U.S. Ambassador Hosts Second Series of Civil Society Forums on the Values of Democracy and Election Reforms
(Abuja, Monday May 19, 2009)

Ambassador Robin Sanders making remarks at the NGO Forum in Abuja, May 19, 2009| FULL SIZE

Representatives from over 45 civil society organizations on May 19, participated in a forum on "Electoral Reform: Building Strong Coalitions and Using New Media Tools" hosted by U.S. Ambassador Robin Renée Sanders.  The practical roundtable discussion featured a presentation by visiting expert Dr. Julie Sullivan on the role of civil society in a democracy and how to build strong coalitions – including with youth, women and people with disabilities.   Dr. Sullivan is President and CEO of the International Foundation for Education and Self-Help (IFESH).  IFESH is the implementing partner for the USAID CALAM project, which focuses on conflict management and abatement.

Addressing participants, Ambassador Sanders praised civil society as an important partner in the continued growth of Nigeria's democracy.  "We recognize the important role civil society brings to advancing democracy in Nigeria; however, election reform is something Nigerians must do for Nigeria.  We can help, but Nigeria must be in the lead.  I welcome this chance to listen to your views on developments affecting democracy in Nigeria and for the opportunity to provide training on the new media tools that can help with democracy outreach efforts."  Similar Civil Society Forums are planned for Lagos and other parts of the country.

During the Forum, the U.S. Mission's Information Resource Officer Linda Parker trained civil society participants on the new media tools – from Podcasts to Facebook, Twitter and other emerging new media – which help organizations working at the grass roots level promote democracy, better elections processes, and help with voter outreach.