PROGRAM AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF GM

(1) Membership development and management – that includes information management, recruitment strategies, and database development, (2) Improving lines of communication and coordination between local, regional, and national party offices, members, and supporters, (3) Outreach to the public and building relationships with civil society, (4) Policy making – that includes establishing procedures, gathering input from the public, and (5) Party finance regulations and procedures.

STRATEGIC IDEAS

(1) Develop GM’s overall strategy for the country that will run for the next five years, (2) Develop the goals of the specific programs and fit those into the strategies, (3) Develop programs that are tailored-made to the country’s political context and timeframes (like the electoral cycle), as well as to each of our partner’s needs, (4) Make full use of opportunities that presentthemselves to GM, either locally, nationally, or internationally, (5) Demonstrate progress towards building a vibrant democratic Gambia, and (6) Raise sufficient resources (both financial and
technical) to carry out the programs in order to meet the objectives of the Party.

MAIN PLANS FOR PARTY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

(1) Develop a range of techniques, as outlined below, to engage Party members and supporters in development programs.

(2) Establish Regional and Administrative field offices that will focus on on-the-ground assistance programs and longer-term and sustained activities of the Party. Carefully employing these techniques will maximize the impacts of GM work, particularly by fostering sustainable and practical changes that the Party can use to evaluate its own operations.

Training Seminars

Training seminars and workshops will form the foundation for many of GM’s programs. Without sustained engagement in conducting these training seminars, GM may revert to old practices rather than see reforms through.

Follow-up and Guided Practices

The most effective seminars not only offer an avenue to discuss and share ideas, but also allow participants to apply the information received. GM staff will have added breakout sessions and simulations to allow them to immediately practice their new skills.

Final Phase: Certification and Beyond

Complete the program and receive certification that empowers you to apply new knowledge confidently in your field.

Approach to Working with other Political Parties

The multi-partisan approach that GM will typically work on will involve a range of viable, nonviolent, and democratically oriented parties in a country, regardless of ideology. GM’s goal is to create a vibrant and sustainable Party that will enhance each member or supporter’s capacity
to compete and represent the GM.

ENHANCING EFFECTIVENESS OF GM

Development of Publications
As part of its programs, GM will develop manuals to reinforce guided practice or serve as references for Party members and supporters. The documents can even form the core focus of the Party’s program.

Information and Communications Technology
Provide training on using technology can be a great way to engage Party members and supporters at all levels.

Public Consultations

Obtaining party leadership buy-in is integral to getting institutional support for GM’s activities and fostering sustainable changes in operations. This support is usually gained through personal consultations with Party leaders, members, supporters, other individuals, and organizations in order to explain program objectives, activities, and expected results.

Study Abroad

GM will conduct study abroad activities for Party members and supporters. While the GM concentrates on in-country activities, a well- planned and strategically relevant trips abroad can be useful and integral parts of GM programming. The main benefit of study abroad is in getting participants out of their normal political comfort zone and into a neutral setting. By removing them from their daily responsibilities, they can have more open discussions and be exposed to different methods for tackling political challenges in The Gambia.
Facilitation, Mediation, and Hosting Political Events GM will often use its position as a neutral and outside partner to host dialogue within a particular political party (between different party organs, as an example), between parties, and between parties and the public. These activities will often be very useful in generating greater buy-in to program objectives, widening the scope of engagement within a party, and fostering communication between different political parties.

Research

Gathering, understanding, and incorporating data on public opinion are necessary tasks for any political party. That information will allow GM to develop more effective platforms and strategies. In addition, during an election campaign, it will be useful to have periodic assessments of the
Party’s standing and popularity in order to adjust messages and campaign tactics.

Material and Financial Assistance

GM will cover big expenses for members and supporters in the Party’s activities. These can include travels within and outside The Gambia, holding Party Congresses and political rallies in The Gambia, travel allowances, Party office expenses, registration of the Party, etc. This is where GM requests international Foundations, civil societies, and other political agencies to come to the financial assistance of GM so that the Party can increase plural political democracy in The Gambia for generations to come.