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Description
Recent studies in Romania have revealed low levels of participation in civic and community life. The Civil Society Development Foundation (CSDF) recognizes the power of civil society in addressing this issue, derived from organizations representing people''s rights and active citizens who aim to transform their present realities. The most effective group for building a stronger civil society are young people, or #trillenials, who are engaged in civil society. To support them, CSDF created Program3, a one-year learning program for at least 146 young people from Romania, divided into four annual cohorts. The program consists of two semesters with a predetermined curriculum and customized learning based on the interests of each #trillenial. The first semester focuses on technical content and essential skills for NGO work, while the second semester covers thematic content related to NGO work. Students are encouraged to apply these learnings at the community level. The aim of the program is to create a motivated and skilled community of young people who can work within the NGO sector, benefiting at least 50 organizations directly and raising awareness among at least 500 young people.
Summary of project results
According to the research of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in 2016, 45 to 48% of young people were not interested in political life. The same research pointed out that only 14% of young people participated in volunteer activities undertaken by NGOs and only 5% were members of these NGOs. In 2024 the situation improved, but not in a great way since only 18% of young people are members in an NGO (especially children and youth NGOs). The 2017 CSDF sector research identified that only 5.7% of all active Romanian NGOs work with and for young people, an insufficient number to cover young people needs. In 2024 the situation did not improve, since the actual number of NGOs work with and for young people decreased. Whilst majority of the people employed in the sector are between 25 - 34 years old, most NGO leaders have been in charge for more than 8 years, so there is a lack of new leaders in the sector. From the analysis of data from the NGO Leaders Barometer and the Barometer of Members, Employees and Volunteers, conducted by the FDSC in 2023, we extracted a generalist profile of young people who are involved in the non-governmental sector. Thus, a large share of young people is either involved voluntarily (43%) or employed (39%) on the basis of specific expertise, project manager or communication person, rather than organizational leaders, thus having few decision-making powers. It is interesting to note that more than 70% are from a large urban environment, 75% are women, 73% have higher education. Young people are also more connected to different social platforms, 92% of them using Facebook, 90% Instagram, 83% YouTube and 40% TikTok. Seniority in the organisation for young people is less than 5 years (83%) and the organisation in which it operates tends to be in the field of education or social/charitable and slightly heterogeneous, in the sense that there are no high percentages of different categories of employed persons. Having said all this, it was and still is vital to invest in the development of competent young leaders that act for the interest of young people. However, in the public or private educational spheres there were no specific interventions on how to become a youth leader in the NGO sector or learning about the civil society sector. Even though there are some private programmes constructed as an academy or university for young people or some courses in the public Universities that tackle the issue of management and/ or NGO organisation, they are not designed only for (youth) NGO professionals and/ or addressing directly the participation of young people. Even if there are funds dedicated to the youth sector, especially through the Erasmus+ programme and the local funding from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the allocated funds are not reaching this type of intervention and mainly go to mobility and volunteering projects. Also, in the previous NGO Fund in Romania most of the projects focusing youth were directed towards activities with young people, mostly through social services and volunteer activities. Through the ”Developing Youth NGO Leadership” Predefined project we aimed to capacitate new emerging leaders (age 20 – 30) in the Romanian NGO sector to bring a new direction and fresh vision for the needs of young people in the country and enhance their participation. At the same time, the PDP wanted to support NGOs to develop the culture of creating internal mechanisms to engage and promote/adjust tools and attitudes to encourage the development and retention of the young volunteers to keep them within the organisations and develop them into becoming leaders. This programme came to tackle the issues mentioned above and strategically put emphasis on the development of young leaders within the civil society sector in Romania so that they can address the lack of participation of young people in the country. In doing so, the project directly helped the implementation of the National Youth Strategy and also the European Youth Strategy 2030 where participation of young people is a major concern.
The project engaged a total of 179 participants across five cohorts, combining a structured curriculum with tailored learning experiences to enhance leadership skills, foster collaboration, and strengthen the civil society ecosystem. In its first year, PDP enrolled 31 students from diverse organizations and regions in Romania, focusing on project writing, event management, and organizational development. The yearlong program emphasized understanding the civil society ecosystem, networking, and practical skill-building through two in-person events in Timisoara and Bucharest, laying the foundation for the program’s innovative educational model. In 2020, the program adapted to pandemic restrictions, transitioning to online learning while maintaining its flexible curriculum. Four key modules were introduced, covering project writing, volunteer management, fundraising, and civic engagement. Students participated in task forces and virtual meetings, and experts from Norway contributed insights on youth participation and civil society development. By the end of the year, 67 participants from the first two cohorts had engaged in the program, with plans to integrate both groups for future activities. The program’s online components, combined with postponed in-person events, ensured continuity and adaptability during this challenging period. By 2021, the program had selected 117 participants across three cohorts and initiated #space3, an initiative enabling participants to train and mentor 34 young leaders from across Romania. These youngsters implemented over 20 community projects, ranging from cultural activities to health awareness platforms. The Learning Week in Cluj-Napoca, first offline event after the pandemic, brought participants together for strategic planning and collaboration, while the third cohort began its journey with an induction event and online modules. Despite continued travel restrictions, plans for study visits to Norway advanced, and the program deepened its impact, supporting over 70 organizations and fostering a sense of connection among participants. In 2022, the program expanded its activities, hosting Learning Weeks in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca and successfully organizing the first study visit to Norway. Participants explored Norwegian civil society, attended Oslo PRIDE events, and gained valuable insights into NGO management and advocacy. The fourth cohort, consisting of 29 new participants, joined the program, engaging in an induction event and subsequent online and in-person learning activities. By the end of the year, PDP had directly benefited over 100 organizations and reached more than 8,000 young people through participant-driven initiatives. The program’s online modules, hosted on platforms like Udemy, garnered over 3,000 enrollments and high user ratings, further extending its reach and impact. In 2023, the program launched its fifth and final cohort of 33 participants while continuing activities with the fourth cohort. Offline events resumed, including the second study visit to Norway, where 43 participants from the third and fourth cohorts connected with Norwegian organizations. The program also initiated collaborations with a PR company to enhance visibility and promote its outcomes. Throughout the year, online mentoring, coaching, and learning modules remained integral components, ensuring comprehensive support for all participants. The project concluded in 2024 with a series of final activities, including mentoring sessions for the fifth cohort, a final conference in March that brought together all cohorts and partners for evaluation and future planning, and a Well-Being Laboratory in April as a legacy initiative. Over its five years, PDP cultivated a dynamic network of young leaders who enhanced their skills, fostered collaboration within the NGO sector, and implemented impactful community projects. The program’s flexibility, international partnerships, and focus on tailored learning created a transformative experience, leaving a lasting legacy in Romania’s civil society landscape.
The project successfully enhanced the capacity of 179 young leaders in the NGO sector in Romania through a structured learning program, mentorship, and practical engagement in civil society. The results demonstrate a strong impact on both the direct beneficiaries (#trillenials) and the broader NGO ecosystem, surpassing initial expectations. Three preparatory meetings were held to ensure a shared understanding of project implementation among consortium members CSDF, CRCR and Frivillighet Norge. These included one online meeting (August 6, 2019) and two offline meetings (September 18 and October 11, 2019). As a result, all partner organizations aligned their efforts, ensuring efficient project execution. A curriculum for the learning program was developed, providing clear guidance for both project experts and participants (#trillenials). This structured approach facilitated a cohesive and impactful learning experience throughout the program. A total of 179 #trillenials were selected across all program years, exceeding the initial target of 143 participants. The selection process was based on a transparent and well-defined set of criteria, ensuring a coherent and fair recruitment process. This rigorous approach resulted in the selection of highly motivated participants ready to engage in the NGO sector. The project developed four online learning modules on key topics: Project Writing, Fundraising, Volunteer Management and Community Development (#Hacking Participation). Initially designed for program participants, these courses were later made publicly available on Udemy, significantly expanding their reach. Over 3,000 learners outside the program accessed the modules, all of which received ratings of 4+ stars out of 5, indicating high user satisfaction. The overwhelming demand for the program was evident in the 323 applications received, far exceeding initial expectations. Given the high competition (almost four applicants per spot), the program expanded its capacity to accommodate more participants. Throughout the program, 179 self-assessment and development plans were created for and with selected #trillenials. These plans provided a personalized learning roadmap, enabling participants to track their progress and skills development. A total of 14 offline learning events and one online event were organized, fostering direct engagement with experts and peers. #Trillenials also actively participated in a mentorship program, which, combined with their involvement in learning events, significantly enhanced their competencies in NGO management, communication, fundraising, and human resources. Each #trillenial completed an average of 200 hours of learning per year, totaling over 35,000 hours of individual and guided learning. This intensive educational experience equipped participants with practical skills, enabling them to contribute effectively to the civil society sector. At least 100 NGOs directly benefited from the active involvement of #trillenials in their structures. Participants applied their newly acquired skills within these organizations, strengthening their operational capacities and expanding their impact. Furthermore, over 8,000 young people benefited from the work and expertise of #trillenials. This impact was achieved through direct engagement in their home organizations and via initiatives within #spatiul3, a space designed to facilitate youth participation. As a result, young people across Romania gained a better understanding of civic engagement, learning how to actively participate in their communities. The program established a functional Alumni network with over 100 active #trillenials, ensuring long-term engagement and continued collaboration among participants. A final event, attended by over 100 stakeholders, provided an opportunity for networking and knowledge exchange, further strengthening the connections between participants, NGOs, and key decision-makers. A formal evaluation was conducted, incorporating feedback from #trillenials. The findings led to concrete sustainability measures, ensuring that the knowledge, tools, and networks developed throughout the project continue to benefit the civil society sector in Romania beyond the project’s duration. In conclusion, the project exceeded its initial goals, demonstrating a lasting impact on young leaders, NGOs, and communities. By equipping #trillenials with critical skills, fostering strong mentorship, and facilitating hands-on learning, the initiative has contributed to the development of a new generation of NGO leaders in Romania. The availability of online learning resources, the active Alumni network, and the strengthened NGO sector will ensure the long-term sustainability and replication of these achievements.
Summary of bilateral results
The project benefited from the involvement of a Norwegian partner, Frivillighet Norge, the consortium partner of the ACF Romania program. The added value of this partner''s involvement in the predefined project lays primarily in drawing parallels with Norway''s NGO ecosystem—a system that future leaders of Romania''s sector are encouraged to connect with, learn from, and develop partnerships with in the future. This made the involvement of Frivillighet Norge, Norway''s largest umbrella organization for volunteer activities, highly significant. Throughout the project, representatives from the implementation team participated in program events in Romania and engaged with #trillenials to discuss the Norwegian NGO sector, including sector data, statistics, achievements, opportunities, and areas for improvement. They also organized two study visits to Norway for #trillenials from cohorts 1–4. These activities provided practical applications of the theoretical content presented during events, allowing participants to directly interact with Norwegian organizations and gain a deeper understanding of the Nordic civil society ecosystem—one of the project''s key bilateral outcomes. The Norwegian partner was actively involved in all project activities, maintaining constant communication, and the collaboration proved fruitful. The partnership exceeded expectations, delivering strong results and generating concrete ideas for future initiatives.