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Description
Work at NGOs is often mentally burdening and it is no nine-to-five job. Such work conditions often lead to burnout among social activists, hindering long-term and effective action (the 2020 Klon/Jawor study). Such a situation translates into low effectiveness of advocacy processes or no stability of operations. Effectiveness of the social sector initiatives, which we all benefit from, depends on competencies and effectiveness of people working in it, which is why we see an enormous need for providing them with support. We will address these problems by organising a comprehensive, 12-month programme supporting NGO representatives all over Poland. We will train participants in advocacy, legal regulations governing the third sector, building cooperation and social dialogue or the utilisation of EU funds. We will also conduct an online course with hands-on tasks and sessions. Its participants will do home assignments related to topics discussed during the training, they will take part in discussions devoted to their work, insight and doubts. At the end, each person will organise an initiative in their neighbourhood – a meeting for local NGOs, an advocacy campaign or a project for the local community. During the final convention, participants will share their impressions from completed projects and will evaluate the training with us, which will serve as the base for planning the next edition of the programme supporting individuals working in the third sector.
Summary of project results
From our experience and the Klon/Jawor Association''s research, NGO leaders needed structured knowledge and tools to effectively influence public policies and create support networks. The work of the organisation''s representative(s) is often volunteer or part-time work, done in their free time. This causes professional burnout and hinders long-term activities, which in turn contributes to low effectiveness in conducting advocacy processes or lack of sustainability of activities.
Therefore in the project we wanted to influence the development of social competences in terms of representation and public participation, to increase their knowledge and skills, but also to create a space for practical action, enabling them to get involved in decision-making processes.
As part of the project, we held four conventions of the School of Representation and Public Participation, during which participants (representatives of non-profit organisations from different parts of Poland) acquired basic knowledge and competences in this field.
During the first convention, the basics of participation were discussed and we formed project groups to develop project themes on community integration, cooperation with local government and representation of minority groups. The second convention focused on community dialogue and representation, and the third on advocacy and civic action. The fourth convention was dedicated to lobbying and law change.
Through the project, participants gained not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical skills that they could apply to their organisations'' activities.
During the School, elections were held for the next terms of the Councils for Public Benefit and Monitoring Committees. Participants not only gained knowledge about relevant processes, but were also able to actively participate in discussions and elections. As a result, participants obtained 11 seats on the Councils for Public Benefit and Monitoring Committees, strengthening the sector''s representation in the dialogue bodies.