About Us
NAPDEC is a source of empowerment for PDCs. It serves as the united voice behind the messages of democratization and civil society participation and, either on its own or in partnership with other entities, acts as a bridge across the knowledge and capacity gaps amongst members. An important part of its mandate is to source and channel technical, financial and other resources to help build PDC organizational capacity; it also facilitates and actively supports the research and development initiatives of the PDCs.
In August of 2010, NAPDEC held its first retreat, which brought together PDC leaders to discuss and agree upon ways to strengthen the working relationship amongst PDCs, provide support for the development of individual workplans - including strategic plans- and identify mechanisms to effectively access donor funding and mobilize resources. Also in 2010, the first National Assessment of PDCs was conducted by NAPDEC in association with the Social Development Commission (SDC) and the Department of Local Government (DLG).
Since its formation, NAPDEC has partnered with several organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme, the Department of Local Government, the Social Development Committee, and the Canadian Urban Institute, among others, in pursuit of its mandate. These partnerships have supported NAPDEC especially in the areas of facilitating sessions to secure funding for PDCs, participation in strategic planning exercises to review and validate the local governance act, and presentations to Parliament on local government reform.
Core Values
As an entity committed to effective local governance, three core values are held dear; these are participation, accountability and inclusiveness.
Participation
Participation and local ownership are at the core of the PDC structure. This requires structured and assured access to the decision-making process by all members of society.
Accountability
The PDC process requires openness, access to information and participation in decision-making at the individual, organizational and national levels. The NAPDEC/PDC structure is accountable to its members and the agreed process for making decisions and taking actions.
Inclusiveness
The NAPDEC/PDC structure is not affiliated to any political party and operates outside the influence of partisan politics. Its primary concern is that of the common good of the parish with no regard to political agendas. The structure is also neutral in the sense that all citizens, irrespective of religious, ethnic, cultural, or political background, can become involved.
