Initiative for Democratic Alternatives -IDA-LIBERIA

Our Mission

Mission Statement To generate knowledge and enhance the capacity of citizens and organizations to influence public policy choices in order to consolidate democracy and good governance in Liberia. OUR VISION: We envision a society where IDA is the leading think tank in Liberia advocating for democracy. Gathering and sharing knowledge to promote feasible democratic alternatives that nurture sustainable development and promote a free, just and prosperous society

Programs

IDA's activities and programs are guided by the Institute's vision, set of core valves, and standard operating procedures, all of which embody the ethos of the Institute as envision in its mission statement. We recognize the importance of adherence to international best practices, and making use of lessons from other situations and context in the development and execution of policy and programs. Nonetheless, each of the institute's program and activities shall be informed by local reality, taking into account the specific situation, context and resources.

Capacity Building for Civil Society, Public and Private Sector Institutions: IDA has developed an approach that provides tailored and specialized capacity enhancement programs aimed at strengthening the overall structures and capacities of civil society and private sector institutions. This is the core of our initiative-strengthening the operational and technical capacities of institutions and professionals to meet the growing demand within our emerging democracy. IDA believes in and promotes the exchange of knowledge, skills and experience as a means of encouraging human capital empowerment, a prerequisite for democratic development in Liberia.

Citizen Engagement and Policy Reform: IDA upholds a practical approach to policy engagement and reform processes, which can be used as a model for policy advocacy and engagement in Liberia. The organization's approach is based on providing a space and a platform for citizens, civil society and other actors to dialogue with policymakers on issues affecting them.

Our aim is to convene policymakers, service providers, citizens and other development stakeholders to play an influential role in policy.

Fueling Civil Society-Private and Public Sector Partnerships: IDA believes that private, public and civil society sectors have to work in tandem to play mutually inclusive and beneficial roles in strengthening and sustaining democratic development in Liberia's post-recovery program. IDA's, approach is based on providing a neutral multi-stakeholder space for engagement with civil society and other stakeholders in service delivery, and to contribute to ongoing development in Liberia.

Peace-Building and Local Governance: IDA-Liberia believes that peace-building and local governance are critical components of state-building processes-especially in countries that have experienced sustained violence over the years, such as Liberia and countries in the Mano River Basin. After over a decade of violent conflict, local governments have found themselves facing enormous challenges, both human and capital. And we believe this should be the heartbeat of community recovery program.

For stability and development, it is necessary to improve and maintain citizen's security, to ingrate women, youth and ex-combatant participation in decision-making processes in the local community and, in this manner, to overcome existing divisions within the society. A very critical issues to focus on is addressing citizens' access to basic infrastructure and social services such as improved roads, clean water, well-equipped schools and comprehensive healthcare as well as providing ample and viable economic opportunities. Local authorities will often need to regain the trust of their population in setting development agendas and priorities. IDA-Liberia believes the challenges and issues of peace-building and governance can be addressed on the ground with proper designed programs and projects that are geared toward strengthening the capacities of citizens and local officials at community level.