Call For Applications - Youth Led Advocacy

About DRI

Democracy Reporting International (DRI) is a non-partisan, independent, not-for-profit organisation registered in Berlin. DRI promotes the political participation of citizens, accountability of state bodies, and the development of democratic institutions worldwide. Democratic discourse is the basis of our mission and vision. In our work, we facilitate discussion and exchange about democratic government and the need for a continuous discourse adhering to democratic rules.  

DRI has been active in Lebanon since 2016. We strengthen democracy by bringing it closer to people through effective local governance, improved transparency, and citizen participation. Our work in Lebanon focuses on three areas:

• Empowering civil society, notably youths and women, to participate actively in political life and elections, increasing their representation in decision-making positions.
• Promoting good governance, public integrity, and the rule of law.
• Increasing engagement between people and local authorities to help improve how public services are delivered and cooperation between different levels of government.

About the Project

The project “Localising political reform in Lebanon: Supporting local governments and civil society to effect change in their communities” contributes to setting the political reform agenda through building a community of change makers at the national and local level. The project aims at equipping reform-minded public officials and civil society actors with the tools and resources to gain increased influence on public institutions and local communities, ultimately pushing for policy reforms along the principles of inclusivity, accountability, and good governance.

Considering the crucial importance of including young people in this process, the project supports youth-led advocacy dynamics through political debates and the funding of awareness-raising activities led by young activists and advocacy groups. These activities are designed to engage students, democracy advocates, and young change-makers with public officials and to promote political reform.

 
The Call for Partnerships

DRI is seeking to partner with youth-led civil society organisations (CSOs) from all geographical areas in Lebanon to support advocacy initiatives in favour of political reform.

Applicants should propose debates that engage students, democracy advocates, and young change-makers with public officials and support them to reclaim the political arena.

The concept notes must propose activities that address at least one of the thematic areas below:

• Increasing the participation of women, young people, and/or vulnerable or disadvantaged groups in the local community.
• Strengthening the capacity of public bodies to provide public services and to better serve their population.
• Curbing corruption through the implementation of Access to Information, Digital Transformation, the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, or the new Public Procurement Law.

We are interested in collaborating with advocacy platforms, campaigns, networks, university clubs, and communities that bring together students, young activists, and young professionals from various backgrounds to discuss innovative solutions to Lebanon’s problems.

The project concept notes must develop the following information:

• Two political debates. The latter’s expenses shall be covered by DRI (Catering and Venue Rental expenses)
• At least two hands-on activities that spark audience awareness and help youth-led groups to “walk the talk” and implement advocacy ideas that cater to a young audience of activists using original formats, such as exhibitions, public debates, conferences, and more.
• Applicants should mention the objective of the project, targeted audience(s), methodology/approach, expected results, detailed activities, with a budget breakdown for each activity.

Once the required documents are submitted, shortlisting of successful applicants shall take place. The shortlisted organisations will be invited to present their concept notes and project ideas in a presentation format for DRI team at our local office in Beirut.