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Description
Data-based advocacy globally is an efficient approach that has growingly been taken up by NGOs and that leads to changes in public policies and transparency in the work of institutions. However, this approach has not been well-established in Bulgaria yet. Data is becoming a more and more valuable component in the work of NGOs in order to achieve efficiency and accuracy, form an expert opinion and a reasoned position and improve the image of NGOs and their results before the media, the public and the institutions. Despite positive trends among Bulgarian institutions for publishing data, data remains insufficiently well structured, with limited availability or in a format requiring specific processing skills. The solution we propose aims at boosting NGO capacity. Our solution provides for the setting up of a functional platform and a network of experts and organizations. The latter will help improve the skills of civil society activists to work with data, a tool will be provided for access to categorized institutional information in one place and training resources for data analysing and visualizing will be offered. The latter activities will raise the public visibility of NGOs and their initiatives and public trust in their work. The online platform will help civil society organizations acquire skills to use and manage data flows so that they can extract important and correct information and use it to exercise control over public governance and carry out advocacy campaigns. The planned training of NGO activists will meet their needs for building capacity in the field of advocacy, based on data analysis and use. Interaction between IT specialists, activists and organizations in the long term will help build partnership beneficial for all parties because their expertise will be complemented and can be used for successful initiatives on topics important for public life.
Summary of project results
The main objective of the project was to enhance the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) by creating opportunities for them to improve their knowledge and skills in working with databases and effectively presenting their initiatives.
By equipping CSOs with data management and visualization skills, the project aimed to strengthen their ability to analyze, communicate, and advocate for their causes more effectively, ensuring greater impact and visibility of their initiatives.
The Institute for Public Environment Development (IPED) and the professionals involved in the project worked on the development of a mentorship program and a training event aimed at fostering cross-sector partnerships. These initiatives created opportunities for NGO activists to collaborate with professionals from diverse fields, including IT, marketing, advertising, sociology, and statistics.
Creation of the "Data Zone" Online Platform
As part of the project, IPED developed the "Data Zone" online platform, which serves as a central hub for:
- Institutional data presented in a relevant and accessible way for NGOs and the public.
- Training resources tailored for civil society organizations, helping them enhance their research capabilities and improve the presentation of their initiatives.
Capacity Building and Sustainability
Through the project’s work, including:
- Development of training materials,
- Study of good practices,
- Participation in the mentorship program,
- Fostering cooperation between NGOs and experts from different fields,
IPED strengthened its own capacity, particularly in:
- Effective public communication,
- Expanding outreach to a wider range of stakeholders,
- Enhancing collaboration between civil society and professionals from other sectors.
By bridging the gap between data-driven expertise and NGO activism, the project has empowered organizations to make more informed decisions, increase their visibility, and strengthen their advocacy efforts.
The "Data Zone" platform, developed as part of the project, has long-term potential to attract civil society organizations interested in enhancing their data skills and promoting their initiatives.
Sustainability and Future Impact
- Organizations can improve their data literacy by utilizing the platform’s training resources.
- NGOs can showcase their initiatives in the "Good Practices" section, increasing visibility and knowledge exchange.
- The platform serves as a central hub for data-driven civil society work, fostering collaboration and learning.
The development and maintenance of "Data Zone" is a key component of IPED’s long-term commitment to systematic data initiatives, ensuring its ongoing relevance and accessibility for NGOs and stakeholders.