American-Mideast Educational and Training Services (AMIDEAST)
AMIDEAST is a secular U. S.-based non-profit organization that promotes mutual understanding and cooperation between America and the Middle East. It is offering several writing courses on its training Web site. For more information: amideast.org/forms/onlinetraining/
Article 19
Named after Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 19 is a secular London-based organization that promotes and protects free expression. With partners in over 30 countries, the organization works to strengthen local capacity to monitor and protest institutional and informal censorship. Article 19 also monitors, researches, publishes, lobbies, campaigns, and litigates on behalf of freedom of expression wherever it is threatened. They have developed standards to advance media freedom, assist individuals to speak out, and campaign for the free flow of information. For more information: article19.org
Asian Institute of Christian Communications
The Asian Institute of Christian Communication (AICC) is an interdenominational program designed to provide advanced training in communication for Christian leaders. AICC is a basic graduate course in the foundations of Christian communication. Their goal is to equip Christian leaders to communicate the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ in an ever-changing world. For more information: aicc.info/
Asociacion de Periodistas de Guatemala
The Asociacion de Periodistas de Guatemala (APG) is an independent, non-governmental secular agency. Its goals are to defend freedom of expression, information, thought, and the press. APG also protects the right to inform and to be informed; and defends the practice of journalism and the interests and rights of its members. For more information e-mail: apege@intelnet.net.gt or cerigua@guate.net.gt.
Association of Christian Journalists
Association of Christian Journalists (ACJ) is a professional, interdenominational organization representing about 80 Christian newspapers and journals from many countries and regions (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Finland, and America.) Its interdenominational character is determined not only by the fact that journalists of any Christian denomination may become its members. It is—first and foremost—determined by the obligation taken by its members to carry on their journalist activity in such a way that the honor and dignity of brothers and sisters of other Christian denominations is not offended. Their motto: "Unity in the essentials, difference of mind in peripherals, love in everything." For more information: acj.ru/eng/
Auckland University of Technology
The Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is a secular university which purposes to change to meet the needs of today's world—and tomorrow's. AUT aims to produce intellectually independent life-long learners, integrate theory with practice, and provide interactive, student-centered learning experiences. The university has adopted a flexible approach to learning, defined as: "an approach to education that allows for the adoption of a range of learning strategies in a variety of learning environments to allow for the differences in learning styles, learning interests and needs, and for variations in learning opportunities." In keeping with this theory, AUT offers online and distance education as a means of flexible learning. For more information: aut.ac.nz
Caucasus Media Institute
The Caucasus Media Institute (CMI) is a secular organization which provides premier vocational training and resources for journalists in a post-graduate setting. It offers access to databases, news archives and library; workshops on contemporary issues; research on politics, economics and social studies; international and regional cooperation, and job opportunities for interns, academics and professors. To help journalists achieve a high professional standard, the CMI has a number of course modules on techniques of journalism and modern media technologies, as well as thematic courses addressing the content of the media. Moreover, by its library, electronic database, and in-house archive of publications, CMI serves as a resource center for journalists. For more information: caucasusmedia.org/
Christian Booksellers Association
Christian Booksellers Association (CBA), the Association for Christian Retailers, is the trade association for Christian retailers and suppliers (product producers) in the United States. Its vision is to see excellent Christian resources impact the lives of people. This vision is accomplished through industry trade shows and conferences, trade events, publications (best known: CBA Retailers+Resources), retail training workshops, and other activities. For more information: cbaonline.org
ChristianTrade Association International
ChristianTrade Association International is a worldwide association of nations, companies, and individuals committed to fulfilling the Great Commission through the distribution of Christian resources. Total membership exceeds 2000 from over 61 countries. It holds annual international regional conventions in North America (Toronto, January), Asia (Hong Kong, September), Europe (Amsterdam, September), and the Caribbean (Trinidad & Tobago, January); publishes an annual directory of the Christian trade; hosts international events at CBA's International Christian Retail Show; and serves as a catalyst for growing the Christian trade worldwide. For more information: ctaintl.com
Christian Writers Guild
Owned by Jerry B. Jenkins (author of the Left Behind series), the Christian Writers Guild exists to educate, train, and support writers who desire to promote a biblically-based, Christian worldview through their writing. Correspondence courses covering fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, children's writing, etc., are completed online via e-mail. Each student member of the Guild is mentored one-on-one through three academic levels—apprentice, journeyman, and craftsman. Curricula for youth (ages 9-17) is also available, as well as annual memberships. For more information: christianwritersguild.com