Study visits to the UK and Eastern Europe in 2014 and 2015 gave some of our Chinese partners a chance to learn how European NGOs use tools like administrative decision review requests and open government information requests to promote more accountable government decision-making.

Upon return to China, The Rights Practice worked with study visit participants to explore how these practices could be adapted and promoted to strengthen citizens' voices in China. Successful localization has allowed some citizens to challenge inconsistent and unfair practices.

As a result, several Chinese universities have been prompted to better accommodate the needs of the visually impaired in entrance exams. Public transport authorities have improved accessibility for persons with disabilities and 'social maintenance fees' levied by the family planning authorities were eliminated.

A parallel micro-grants program and training activities promoted the dissemination of these approaches to grassroots social organizations, which has spurred the development of several active new groups.