Volunteer Activists Institute (VA) is dedicated to fortifying civil society in Iran and the MENA region, championing the principles of democracy and human rights. Our approach combines meticulous research and gathering firsthand sources to pinpoint areas for capacity building, provide essential training for activists and raise public awareness about democratic rights.
VA was founded in Tehran in 2001 by Dr. Sohrab Razzaghi, a dedicated activist and academic. VA quickly became a pioneering force in advancing capacity development for civil society and advocating for democratic rights within Iran.
VA operated successfully until 2007, when authorities deemed its activities illegal and forcibly shut down its office. During this crackdown, several members, including founder Sohrab Razzaghi, were arrested and temporarily detained. In response, members regrouped and launched an online newsletter, the Third Sphere. However, with the emergence of Iran’s Green Movement in 2009, persecution intensified, prompting part of the VA team to relocate to the Netherlands, where VA was officially registered as a non-profit in 2014.
From our base in Amsterdam, VA continues to collaborate closely with civil society organizations (CSOs) in Iran and the broader MENA region. Our evidence-based approach drives regular in-house research initiatives, including policy briefs on the latest political developments, situational analysis reports, and biannual assessments of labor conditions in Iran, all supported by a strong contingent of social scientists on our board.
Our enduring history in the region, combined with our deep expertise in addressing the needs of CSOs and promoting democratic values, positions us as a well-tuned force on the ground. We remain committed to developing a robust civil society in Iran and the wider MENA region, promoting democracy and sustainable socio-economic development, as reflected in our vision and mission statements.
We envision a future where citizens of Iran and other MENA countries activelyparticipate in building strong democracies that uphold human rights and foster peace,supported by a vibrant civil society that drives and sustains this progress.
To contribute to this vision, VA is dedicated to strengthening civilsociety in Iran and the broader MENA region. Through targeted research, we aimto address pressing capacity needs, help CSOs overcome isolation by connectingthem with international partners, engage in relevant advocacy activities, andfacilitate information exchange among CSOs.
At VA, we are dedicated to upholding fundamental principles that guideour mission. Transparency, accountability, diversity, and a participatory approach form the bedrock of our values. Our commitment extends to ensuring that our operations are transparent, engaging stakeholders inclusively, and governing ourselves with accountability. By fostering open dialogue, we believein empowering civil society to actively contribute to the development andtransformation of our communities. In line with our principles, we collaborate exclusively with CSOs or activists that share similar values of transparency, accountability, diversity, and a participatory approach.
VA aims to elevate CSOs from their often vulnerable and inexperienced state to a robust and mature civil society. This transformation lays the foundation for greater democracy, spreads democratic values, and establishes CSOs as a social force that cannot be ignored.
Research based
Our commitment to being research and evidence-based sets us apart. With academics specializing in CSOs on our board, we can link recent research insights with grassroots knowledge, ensuring effective and informed initiatives from the bottom-up.
Independent
As a non-profit organisation without any political, religious and financial affiliations, we can focus on the work needed and have no hidden agendas.
Realistic
Thanks to our elaborate network in the MENA region we have a good view of what’s happening on the ground and into the needs of CSOs and political activists
Democratic value
Transparency, accountability, diversity, and a participatory approach form the bedrock of our values. We exclusively collaborate with CSOs or activists who share these values, enabling them to act as agents of change. The values above aren't just foundational; they are the driving force behind every initiative we undertake. We are dedicated to cultivating a culture of openness and responsibility, ensuring that every action we take is guided by these core principles.
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