DemocracyNews
Monthly Electronic Newsletter of the World Movement for Democracy

April 2006

CONTENTS

ALERTS
1. Committee for Asian Women Issues an Appeal in Support of Democratic Movement in Nepal
2. World Movement Participant, Edil Baisalov, Assaulted in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
3. World Movement for Democracy Convenes Fourth Assembly in Istanbul, Turkey
4. "What's Being Done on... Human Rights and Democracy in Turkey?"
5. World Movement Participant Stopped from Leaving Singapore to Attend World Movement Assembly
6. Burmese American Democratic Alliance Nominates Aung San Suu Kyi for U.N. Secretary General and Seeks Endorsements for this Nomination
7. US Campaign for Burma National Conference, Washington, DC, April 29-30, 2006
8. Vietnamese Democracy Activists Demand Rights to Freedom of Political Association

CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING
9. Resource: Non-Governmental Organization Management Toolkit
10. Resource: Developing and Managing a Web site

CONFLICT RESOLUTION
11. Center for Peace and Democracy Expands Operations in Somalia

DECENTRALIZATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
12. New Publication on Participatory Budgeting

ECONOMIC REFORM AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR
13. CIPE's Economic Reform Feature Articles Draws on Lessons from Slovakia's Transition

ELECTIONS
14. Civil Society Under Attack Following Flawed Elections in Belarus
15. Report: "Belarus after Election: The Naked Dictator"
16. IFES Launches Updated Election Guide Resource
17. "Blanket Day" Reaches Out to New Orleans Voters
18. Amman Center for Human Rights Offers Training on Election Monitoring in Syria

HUMAN RIGHTS
19. Conference: North Korean Human Rights and Refugees in Bergen, Norway, May 9-11, 2006
20. Reebok Human Rights Award Program Seeks Nominations for 2007
21. Call for Applications: Distance Learning Courses on Human Rights and Related Fields

INTERNATIONAL DEMOCRACY ASSISTANCE AND SOLIDARITY
22. Volunteer Opportunities in NGOs Worldwide

LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND ASSISTANCE
23. Israel Democracy Institute Pushes Creation of Constitution for Israel

POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH
24. Global Youth Action Network Releases Annual Report and Re-launches Web Site
25. Report: Youth Engaged in Service - A Strategy for Promoting Democracy

RULE OF LAW
26. Defending the Judges' Independence and Their Freedoms of Expression and Association in Arab World

TRANSPARENCY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION
27. Transparency International Launches Electronic Newsletter, Transparency Watch

WOMEN'S ISSUES
28. Women's Learning Partnership Launches New Web Site

29. WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING NETWORKS, ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE

ALERTS

1.Committee for Asian Women Issues an Appeal in Support of Democratic Movement in Nepal
The Committee for Asian Women (CAW), based in Thailand, appeals to the international community to extend its support and solidarity to the democratic movements in Nepal. During the past two weeks, a mass struggle, called by all the democratic forces in Nepal, has brought thousands of protesters from all walks of life to the streets of all major cities. This latest turmoil in Nepal has its roots in the decision of King Gyanendra to sack his government and assume direct powers back in February 2005. The government has responded to the protests with a massive crackdown, which resulted in many injuries, imprisonments, and deaths. The CAW urges democracy activist around the world to write letters of solidarity in support of the democratic forces of Nepal.

To view the statement by CAW and a sample letter of your support, go to: www.cawinfo.org/Article250.html?POSTNUKESID=e022a5760de0bd38c56fab9dc1642be4

2. World Movement Participant, Edil Baisalov, Assaulted in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyz human rights activist and participant in the Fourth Assembly of the World Movement in Istanbul, Turkey, in April, 2006, was severely attacked in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on April 12, 2006 by an unidentified assailant. He sustained a closed cerebral fracture, concussion, and a contusion. According to the Kyrgyz Ministry of Health his condition is "relatively satisfactory." Baisilov has been an outspoken critic of organized crime and corruption. On April 8, he led an estimated 2,000 people in a peaceful march that called for law and order in the country and protested the growth of organized crime and attempts by criminal groups to gain access to political power. The World Movement for Democracy expresses its solidarity with Baisalov and urges the Kyrgyz authorities to conduct a fair and open investigation to determine who the perpetrators of this attack were and bring them to justice.

For more information, go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4909154.stm http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/04/14/kyrgyz13174.htm
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1103AP_Kyrgyzstan_Activist.html
http://democracy.blogsome.com/2006/04/14/edil-baisalov-attacked/
http://www.ihf-hr.org/viewbinary/viewhtml.php?doc_id=6758

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS

3. Over 600 Democracy Activists and Practitioners Gather at the Fourth Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy in Istanbul, Turkey, on April 2-5
The World Movement for Democracy's Fourth Assembly, entitled "Advancing Democracy: Justice, Pluralism, and Participation," took place in Istanbul, Turkey, on April 2-5. Two Turkish partner organizations-the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV, www.tesev.org.tr) and the Helsinki Citizens Assembly, Turkey (HCA, www.hyd.org.tr) worked with the World Movement Secretariat to organize the Assembly.

The Assembly opened with three speakers: former Canadian Prime Minister Kim Campbell, who currently heads the Club of Madrid; Anwar Ibrahim, former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia; and Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayypip Erdogan. Approximately 600 participants from nearly 120 countries took part in over 40 practical workshops focused on regional challenges, areas of democracy work, and building networks across borders. The Assembly also featured three plenary sessions focusing on "Restrictive Laws and Other Government Pressure on NGOs: How Can Democracy NGOs and the Assistance Community Meet the Challenges?," "Empowering Women to Fulfill Their Roles in a Democratic Society," and "Developing Viable Democratic Arenas in Muslim Societies."

At the Assembly's closing John B. Hurford Memorial Dinner, the World Movement presented its Democracy Courage Tributes to democracy activists in Vietnam, democracy movements in Uzbekistan, civil society of Nepal, and the Crimean Tatars and their Mejlis (Parliament). The honorees, chosen by the World Movement's Steering Committee, have all shown exceptional courage in their work for freedom and democracy, often struggling in isolation and against some of the most difficult challenges to democracy and human rights. "Through these tributes, the World Movement sends a message of solidarity to our colleagues in Nepal, Vietnam, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan," said Xiao Qiang, a human rights advocate from China and the Vice Chair of the World Movement Steering Committee. "These people have taken enormous risks and made significant sacrifices to stand for the principles of democracy and human rights. They remind us all of the importance of supporting one another in our work, even in the face of overwhelming obstacles."

The final report of the Assembly will be published in July/August 2006.

Go to: www.wmd.org/fourth_assembly/main.html

4. "What's Being Done on... Human Rights and Democracy in Turkey?"
In anticipation of its Fourth Assembly, which took place in Istanbul, Turkey, on April 2-5, the World Movement devoted its latest installment of "What's Being Don On...?," released in March 2006, to the subject of "Democracy and Human Rights in Turkey." The istallment explores how organizations in the country utilize different approaches to promote democratic values. This installment features a list of several groups to illustrate the work being done. In addition, this installment features interviews with the representatives of three Turkish organizations, including the ARI Movement, an organization that promotes youth participation in democracy; Flying Broom, a national women's organization that aspires to strengthen the women's movement in the country; and TUMIKOM, a grassroots parliamentary monitoring network with chapters throughout most of Turkey.

Go to: www.wmd.org/wbdo/turkey/wbdoturkey.html

5. World Movement Participant Stopped from Leaving Singapore to Attend World Movement Assembly
Chee Soon Juan, secretary-general of the Singapore Democratic Party, was stopped by the Singapore authorities at the airport while waiting to board the plane to Istanbul where he would be attending the Fourth Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy. The authorities also impounded his passport as he had failed to draw up a plan to pay libel damages to two former premiers. In the statement, issued on April 2, 2006, Dr. Chee claimed that the government was "nervous about my continuing action to garner international support for the democracy movement in Singapore and to tell the world about the repressive habits of the PAP (People's Action Party, the ruling party in Singapore)." Dr. Chee is a participant of the World Movement for Democracy, and is a member of Steering Committees of the Alliance for Reform and Democracy in Asia (ARDA) and of World Forum for Democratization in Asia (WFDA).

Go to: www.singaporedemocrat.org/articlecheeWMDistanbul1.html

6. The Burmese American Democratic Alliance Nominates Aung San Suu Kyi for Secretary General and Seeks Endorsements for this Nomination
The Burmese American Democratic Alliance (BADA) seeks endorsements for its nomination of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for the position of the U.N. Secretary General. On March 11, 2006, at the 2006 Human Rights Day Benefit, BADA announced its nomination of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for United Nations Secretary General and launched the "Draft the Lady" campaign encouraging U.N. member-governments to support Daw Aung San Suu Kyi 's candidacy. BADA's statement asserts that "no other Asian candidate for this leadership position has the universal prestige and recognition of this Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is an easily identified international icon for democratic values and human rights norms. Her election would bring new vitality, respect, and legitimacy to the United Nations."

To send endorsement, email: info@aungsansuukyi.com

7. US Campaign for Burma National Conference, Washington, DC, April 29-30, 2006
The US Campaign for Burma invites participants to its Annual National Conference on Burma. hundreds of international human rights leaders, leading academics, grassroots & student activists, and USCB members from around the country in a two-day conference in Washington, DC on April 29-30, 2006. The conference will consist of keynote speakers, informative panels on the current situation in Burma, and collaborative workshops to plan for the future.

For more information and to register, go to: http://uscampaignforburma.org/action/action.html

8. Vietnamese Democracy Activists Demand Rights to Freedom of Political Association
On April 6, 2006, democracy activists in Vietnam issued an appeal stating that the country suffers from the one-party totalitarian rule of the Communist Party. The statement called for political activism and the promotion of human and civil rights, including the right to form political parties and engage in political activities. The appeal was signed by 116 activists in Vietnam.

To read the appeal, go to: www.viettan.org/article.php3?id_article=2170

CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING

9. Resource: Non-Governmental Organization Management Toolkit
The Southern African NGO Network (SANGONeT) provides a Management Toolkit for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). This Toolkit aims to cover the full spectrum of strategic, tactical, and operational issues that confront those in key decision-making positions within an NGO. Each section of the Tool Kit focuses on particular aspect of NGO management, such as starting an NGO, sustainability, organizational development, and fundraising. The tool kit also includes case studies on management, and interview with donors. SANGONeT is an NGO in Africa involved in the field of information communication technologies (ICTs). It provides a wide range of ICT products and services for civil society.

Go to:
http://sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=121&Itemid=170

10. Resource: Developing and Managing a Web site
Tanmia, the portal of the development community in Morocco, has launched a Web site to help civil society organizations develop and manage professional-quality Web sites adapted to their needs. The Web site features a multilingual interface (French/Arabic), a secure content management feature, a search engine, a discussion forum, and a choice of several graphic interfaces.

Go to: www.tanmia.ma/article.php3?id_article=4492&lang=fr.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

11. Center for Peace and Democracy Expands Operations in Somalia
The Center for Peace and Democracy (CPD), a Somali non-profit civil society institution, is expanding its operations. CPD works to strengthen the civil society in Somalia, to empower women, protect human rights, establish good governance practices, raise HIV/AIDS awareness among the population, and enhance peace building efforts in the country. The group is currently working in the central and southern regions of Somalia and plans to expand even further to cover the whole territory of Somalia. One of the most recent activities of the CPD is the two-day workshop in conflict resolution, held on March 15, 2006. The workshop brought together community elders, local authority administrators, and members of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG).

Go to: www.cpdsomalia.blogspot.com/

DECENTRALIZATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

12. New Publication on Participatory Budgeting
The Center for Civil Society at Partners of the Americas released a new book entitled INVOLVING CITIZENS IN PUBLIC BUDGETS: MECHANISMS FOR TRANSPARENT AND PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING. The publication is a compilation of case studies from the Transparency in the Americas grant program, which worked with ten Latin American civil society organizations to implement new and innovative projects aimed at opening public budgeting processes to citizen participation and creating mechanisms for greater budget transparency. The book includes case studies and lessons learned, as well as a substantial introduction to participatory and transparent budgeting, a tool used to ensure that citizens are informed and involved in their local government's spending.

To order a copy, go to: www.partners.net (click on publications under the news tab)

or contact: centerpublications@partners.net

ECONOMIC REFORM AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR

13. CIPE's Economic Reform Feature Articles Draws on Lessons from Slovakia's Transition
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) recently published a presentation by Dr. Jan Oravec entitled, "What Can We Learn from Slovakia's Transition," as part of the CIPE's Economic Reform Feature Service. This article was originally presented at a conference organized by CIPE and its partners the Institute for Competitive Society (ICS) and the Ukrainian Center for Independent Political Research (UCIPR), on November 14-15, 2005. The purpose of the conference was to bring together over 180 representatives of Ukraine's private sector to discuss common priorities and the importance of advocating for the business community's needs during this important time of economic and democratic reform. In his presentation at the conference, Dr. Oravec outlined Slovakia's transition experience and offered his suggestions for how to improve the business environment in Ukraine.

Go to: www.cipe.org/pdf/publications/fs/032106.pdf

ELECTIONS

14. Civil Society under Attack Following Flawed Elections in Belarus
In an alert issued on March 31, 2006, CIVICUS released a statement condemning the widespread arrests and detention of political and civil society activists following the recent presidential elections in Belarus. CIVICUS urges the Government of Belarus to release immediately and unconditionally all imprisoned activists and end violations of freedom of association, assembly, and expression. According to reports by VIASNA, a human rights center in Belarus, a recorded 480 people had been arrested and were being detained as of March 28, although other sources claim close to 600 could be in prison. Observers estimate over 20,000 protesters participated in peaceful demonstrations in Minsk on March 19, the official Election Day, and thousands of others have taken to the streets since then.

Go to: www.civicus.org/csw/Belarus-alert.htm

15. Report: "Belarus after Election: The Naked Dictator"
"Belarus after Election: The Naked Dictator," prepared by the Minsk-based Center for Political Education and commissioned by the Bratislava-based Pontis Foundation, summarizes the March events, draws conclusions from the reaction of authorities and the opposition, and outlines the possible development for Belarus for the beginning of the third term of Alexander Lukashenka.

Go to: www.wmd.org/documents/april2006-CPE_Pontis_BelarusAfterElections.pdf

16. IFES Launches Updated Election Guide Resource
IFES launched a new version of ElectionGuide.org to provide a continuously updated, interactive and searchable database on international elections. ElectionGuide.org offers election dates, poll results, and political profiles for 213 countries and territories covering from 1998 to the present. It is designed to be a research tool for journalists, election practitioners, scholars, and anyone with an interest in global political affairs. IFES is an international nonprofit organization that supports the building of democratic societies.

Go to: www.electionguide.org

17. "Blanket Day" Reaches Out to New Orleans Voters
On April 15,2006, IFES and students from universities in New Orleans conducted a campaign informing voters about where their polling sites are for the upcoming municipal elections. Many polling sites have changed because of damage from hurricanes Katrina and Rita, which could cause confusion on the upcoming Election Day, April 22. "Blanket Day" was an effort to reach out to voters who do not have access to newspapers, broadcast media,.or the Internet.

Go to: www.sos.louisiana.gov/elections/elections-index.htm

18. Amman Center for Human Rights Offers Training on Election Monitoring in Syria
Amman Center for Human Rights Studies (ACHRS) held its first training course on Election Monitoring for Syrian civil society organizations on April 12-15, 2006 in Amman, Jordan. The training course was attended by 15 representatives of 10 Syrian civil society organizations. The training focused on the following topics: International standards of human rights and elections; comparing different electoral systems; the role of media in election monitoring; disabled persons and their participation in elections; and the process of monitoring elections and the role of local observers. This course is the first in a series of training courses on election monitoring and human rights to be held in 2006 and 2007 in Syria.

Go to: www.achrs.org/english/CenterNewsView.asp?CNID=177

HUMAN RIGHTS

19. Conference on North Korean Human Rights and Refugees in Bergen, Norway, May 9-11, 2006
The 7th International Conference on North Korean human rights and refugees entitled, "North Korea - New Approaches," will take place in Bergen, Norway, on May 9 -11. Organized by the Rafto Human Rights House, based in Bergen, and the Citizens' Alliance for North Korean Human Rights, based in Seoul, the conference seeks to contribute to the improvement of the human rights situation in North Korea by raising key issues and bringing these issues to the attention of a wide range of people in the international community, to respond to North Korean human rights challenges by facilitating discussions between people with a variety of views and perspectives, and to develop possible strategies for the road ahead. The organizers anticipate that this conference will ignite new dialogues and approaches to developing effective strategies in improving the human rights situation in North Korea.

Go to: www.nkconference.raftohuset.no

20. Reebok Human Rights Award Program Seeks Nominations for 2007
The Reebok Human Rights Award Program seeks nominations of young human rights activists. Members of the international community of human rights and non-governmental organizations are urged to nominate young men and women to honor for their courage and contributions to further human rights. The award, which seeks to shine a positive, international light on the awardees and to support their work in human rights, provides recipients with a $50,000 grant from the Reebok Human Rights Foundation for the human rights organization of their choice. Candidates must be 30 years of age or younger. They cannot advocate violence or belong to an organization that advocates violence, and they must be working on an issue that directly relates to the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights. All interested individuals are encouraged to make nominations no later than May 31, 2006. Recipients will be selected by December 1, 2006.

Go to: www.reebok.com/x/us/humanRights/text-only/awards/

21. Call for Applications: Distance Learning Courses on Human Rights and Related Fields
Human Rights Education Associates (HREA) organizes short and specialized courses via distance education for human rights advocates and educators, staff of social justice organizations, and development professionals. The following courses will be starting in September, 2006: Human Rights Monitoring; Introduction to the European System of Human Rights Protection and Promotion; and Project Development and Management in the NGO Sector. The application deadline for these courses is June 1, 2006. Course descriptions and application details are available online.

Go to: www.hrea.org/courses/index.html

INTERNATIONAL DEMOCRACY ASSISTANCE AND SOLIDARITY

22. Volunteer Opportunities in NGOs Worldwide
nGoAbroad is a referral service and clearinghouse that custom-fits peoples' skills, interests and goals with international humanitarian needs. Anyone interested in volunteering or working abroad, and has a passionate desire for humanitarian service, is invited to visit the nGoAbroad.com.

For more information email: info@nGoAbroad.com and briefly state your skills, interests and goal). Please also include your resume, embedded NOT attached

LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND ASSISTANCE

23. Israel Democracy Institute Pushes Creation of Constitution for Israel
The Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) has put the issue of creating a constitution for the state of Israel on the national agenda. According to an article on its Web site, legalizing a constitution in Israel will not only protect the rights of minorities, but will help to normalize the region. Since the document was drafted over fifty years after the state was founded, the IDI emphasized the need for broad consensus by the public in order to give widespread legitimacy to this document. IDI believes that a constitution achieved by consensus can help to reduce social rifts, as well as feelings of hostility and the sense of alienation that exist between the various sections of Israeli society.

Go to: www.idi.org.il/english/article.asp?id=2736

POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH

24. Global Youth Action Network Releases Annual Report and Re-launches Web Site
The Global Youth Action Network (GYAN) announced the publication of its 2005 Annual Report. GYAN works to increase youth participation and intergenerational partnership in global decision-making. GYAN also announced the revision of its Web site, soon to be available in Spanish and French. GYAN's Brazil office serves as the secretariat of the World Youth Movement for Democracy.

Go to: www.youthlink.org
To download the report, go to: www.youthlink.org/4gyan/GYAN_AnnualReport2005.pdf

25. Report: Youth Engaged in Service--A Strategy for Promoting Democracy
Innovations in Civic Participation (ICP) released a document that argues for investing in youth service as a strategy for building democracy around the world. The ICP believes that for a democracy to thrive, a nation's youth must be prepared and willing to take their place as active, principled adult citizens. In addition to presenting a comprehensive overview of the relationship between service participation and the development of a democracy, this paper highlights several examples of successful international youth service programs that illustrate this relationship and the particulars of its importance.

Go to: www.icicp.org/index.php?tg=articles&topics=231&new=0&newc=0

RULE OF LAW

26. Defending the Judges' Independence and Their Freedoms of Expression and Association in the Arab World
Participants of the conference on "The Role of the Judiciary in the Process of Political Reform in Egypt and in the Arab World," held in Cairo on April 1-3, 2006, issued a final declaration. The declaration states that the independence and immunity of the judiciary are not only safeguards for justice and freedom for citizens, but are also a prerequisite for the very freedom of Arab countries. The conference was organized by the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) in coordination with the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the EuroMediterranean Network for Human Rights (REMDH). About 120 judges, human rights activists, lawyers, writers and academics participated in the conference. Participants expressed deep concern about the recent measures of the Egyptian government, which suppress the judges' constitutional rights for freedom of expression and independence.

Go to: www.cihrs.org/Press_details_en.aspx?per_id=73&pr_year=2006

TRANSPARENCY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION

27. Transparency International Launches Electronic Newsletter, "Transparency Watch"
Transparency International recently launched "Transparency Watch," an e-bulletin of the global anti-corruption movement. The newsletter has been redesigned to be distributed electronically, both on their Web site and by email, on a monthly basis. Beginning in May, readers will be able to subscribe to receive "Transparency Watch" automatically via email. This month, the newsletter can be accessed by going to the following link.

Go to: www.transparency.org/publications/newsletter/2006/april_2006

WOMEN'S ISSUES

28. Women's Learning Partnership Launches New Re-designed Web Site
The Women's Learning Partnership (WLP) recently announced the launch of a new Web site. The Web site provides innovative resources to support empowerment and advocacy programs for women in the Global South, particularly in majority-Muslim societies, including culture-specific leadership training manuals in 14 languages, extensive information about WLP's 18 partner organizations, multimedia materials on leadership and empowerment, ICT capacity building, women's human rights and political participation, bibliographies, national and international legislation, organizational directories, profiles of women leaders, publications on the reform of family law, and in-depth information on Claiming Equal Citizenship: The Campaign for Arab Women's Right to Nationality.

Go to: http://learningpartnership.org

• Alliance for Reform and Democracy in Asia (ARDA) -- www.asiademocracy.org
• Amman Center for Human Rights Studies (ACHRS) -- www.achrs.org
• ARI Movement -- www.ari.org.tr/english/index.asp
• Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) -- www.cihrs.org/Default_en.aspx
• Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) - www.cipe.org
• CIVICUS -- www.civicus.org/new/default.asp
• Council for the Community of Democracies -- www.ccd21.org
• Flying Broom -- http://en.ucansupurge.org
• Global Youth Action Network -- www.youthlink.org/gyanv5/index.htm
• Helsinki Citizens Assembly (HCA) -- www.hyd.org.tr
• IFES -- www.ifes.org
• Israel Democracy Institute -- www.idi.org.il
• Partners of the Americas -- www.partners.net
• Pontis Foundation -- www.nadaciapontis.sk/en
• Transparency International -- www.transparency.org
• Tumikom -- www.tumikom.org/onsoru.htm
• Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV) -- www.tesev.org.tr
• Women's Learning Partnership -- http://learningpartnership.org
• World Forum for Democratization in Asia (WFDA) -- www.wfda.net
• Youth Movement for Democracy -- www.ymd.youthlink.org/ymd/index.html