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Description
NGO Valga County Chamber of Disabled People brings together various associations and hobby groups operating as non-governmental organizations, where the work with different groups is on a voluntary basis. Group leaders need skills to retain, increase, empower, collaborate members and conduct activities. As active community leaders, group leaders motivate members of support groups to take part in social life and thereby draw attention to the interests of marginalized groups in the development of various policies and services by NGOs and the public sector. There is a need to increase the involvement, activity, empowerment, and awareness of marginalized groups to meet their needs. For this reason the project will conduct training for group leaders based on the DUO support group methodology and will organize study trips to Tallinn and Oslo to get acquainted with the activities of support groups offered by various organizations. Project participants acquire knowledge of the principles of group operation, the processes taking place in groups and are able to adapt programs to the needs of their target group, and have new tools for keeping themselves as group leaders. In addition, participants will gain knowledge on how to ensure the sustainability of the organization, find and participate in the activities of various cooperation networks, and contribute to the development of social services.
Summary of project results
Valga County Chamber of Disabled People brings together various associations and interest groups operating as civil society organizations, working with different groups on a voluntary basis. Group leaders need skills to maintain, expand, and empower their membership, foster collaboration, and carry out activities effectively. As active community leaders, they motivate support group members to participate in social life, thereby drawing attention to the interests of marginalized groups in policy-making and service provision by both civil society organizations and the public sector.
It is essential to increase the inclusion, activity, influence, and awareness of marginalized groups in advocating for their needs. Additionally, raising awareness among people with special needs about advocacy and teaching them to participate in local government legislative processes through inclusion is of great importance.
During the project, two study trips were undertaken—to Tallinn and Norway. These trips provided participants with a great deal of inspiration, sparking numerous ideas that could be implemented within their organizations. It was encouraging to experience a sense of recognition during both trips, as many activities and ideas were found to be similar. After the study trips, an idea collection session was held, where participants shared their insights and incorporated them into a "toolbox" for future use. This process increased participants'' energy and motivation to implement new ideas in their ongoing work with vulnerable target groups.
A comprehensive DUO group leader training program was completed, helping participants gain a deeper understanding of group dynamics and functioning. In addition to building on their prior experience, the project introduced new perspectives and enhanced participants'' skills and theoretical knowledge, which will be valuable in their future leadership roles.
An added benefit was the opportunity to meet professionals working in the field, establish direct contact with them, and exchange experiences.
Thanks to the synergy created within the group leader training program, a support group for leaders was formed. This group will meet regularly, with facilitation rotating among members while following DUO principles. The functioning of this leadership group ensures continuity in applying the acquired knowledge and implementing it within their own groups.
This year, the organization celebrated its 29th anniversary. As vulnerable groups continuously require support and assistance, the activities carried out through this project have contributed to making future efforts more sustainable.