Growth of Mozaika

Description

Association of LGBT and their friends Mozaika is a non-governmental organisation with 15 years of experience in working with LGBT issues and improving the quality of life of the LGBT community in Latvia. The last years have been full of challenges for the organisation and the need for more vigorous activities and growth of the organisation has increased significantly. The goal of this project is to strengthen the organisation in terms of both human resources and financial stability, so that all available resources are used effectively to achieve the goals of the organisation and the sustainability and renewal of resources is ensured. By organising training and skills raising activities, attracting human resources and promoting the organisation''s visibility within the project, the basis for the development and expansion of further activities will be provided. In turn, developing technological solutions and learning innovative ways to increase the organization''s visibility and diversify fundraising opportunities will increase the organization''s financial capacity and opportunities to respond faster and more effectively to emergencies and expand the capacity of already planned activities. New ways to reach the wider public will not only contribute to the growth of the organisation, but will also contribute to the development of civil society in general and increase people''s understanding of democratic processes and opportunities for involvement.

Summary of project results

The project aimed to address the following key issues and challenges:

1. Limited Human Resources: Mozaika faced a shortage of skilled personnel and volunteer capacity, limiting its ability to meet the growing demands of the LGBT community in Latvia. This affected the organization''s ability to efficiently execute its mission and provide necessary support to its target community.

2. Financial Instability: The organization struggled with financial sustainability. Mozaika lacked diverse and stable funding streams, which made it difficult to plan for long-term activities, expand operations, and respond effectively to emergencies.

3. Low Public Visibility: Mozaika had limited visibility among the general public, which hampered its efforts to raise awareness about LGBT issues and gain broader societal support. This lack of visibility also affected fundraising efforts and engagement with civil society.

4. Need for Technological Improvements: Mozaika faced challenges in adopting modern technological solutions, which were essential for improving internal operations, enhancing outreach efforts, and developing innovative fundraising strategies. The lack of technological infrastructure hindered the organization’s ability to respond quickly and adapt to the evolving needs of the community.

These challenges collectively weakened Mozaika’s ability to support the LGBT community effectively, advocate for their rights, and ensure organizational growth and sustainability. The project was designed to directly address these issues through targeted activities focused on capacity building, financial sustainability, visibility, and technological innovation.

Here is a breakdown of the activities and outputs of the project:

1. Diversity Online Store:
   The Diversity Shop was successfully developed under the domain “www.diversityshop.org”. Despite being operational, testing of the store continues due to its specific nature. The store was built on the Printful platform because it offers a wide product range without requiring Mozaika to maintain a warehouse, which would have posed logistical and financial challenges. The store launched on July 26, 2021, just before Baltic Pride, leveraging the event’s publicity to attract attention. The store features 39 products, including t-shirts, bags, masks, and more, all promoting diversity. Funds from a special Ukraine support line were directed to aid partner organizations in Ukraine.

2. Accounting and Record-Keeping Process:
   An accounting training activity was initiated but delayed due to the upcoming 2022 updates to the Latvian Accounting Law. The law, which brought significant changes to how electronic documents and accounting records are managed, was incorporated into Mozaika’s internal guidelines. The work involved creating detailed materials and training presentations on topics such as document storage, asset management, and financial reporting. The first training session was conducted on May 3, 2022, for 13 Mozaika members.

3. Podcast Studio:
   A podcast studio was equipped and set up at the LGBT House, and a podcast titled Praidījums was produced, covering LGBT-related topics like mental health and LGBT history in Latvia. The studio, equipped with sound mixers and microphones, allowed recordings with up to four participants. The studio is regularly used, including by other LGBT House groups. The podcast episodes were published on Spotify and YouTube, creating a sustainable tool for digital outreach.

4. Mozaika’s Visibility:
   Mozaika''s new website was developed to improve public access to organizational information. It includes sections on news, resources, and projects, and highlights ways to support the organization. The website is promoted via social media and external channels. Outdoor advertisements with the message “Mātei Latvijai visi bērni mīļi” were placed in major cities like Riga, further increasing Mozaika’s visibility. Additionally, 500 postcards with the same message were sent to supporters, contributing to increased donations during the period.

5. Diversity Management Training Program:
   A training program on diversity management was developed in collaboration with international experts. The program was divided into three modules: basic information on LGBT issues, intermediate-level training, and advanced training. The training materials were adapted to the Latvian context and aimed at improving workplace inclusivity. The program was tested with professionals from various fields, including education and healthcare. It will be piloted in 2023 through online sessions tailored to different professional groups.

The project achieved several significant outcomes and impacts, benefiting a wide range of stakeholders:

1. Strengthened Organizational Capacity for Mozaika:

   • The development of the Diversity Shop provided Mozaika with a sustainable income stream through the sale of diversity-themed products. This initiative contributed to the organization’s financial stability and increased its visibility. Products in the shop, including special collections like the Ukraine Support Line, not only promoted Mozaika’s mission but also directly supported humanitarian efforts.
   • The organization''s accounting and record-keeping systems were modernized in line with new legal regulations. This strengthened Mozaika''s internal governance, enabling it to manage financial resources more efficiently and comply with legal requirements, improving overall operational capacity.

   Beneficiaries: Mozaika’s staff, board members, and volunteers, as well as the broader LGBT community in Latvia, who benefit from a more stable and capable organization.

2. Increased Visibility and Public Awareness:

   • The creation and launch of Mozaika’s new website improved access to information about LGBT issues, ongoing projects, and ways for the public to get involved. The website helped to enhance Mozaika’s profile, both locally and internationally.
   • Public advertisements with the message “Mātei Latvijai visi bērni mīļi” raised awareness about LGBT rights and Mozaika’s mission in major Latvian cities, fostering more support for the organization’s efforts.
   • The Praidījums podcast increased public engagement by providing a platform for discussions on important LGBT-related topics such as mental health and coming out. This ongoing communication tool reached both the LGBT community and allies.

   Beneficiaries: The Latvian LGBT community, the general public, and potential supporters, who now have greater access to information and opportunities to engage with Mozaika’s activities.

3. Improved Support for the LGBT Community:

   • The project equipped Mozaika with the tools to respond more quickly to emerging needs, such as providing support to Ukraine during the war. The development of collections and fundraising efforts helped channel financial aid to partner organizations in Ukraine.
   • The Diversity Management Training Program raised awareness of workplace inclusivity and LGBT issues among professionals in various fields, such as education, healthcare, and business. This training helped foster more inclusive work environments, benefiting both employees and employers.

   Beneficiaries: The Latvian LGBT community, particularly those in vulnerable situations, such as refugees from Ukraine, and professionals who gained the skills to create more inclusive workplaces.

4. Enhanced Community Engagement and Skill Development:

   • The podcast studio provided a platform for LGBT youth and groups like Active Rainbow and Skapis to develop digital media skills and engage their audiences on important social issues. This helped to foster a sense of community and provided a space for self-expression and activism.
   • The accounting and record-keeping training improved the financial management skills of Mozaika''s members and volunteers, ensuring greater transparency and compliance with legal standards.

   Beneficiaries: LGBT activists, youth groups, volunteers, and professionals who were able to improve their skills and actively contribute to the LGBT movement in Latvia.

Overall, the project had a positive impact on Mozaika’s organizational capacity, visibility, and ability to support the LGBT community in Latvia. It also strengthened the community’s engagement with LGBT issues, fostered inclusivity in the workplace, and contributed to humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.