The Institute for Activism and Social Change is a nongovernmental, non partisan and non political organization that is founded in 2018 and officially registered by Court Decision no.6150, dated 31.01.2019 in the Tirana District Court, and tax Identification number L91420451O.
The organization’s mission is based upon the belief that more inclusive, empathetic and resilient societies can fight growing mistrust and social polarization, bring equality and respect for diversities.
Setting out the above long-term vision, the organization is characterized by its focus on addressing three conditions outlined, namely: “independence”, as a guarantee of its credibility and legitimacy; “visibility”, to ensure the organization is identifiable with a place that is clearly visible and understandable; and “sufficient financial and administrative resources”, given the scale of challenges of bridging diversities.
IANS comes with a team of well known experts in the field of human rights that has been able to articulate its priority strategic pillars:
- Advocacy and Research:
- Develop pro-active approach to embed intercultural dialogue policies at the local and national levels based on gathering of empirical data and platform for media dialogue.
- Youth Voice and Exchange:
- Create opportunities for youth-led dialogue that generates alternative narratives, and provides next generations with the skills to build together more open, resilient communities.
- Intercultural Learning and local powers:
- Enhance, embed and multiply intercultural dialogue capabilities of the different actors at local, national and cross-national level, with strategic focus on broadening intercultural learning
- Networking and Cooperation:
- Facilitate collaborations and partnerships, map priority areas of intervention and synergies among dialogue actors, and support collective visible actions.
The organizational programs and interventions are built on core principles adopted by the Board and aligned founding acts and statute. They are: Quality, as a basis for long-term impact and stream-lining our programming; Evidence-base, through leveraging data and research as the basis for defining objectives and outputs; Distinctive Strengths, by focusing on well know experts and activities that strengthen assets that the Institute offers; Partnerships, that can bring innovation, influence and income generation to our programs development; Visibility, through embedding communication at the start of programming processes; Sustainability, that is central to our long-term goals and mission.
Priority areas of action
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Programs |
Challenges |
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Skills development for dialogue and debate
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Policy recommendations |
Advocacy and Research |
A contexts of continuous development |
Resource network of multi professional experts
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Academic innovations |
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Networks of youth ambassadors for dialogue
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Leadership capacity and opportunities |
Youth Voice and Exchange |
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
EU Integration Process |
Policy platforms |
Cross-border cooperation
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Networking and Cooperation |
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Support to civil society networks |
Media dialogue |
Intercultural Learning and local powers |
Partnerships for for Goal
Media as the 4th power |
IANS is receiving support by the Dutch Embassy, AWEN Network, Leviz Albania, Westminster Foundation, Open Society Institute and Swiss Embassy.
IANS is an accredited organization by the National Professional Medical training Centre (QKEV) with a program that includes 25 credits and dedicated to Stress Management for Patients suffering from HIV/AIDS.
IANS has developed two accredited Training manuals for Rehabilitation of returned persons and Management of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
IANS is actually cooperating with Dutch organization ANTARES, Dutch Helsiki Committes, ODIHR on impact of violence to victims of hate crime
IANS has been supported by WHO Country Office through two programs, 1) dedicated to assessment of the mental health integration into primary health care and legal review of the legislation on medicines.
IANS was invited to participate in the Lugano Mental Health Summer Academy, organized by Swiss Cooperation Fund.
IANS has Memorandums of Understanding with the General Prisons Directorate, Albanian State Police, Police Academy and Ministry of Health and Social Protection.