Available to Local Organisations in Laos

Through this sudden opportunity grant, Voice Laos is calling on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to undertake a joint action to address specific, unanticipated opportunities to influence policy and communities in Laos, especially those that could have a ripple effect or that can impact one or more of Voice target groups in one or more of the impact themes. It is an opportunity for:

• Campaigns calling for solidarity with oppressed peoples;
• Strategic advocacy to amplify the voices of marginalised communities;
• Coordination of CSOs and/collective action that can lead to change in legal decision, policy/laws, a shift in public attitudes and practices to challenge discrimination;
• Promoting equal access and opportunities, enhance social well-being, and/or encourage social development.

This grant is available from €5,000 to €90,000 (approx. 45,000,000 – 810,000,000 LAK) for an intervention that will last between 6 and 12 months.

What is a sudden opportunity?

Sudden opportunities can vary greatly, depending on the situation. They can be described through the common elements they share.

• Sudden:
  These are unexpected moments, which can happen without any warning. They could be a policy direction change from the government, a shift in public opinion, or a new court ruling with deep policy implications.
• Collective Action:
  These unexpected moments require collective action. They require a response not just from one group but from several organisations such as a coalition, a consortium, or a network.
• Immediate:
  These unexpected moments require immediate action. They temporarily create the right set of circumstances for making a change possible. Without a response, the moment will eventually pass and the opportunity to make a change will be lost.
• Impact on Target Groups:
  These unexpected moments have to greatly impact at least one or more of Voice the target groups. They need to be involved in the collective action being proposed.

Practising the Values of Voice

Voice believes in the principle of Nothing About Us Without Us. In practise, this means Voice target groups need at centre of any collective action effort. They must be involved in the conceptualisation, planning, and implementation of any Sudden Opportunity grant. They are equal partners in any consortium, network, or coalition, playing key governance and leadership roles.

Possible interventions would require creating platforms and spaces where Voice target groups can self-advocate for their economic, social and cultural rights. Joint participation of a network, consortium or coalition of human rights defenders, private institutions and companies, faith leaders, NGOs and self-interested individuals or intellectuals with the intention of using nonviolent action to amplify the voices of marginalised groups is necessary.

Linking and Learning

Linking and Learning is at the heart and soul of Voice. All grantees are expected to participate in facilitated meetings and gatherings enabling the exchange of ideas and learnings from each other’s experiences.  Applicants must demonstrate in their proposals how they will identify, document, and share their learnings as they implement their project. These may come in many forms such as blog posts, videos, photo essay or audio recordings.

Voice values diversity and inclusion. All grantees are expected to be able to interact with and learn from a diverse group of people coming from different backgrounds, orientations, and experiences. Interested applicants must be willing to work in a diverse community, which includes representatives from all of the Voice target groups.