partnerships and collaborations. “I acquired very useful skills which I will carry out in practice upon my arrival back to my town. In addition, I met many interesting and good people and think that by uniting together, we can make important changes”, said one training participant.
In the following months, the USAID Civil Society Engagement Program and CANVAS will provide follow-on mentoring to the training participants to help them fine-tune their approaches. The mentoring will be tailor-made depending on the individual needs and interests
