Civic Activism as a Novel Component of Armenian Civil Society

Table 3. NGO involvement in civic activism
Level of
involvement
Minimal involvement Moderate involvement Active involvement
Civic Initiative
Types of
Activities
Dem Em; Electric
Yerevan
- publicise the case;
- fact-finding
Afrikyan
- court litigation;
- logistics;
- participation in
demonstrations
Teghut; Maternity Leave
- court litigation;
- logistics;
- coordination;
- participation in
demonstrations;
- legal consulting;
- fact-finding
Those activists who have experience interacting with NGOs usually describe it as
positive and useful. As we observed, leading activists are often also NGO members (currently or
in the past). Many of them mentioned NGO affiliation or work as part of the story of how they
became involved in civic activism. Many activists, however, have dismissive or negative
attitudes towards NGOs, as discussed below.
NGO leaders and members describe their interaction with activists as positive and
fruitful. NGOs have financial resources, whereas activists have human resources. According to
NGO members, the two groups coming together benefits the larger society. The majority of
NGO leaders and members interviewed recall examples of successful cooperation between the
two groups, describing the cooperation as “a natural development.” NGOs see their role as
professionals guiding and providing support to civic activists.
Some NGO interviewees noted difficulties in cooperation between the two groups due to
a lack of consensus and mutual understanding. They lamented a certain amount of
“conspiratorial thinking” regarding who does what and represents who. This (in the words of one
NGO leader) has become a social disease, reflecting the overall deficit of social trust.
6.2. How do NGOs and Activists Perceive Each Other?
While mutual perceptions are discussed in detail and from various points of view in later
chapters, the main points can be highlighted here, as a summary of the case-based discussion of
NGO-activist relationships. Many activists indicate the importance of distinguishing several
NGOs now operating in the country from the rest. There are some strong and committed
organisations, which should not be judged together with the rest of the sector.
“You need to filter NGOs and understand which ones are pocket NGOs, in the
government’s pocket, which ones are just donor NGOs, doing only donors’, particularly
foreign government donors’ projects, and which ones are NGOs with social interests and
large membership.” Female activist, 32
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