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Description
The aim of the project is to strengthen the capacity of members and activists of the "Radi Vidi Pats", thus raising the association''s ability to work, purposefulness, quality and sustainability, improve and supplement existing resources, which will significantly contribute to the association''s financial independence and day-to-day operations.
The achievement of the goal will be ensured by the implementation of 6 activities - capacity building of the board, renewal of the association''s strategy, training of members on activism and financial attraction to their ideas, diversification of financial attraction in the association, promotion of the association''s administrative sustainability, development of the association''s visual image and communication strategy. The activity plan will provide a clearer vision of the association''s goals and vision to members and activists, which in turn will help create a more cohesive internal environment for the association. This will be complemented by training of at least 16 members on activism and financial attraction, which will strengthen the individual attraction of each member to the association. Increasing the capacity of the board will enhance the association''s ability to continue the existing activities in a quality manner and will promote a healthy understanding of the role and significance of the board. Diversification of financial attraction in the society will be one of the first steps towards financial independence and sustainable thinking in the context of the society. Promoting administrative sustainability will make it easier for new members to learn about administrative issues and for existing members to address current administrative shortcomings. The development of a communication strategy and the public and visual image of the association will create interest in the association in the wider public and recognition, and it will be a major step towards attracting funders.
Summary of project results
The association “Create the Environment Yourself” faced several challenges that the capacity project aimed to address. A lack of clear workload distribution and over-reliance on a small group of active members led to inefficiencies and burnout. Internal communication was often uncoordinated, with key decision-makers overwhelmed by project management tasks, leaving little time for long-term organizational development. Member engagement was low, as a strong sense of belonging and active involvement had not been fully cultivated. The public image of the association was misaligned, with the organization often being associated with a few key individuals who were no longer deeply involved. The strategic vision lacked clarity, as daily activities were not sufficiently aligned with long-term goals, and there was no effective system for monitoring how these actions supported the association’s mission. Finally, financial sustainability was at risk due to dependency on project funding, and efforts to diversify income through services had been underdeveloped due to resource and time constraints.
The project "Create "Create Environment Yourself" Yourself" focused on strengthening the organization''s capacity and sustainability. It implemented several activities to enhance governance and strategic planning. Training sessions were conducted on the core principles of association management and work distribution, as well as strategic improvement and evaluation systems. These efforts led to a comprehensive review and redefinition of the organization''s vision, values, and goals, which guided subsequent activities and evaluations.
Additionally, the project facilitated member training on activism and diversified financial resource acquisition. It also included sessions on attracting funds and developing social entrepreneurship. The organization conducted an internal resource inventory, which helped optimize the use of resources and streamline operations. A user-friendly and visually appealing administrative handbook was created to support project and activity management.
In terms of public relations, the project developed a series of podcasts that introduced members and activists, highlighting their experiences and values. A communication strategy was also finalized, improving the organization''s public image. Various educational materials, such as a portfolio and a handbook on organizational documentation, were produced to aid in future activities.
The project "Create "Create Environment Yourself" Yourself" significantly strengthened the capacity of the organization. The strategic review helped the organization clearly define its vision, goals, and main areas of focus, resulting in more deliberate decisions about which activities to pursue. This clarity led to a shift in organizational practice, where activities are now evaluated to ensure alignment with the organization''s mission, helping avoid overextension in less relevant areas. Despite some participants feeling the strategic goals remain too broad, this process is expected to continue.
The creation of a public image through engaging podcasts helped increase recognition and foster a stronger sense of belonging among participants. The communication strategy is already in use, and the organization''s portfolio, initially intended for external representation, has become a valuable internal tool for familiarizing new volunteers with the organization’s history and activities. The newly developed administrative handbook has also been widely used, providing practical guidance for project managers.
Training sessions on activism and resource management have encouraged more active involvement, with some members now leading initiatives within the organization. New activists, including one who was hired, have joined the team, reflecting the success of these efforts. Activism training in particular motivated members to form working groups and improve communication within the organization.
While the board''s capacity-building activities were only partially achieved, as the board itself has yet to be formally elected, valuable discussions and learning sessions took place. Collaboration with an external consultant, which began during the project, has been extended beyond the project’s scope, further enhancing organizational governance.
The project contributed significantly to the organization’s capacity by enhancing strategic alignment, increasing activism, improving public image, and fostering internal collaboration. It has also helped the organization communicate more effectively with the public, further contributing to the growth and visibility of civil society organizations in Latvia.