USAID/OTI Venezuela Program Description
Dates of Program: August 2002 - Present
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Background
In August 2002, USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) began implementation of a program in Venezuela to provide critical and timely assistance to maintain democratic stability and strengthen the country's fragile democratic institutions. The OTI Venezuela program operates out of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and is part of a larger U.S. government effort to promote democratic stability in Venezuela.
Program Activities
OTI currently has several implementing partners in Venezuela.
- Development Alternatives Inc. (DAI) –
Begun in August 2002, DAI is implementing a flexible, small-grants program called the "Venezuela Confidence Building Initiative" (VICC in Spanish). The goal of the VICC program is to promote peaceful resolution of the current political crisis through public debate on key issues, support to democratic institutions, and the promotion of citizen participation and democratic leadership. All projects are designed to involve both government and opposition supporters and are open to all, regardless of political leaning.
DAI approved or completed over 220 small grants supporting democracy. The projects are primarily in partnership with local nongovernmental organizations and involve in-kind assistance (goods and services) rather than cash. Examples of projects include:
- A Nationwide Campaign: "Venezuela Convive"
This program consists of television and radio spots and workshops on the theme of convivencia (or peaceful coexistence) in the face of the current politically charged and polarized environment. The campaign is being implemented through a network of more than 250 organizations and 2,500 volunteers in 12 states. The effort is still active a year after being launched and recently received a grant from the World Bank and the Canadian Embassy to work with youths and convivencia.
- The Development of Consensus on a National Plan of Governance
The objective was to provide a nationwide space for dialogue between supporters of President Hugo Chavez and supporters of the opposition once the country was past the August 2004 presidential referendum. This was carried out throughout the country through meetings and local debates focusing on key issues. While a national plan that all could rally around did not emerge, the project resulted in the creation of "the permanent forum on inclusion," which focuses on issues affecting the poor, such as crime and unemployment. The group continues to meet nearly a year later as it works with stakeholders to identify policies and strategies to most effectively deal with critical poverty-related issues.
- Social Impact Projects
These high-profile projects serve to reinforce the favorable impression that most Venezuelans have of the American people and demonstrate the United States Government's solidarity with the global fight against poverty. The projects support such things as inner-city day-care centers, centers for street children, and cancer hospices for children of low-income families.
- International Republican Institute: Began September 2003
- Training candidates, campaign managers and other political party workers on the mechanics of electoral campaigns. Topics include: candidate profiles, message development, get-out-the-vote, day-of-the-vote activities, and understanding relevant electoral laws. As with all of USAID's programs to strengthen political parties, the International Republican Institute offers services to both government and opposition- affiliated parties.
- Prior to the referendum and local elections of 2004, the institute worked with political parties to train party-affiliated election observers from both sides in the rules and regulations associated with electoral events.
- National Democratic Institute: Began September 2003
- Facilitates political-party restructuring and renovation so that parties become political entities reflective of the aspirations of Venezuelan citizens of all economic backgrounds. The National Democratic Institute provides technical assistance on topics such as strategy, message development and outreach. This institute, like the International Republican Institute, offers technical assistance to both government coalition parties and opposition political parties.
- The National Democratic Institute also supports the institutionalization of a domestic electoral-observation organization that is widely viewed as credible and nonpartisan.
- Freedom House: Began September 2004
To expose Venezuelan human rights organizations and practitioners to successful strategies employed by human rights defenders in other countries and to increase their institutional capacity. Training events are held in Latin American countries with a history of strong human rights activism and respected human rights organizations.
- Pan American Development Foundation: Began September 2005
The foundation supports already existing civil society organizations that work on a variety of issues, including human rights, freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and legislative- and judicial-system monitoring. Nongovernmental organizations are key institutions in a vibrant civil society that is central to any democracy. USAID supports civil society organizations throughout the hemisphere and the world.
For further information, please contact:
In Washington, Russel Porter, OTI Team Leader, 202-712-0730, rporter@usaid.gov
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