Ida -Liberia

The Initiative for Democratic Alternatives (IDA-Liberia) is a non-profit / national civil society organization established in 2014 by a group of development practitioners in Liberia and the West African sub-region. The organization became operational in 2016. Its main thrust is capacity-building of civil society organizations, individuals, population groups and organizations alike—particularly those involved in policy advocacy, leadership and governance in the democracy and development arena in order to strengthen their capacities at all levels. This effort is focused on empowering these stakeholders to be more competent and proactive, and to serve as drivers of innovative democratic alternatives in Liberia. IDA's establishment revolves primarily on the principle that there is a dire need to have a neutral platform that mobilizes national and international opinion and resources for democratic development. It is particularly geared to providing an independent space to critically reflect on the challenges posed to the democratization and development processes in post-conflict Liberia. IDA believes that the people who understand their needs best are the ones to take the lead in transforming their lives, and these are the people in the communities themselves. Additionally, the Initiative is focused on policy reform, research, women's empowerment and youth entrepreneur development as a framework for building democratic governance, social security, people-centered development and human rights. The founders of IDA are committed to working for the consolidation of participatory and democratic governance within and beyond the boundaries of Liberia—particularly the Mano River Basin and West Africa. The organization is intended to function as the leading center of excellence, delivering cutting-edge services to empower democratic institutions and citizens, and enhance their ability to seek needed and feasible alternatives for our democratic advancement and the sustainability of democratic governance and equitable development in Liberian society. Essentially, the Initiative seeks to promote sustainable democracies in the West African sub-region by working with stakeholders to provide democratic alternatives that consolidate democracy and advance the process in the entire region. As an advocacy platform, IDA plays a diverse role in promoting participation in civil society in the pursuit of democracy and good governance in Liberia's post-war recovery and reconstruction process.
Social Link - Linkedin: http://www. linkedin.com/company /ida-liberia
Keywords: civic & social organizations