SOCIAL JUSTICE NGO

Social Justice NGO specializes in the rehabilitation activities for juvenile and adult prisoners, as well as recently released inmates. The mission of the organization is based upon restoring social justice within the society by investing in criminal justice reforms in the Republic of Armenia, as well as implementing reforms to help former convicts to integrate as full members of the society.

Typical Volunteer Tasks: Volunteers can conduct research and comparative analysis within the criminal justice, juvenile justice, and restorative justice fields, with a focus on identifying best practices and innovative approaches to rehabilitation and reintegration. Additionally, they may conduct comparative analyses between the criminal justice systems of Armenia and their home countries, facilitating cross-cultural learning and exchange of ideas, as well as participate  in ongoing projects of the organization, providing hands-on support and contributing to project outcomes.

OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR DIASPORA AFFAIRS

The Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs is responsible for developing and implementing the strategies and policies for all Armenia-Diaspora relations, supporting and encouraging repatriation, ensuring an active integration process, mapping the Diaspora’s potential, and implementing programs to integrate the Diaspora into every aspect of Armenian life.

Typical Volunteer Tasks:  Volunteers will conduct research on topics relevant to Armenia-Diaspora relations, repatriation, integration processes, and Diaspora potential, in addition to completing and editing writing tasks such as drafting reports, policy briefs, and informational materials, translating documents and materials between Armenian and other languages, facilitating communication and engagement with diverse audiences both within Armenia and across the Diaspora.

THE ARMENIAN PROJECT

The Armenian Project was founded in 2020 by a group of Armenian scientists and specialists with the mission of developing the human capital of Armenia and thereby contributing to the formation of a national civil society in order to strengthen the statehood of Armenia.

Typical Volunteer Tasks:  Volunteers assist in reviewing and refining written materials, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and coherence in reports, articles, and other publications produced by the organization. Volunteers may also engage in field research, conducting interviews, surveys, or observations to gather firsthand insights and perspectives on key issues impacting Armenia’s development. They additionally perform data analysis, translate documents as needed, and analyze information to support research initiatives and inform policy recommendations, while simultaneously supporting event organization and management.

THE WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER ARMENIA (WRCA)

The Women’s Resource Center Armenia stands as the first resource center established in Armenia for young women. WRCA is working in the area of women’s rights, human rights, reproductive and sexual rights, sexual violence and women’s role in the conflict resolution and peace building. WRCA’s main goal is to give women the necessary tools and empower them to become active citizens of the Armenian community, through education and support. For further information, you can explore the following blog posts: Blog 1, Blog 2.

Typical Volunteer Tasks: Typical volunteer tasks at WRCA include teaching English language classes and participating in the “Art and Activism” program, offering an opportunity for volunteers interested in human rights and women’s rights to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s mission. 

PATH OF LAW

Path of Law is engaged in conducting, monitoring and advocating for human rights, developing well-founded and evidence-based public policy, removing obstacles to the realization of fundamental rights and freedoms of the residents of the Artsakh Republic. Additionally, the organization is committed to promoting the implementation of international commitments and obligations in combating corruption and fostering legal culture. In addition, the “Path of Law” NGO provides legal advice on civil and administrative issues to socially vulnerable people. Currently, Path of Law is actively involved in supporting war prisoners of the Artsakh conflict.

Typical Volunteer Tasks:  Typical volunteer tasks include conducting legal research, interviewing victims and their families, participating in the preparation of legal cases, and assisting in the development of reports for international human rights organizations. Through various assigned tasks, volunteers contribute to the promotion of human rights, access to justice, and accountability especially with regard to the Artsakh War. For further insights into volunteering in the field of law and specifically with Path of Law, you can find additional information in the following blog posts: Blog 1, Blog 2, Blog 3, Blog 4, Blog 5.

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER’S OFFICE OF RA

The office of the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia, also known as the Ombudsman’s Office, was established by law in October 2003 with the mission to protect and restore human rights and fundamental freedoms across the country. For further insights into opportunities to advocate for human rights in Armenia and the experiences of volunteers, you may find valuable information in this blog post.

Typical Volunteer Tasks: Volunteers can assist the International Relations Department with the preparation of annual reports to different institutions that the RA Ombudsman is obligated to report to annually, conduct comparative legal analysis, which involves researching international law and best practices related to various topics, such as the anticipated new draft of the law on disabilities or any draft anti-discrimination law. This analysis helps inform policy decisions and legal reforms in Armenia, writing reviews of existing laws and draft laws, contributing to the evaluation and improvement of legal frameworks related to human rights protection.

WOMEN’S SUPPORT CENTER (WSC)

WSC creates a safe and confidential environment for healing and recovery — a place where women receive support, empathy, and the knowledge that they are not alone in their struggles. Women are provided with practical learning about domestic violence, as well as counseling that bolsters self-esteem and confidence. The Center offers a hotline, walk-in services, legal and psychological counseling, representation in court trials for criminal proceedings, divorce, or child custody, training sessions, help in dealing with police and social services departments, and assistance with setting up a new life for the survivor and her children. The Women’s Support Center also runs the only shelter in the country. Check out the impactful experiences AVC volunteers have had with the Center: Blog 1, Blog 2, Blog 3.

Typical Volunteer Tasks: Volunteer opportunities at the Center include social work assistance to provide additional support and guidance to women in need, conducting research contributing to the understanding of domestic violence and effective intervention strategies, photography work to document the work the Center does, graphic design for educational materials, yoga or massage sessions to promote stress relief for the members of the Center.

CAUCASUS RESEARCH RESOURCE CENTER (CRRC) ARMENIA FOUNDATION

CRRC is a network of resource, research, and training centers established in the capital cities of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia with the goal of strengthening social science research and public policy analysis in the South Caucasus. Check out the following blog regarding our volunteer’s research experience in Armenia.

Typical Volunteer Tasks: Volunteers contribute to the development of blog posts on various topics related to social science research, public policy analysis, and regional issues. These posts aim to disseminate knowledge and stimulate discussion within the communities. Volunteers assist in the preparation, review, and editing of various written materials, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and coherence in English-language publications. They also help with organizing and managing events hosted by CRRC, including workshops, seminars, and conferences, as well as support public relations efforts and communication strategies to enhance the organization’s visibility and outreach. During their time at CRRC, volunteers also have the opportunity to conduct research and analysis on specific topics of interest, gathering relevant data and information to support CRRC’s research initiatives and projects.

PUBLIC INFORMATION AND NEED OF KNOWLEDGE (PINK) NGO

In the sphere of human rights protection, PINK Armenia promotes the ideas of equality and acceptance of vulnerable groups. They encourage cultural sensitivity, appreciation of diversity, and elimination of all kinds of discrimination, specifically focusing on youth and  marginalized groups (LGBT, women and girls, victims of sexual abuse, sex workers, injecting drug users, and migrants).

Typical Volunteer Tasks:  Volunteers may assist in training sessions on gender issues and the LGBT community, aiming to raise awareness and promote understanding among various stakeholders, provide support for the organization of public events, including workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns, to advocate for the rights and well-being of vulnerable groups, contribute to the creation of materials for the organization’s electronic magazine, which serves as a platform for sharing stories, insights, and resources related to human rights and social justice, coordinating movie and English clubs, offering opportunities for community engagement, education, and cultural exchange, assist with translation tasks, including translating materials from Armenian to English and vice versa, conduct research on various topics relevant to the organization’s mission..