Strengthening Democratic Institutions

            Heartland International is committed to fostering democratic values in a complex and ever-changing world. In a very short period of time, the world has witnessed the emergence of fledgling democracies in Central and Eastern Europe, and is now witnessing tremendous economic, political, and social change in Russia and the NIS. Countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America are rewriting their constitutions, changing to multi-party systems and allowing opposition groups to have greater voice in their own governance.  

            Heartland International has designed and implemented numerous programs to strengthen emerging democratic institutions. Among these are training programs for:

  ·        Members of Parliament from Thailand, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya focusing on the election process, campaign strategies, the role of political parties within a multi-party system and standards of official conduct;  

·        Journalists from Mexico, examining the structure and operation of the U.S. criminal justice system, and the range of perspectives on what constitutes justice and the historical factors that help shape those views;  

·        Educators and NGO leaders from Ethiopia, Namibia, Tanzania, and Uganda on the development of a comprehensive Civic Education Program;  

·        Mayors and city administrators from Croatia studying the daily operations of small, rural municipalities and examining sustainable economic development projects at the local level;  

·        NGO leaders from Bosnia focusing on the development of viable advocacy campaigns.