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Description
The aim of the Cēsis Y''S men Club project “Skills for everyday life and society” is to strengthen the capacity of the society by implementing activities aimed at ensuring the functioning and sustainability of the association. The project corresponds to the thematic area of AIF - civil society and active citizenship strengthened and vulnerable groups empowered., as the project activities will strengthen the capacity of the association and increase the participation of citizens in charitable and lifelong learning processes.
The most important activities - goal setting and formulation training seminar and acquisition of funding skills, as well as the exchange of experience, will help the society to set, achieve and evaluate the organization''s goals, determine directions for further planning of the organization''s funding activities. As a result, the organization''s goals, action plan, and fundraising plan will be outlined under the guidance of experienced specialists. The development of the organization''s human resources for achieving the organization''s goals and managing daily administrative processes is planned by increasing digital skills.
In order to ensure the financial sustainability of the association, fundraising activities are planned - training in setting up an e-shop for the distribution of humanitarian aid items, crafts, and creative products from recyclable materials. The experience gained in creative crafting masterclasses and the transfer of skills to vulnerable groups will help them to integrate into society. The implementation of the project will promote the financial sustainability of the association, strengthen the association''s management processes in order to improve and increase the scope and diversification of the association''s services.
Summary of project results
The "Skills for everyday life and society" project, initiated by the Cēsis Y''S Men Club, aimed to address several key issues and challenges faced by the association and the broader community it serves:
Limited Capacity and Sustainability of the Association: The association struggled with limited internal capacity, including insufficient strategic planning, management processes, and a lack of sustainable funding. These factors hindered its ability to function effectively, grow, and maintain its long-term operations.
Lack of Citizen Participation: Another key challenge was the low level of citizen engagement in charitable activities and lifelong learning processes. The project aimed to increase participation by fostering active citizenship, enabling more people to contribute to and benefit from community-driven efforts.
Limited Fundraising Skills: The organization lacked sufficient skills and experience in fundraising, which is critical for sustaining its activities and services. There was a need to develop a structured approach to securing financial resources to support the association’s objectives.
Inefficient Administrative and Management Processes: Administrative inefficiencies, including weak management structures and inadequate digital skills, were holding back the organization from streamlining its operations and achieving its goals.
Vulnerable Groups Lacking Integration and Skills: Vulnerable groups within the community faced social and economic barriers, making it difficult for them to integrate into society. The project aimed to address this challenge by providing these groups with skills training, particularly in creative crafting, which could help improve their livelihoods and social inclusion.
By tackling these challenges, the project sought to improve the capacity, sustainability, and social impact of the Cēsis Y''S Men Club while empowering citizens and vulnerable groups to actively participate in and benefit from community initiatives.
The project "Skills for Everyday Life and Society" by the Cēsis Y''S Men Club implemented a series of activities aimed at addressing specific organizational and societal challenges. Here''s a breakdown of the activities and their outputs:
Goal-Setting and Formulation Training Seminar:
- Activity Summary: Two training seminars were organized, with the first focusing on theoretical aspects of goal setting and the second on practical workshops. Participants formulated their views on the organization’s goals and contributed to creating a short-term operational plan (2022-2023).
- Output: A comprehensive organizational action and fundraising plan was developed. The activity engaged members in goal-setting processes, increasing their sense of belonging, loyalty, and motivation to contribute. The training helped improve the consistency of the organization’s operations and reduced fragmentation.
Seminar on "Creative Fundraising Methods and Community Engagement":
- Activity Summary: This seminar featured experienced speakers from Alūksnes and Apes Fund and other NGOs, sharing innovative ideas for attracting donors and resources. The seminar was followed by a visit to the Alūksnes and Apes Fund to learn firsthand about their activities.
- Output: The seminar and subsequent visit provided new insights into organizing charitable activities and sustainable fundraising methods. Some techniques, such as charity markets, were adopted and successfully implemented by the Cēsis association. These efforts are expected to improve the organization''s financial sustainability and capacity to support vulnerable groups.
Digital Skills Acquisition:
- Activity Summary: Training in the Canva design program was provided to help participants create promotional materials for social media, press, and other public platforms.
- Output: 12 participants gained valuable skills for producing digital content, which were immediately applied in creating Christmas greetings for donors and partners. This helped improve communication and outreach efforts.
Computer Design Skills Training in Canva:
- Activity Summary: Multiple training sessions were held on computer design, focusing on mastering platforms like Zoom, MS Teams, and Google Meet for remote collaboration.
- Output: The training helped improve digital skills among members, enhanced the association’s online communication, and led to better internal document sharing via Google Drive. Participants also assisted seniors and vulnerable groups with digital tasks, contributing to the community’s digital inclusion.
E-Shop Creation Training:
- Activity Summary: Two seminars on e-shop development were organized, with the second focusing on practical aspects of launching an Etsy store.
- Output: An Etsy e-shop was successfully launched (https://ysmenartlatvia.etsy.com/), and products were uploaded. While financial results are still forthcoming, the training provided the skills needed to manage an online shop and plan for long-term sales growth.
Creative Craft Skills Acquisition:
- Activity Summary: Regular workshops on creative crafting skills were organized, covering techniques like eco-printing and the creation of sustainable products from recycled materials.
- Output: Participants produced various items, including bags and Christmas cards, which were donated to social centers and partners. Workshops continue, and participants have learned to make rugs and toys, contributing to the community and local markets.
Experience Exchange with Pärnu NGO:
- Activity Summary: A visit to the Pärnu Raekula Club in Estonia was organized to learn about their activities, including youth engagement and funding processes.
- Output: This exchange provided insights into how NGOs can attract funds through events and social services, with lessons learned applied to strengthen financial independence and civic engagement in Cēsis.
Project Final Seminar:
- Activity Summary: A final seminar was held to present the project’s achievements and future plans to local NGOs, the municipality, and the press.
- Output: Participants evaluated the project’s success and discussed the long-term benefits and future directions for the organization, reinforcing partnerships and community engagement.
Experience Exchange with Vidusdaugava NGO Center:
- Activity Summary: A visit to the Vidusdaugava NGO Center focused on discussing challenges in fundraising through e-shops.
- Output: The exchange identified marketing as a key area for improvement in both organizations’ online stores, with future training and partnerships planned to overcome these challenges.
These activities collectively enhanced the capacity of the Cēsis Y''S Men Club, increased community engagement, and empowered vulnerable groups through skill-building and integration initiatives.
The "Skills for Everyday Life and Society" project by the Cēsis Y''S Men Club achieved significant results, benefiting multiple stakeholders, including the organization itself, its members, vulnerable groups, and the broader community. Here''s a breakdown of the outcomes and impacts:
1. Strengthened Organizational Capacity
Outcome: The project greatly enhanced the internal capacity of the Cēsis Y''S Men Club by improving strategic planning, fundraising, and administrative processes.
Impact: The organization now has a well-defined short-term action plan (2022-2023), a fundraising strategy, and better organizational goal-setting processes. This has led to a more structured, focused, and sustainable operational approach.
Beneficiaries: The primary beneficiaries are the organization''s members and leadership, who gained the skills and resources needed to manage the organization more effectively.
2. Enhanced Fundraising and Financial Sustainability
Outcome: Through training on creative fundraising methods, including seminars and practical workshops, the organization learned innovative techniques for securing financial resources.
Impact: The organization improved its financial sustainability by adopting new fundraising activities, such as charity markets, and launching an Etsy e-shop for selling products made from recycled materials. While financial gains are still emerging, the foundations for sustainable income generation were established.
Beneficiaries: The organization and the vulnerable groups who will continue to benefit from the resources generated through these fundraising efforts.
3. Improved Digital and Design Skills
Outcome: The project provided digital skills training in tools such as Canva, Zoom, MS Teams, and Google Meet, enabling participants to create digital promotional materials and manage remote operations effectively.
Impact: Participants applied these skills in creating social media content, advertisements, and managing online communication. This improved the organization’s visibility, communication, and overall operational efficiency.
Beneficiaries: Members of the organization, including staff and volunteers, gained essential digital skills. Vulnerable groups, including seniors and socially disadvantaged individuals, were also supported in developing digital literacy, helping them integrate better into modern society.
4. Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups
Outcome: Vulnerable groups, including socially disadvantaged individuals and seniors, were engaged in creative workshops, learning crafting skills (e.g., eco-printing, rug making) using recycled materials.
Impact: These groups not only developed practical skills but also improved their social integration and self-sufficiency. Products created in these workshops were either sold at charity events or donated to local social centers, increasing the participants'' sense of contribution and belonging.
Beneficiaries: Vulnerable populations, including individuals from social risk groups, who gained skills that can be used for both personal and financial improvement, as well as social inclusion.
5. Increased Civic Participation and Community Engagement
Outcome: The project increased citizen engagement through the participation of local residents in various activities, including seminars, workshops, and fundraising events.
Impact: More citizens became actively involved in charitable activities and lifelong learning processes. The project fostered a stronger sense of civic responsibility and active citizenship within the community.
Beneficiaries: The local community in Cēsis, including members of the Cēsis Y''S Men Club and local residents, who are now more engaged in civil society initiatives.
6. Experience Sharing and Networking
Outcome: Through experience exchange visits with organizations like the Pärnu Raekula Club (Estonia) and the Vidusdaugava NGO Center, the project facilitated valuable knowledge sharing on organizational management and fundraising strategies.
Impact: The insights gained from these visits allowed the organization to adopt best practices, particularly in securing financial support through events and community-driven initiatives.
Beneficiaries: The Cēsis Y''S Men Club and other partner organizations in the region, which will benefit from the shared knowledge and strengthened collaborative networks.
7. Broader Community Benefits
Outcome: The project’s diverse activities, such as digital training, fundraising initiatives, and creative workshops, had a ripple effect on the community by fostering a culture of support, education, and active involvement.
Impact: Vulnerable community members, particularly seniors and socially disadvantaged individuals, benefited from increased access to services, skills training, and community support. The organization itself became more resilient and capable of serving these populations in a sustainable manner.
Beneficiaries: The wider community in Cēsis, including vulnerable populations, who now have greater access to support services and educational opportunities.
8. Increased Financial Independence Through E-Commerce
Outcome: The creation of the Etsy online store allowed the organization to explore new revenue streams by selling creative, handmade products from recycled materials.
Impact: While the financial impact is still developing, the organization has taken the first steps toward becoming more financially independent, with long-term potential to generate steady income.
Beneficiaries: The organization and its members, with potential future financial benefits supporting both the group and the vulnerable communities they serve.
Summary:
The project successfully improved the organizational capacity of the Cēsis Y''S Men Club, empowered vulnerable groups, enhanced digital literacy, increased community engagement, and laid the groundwork for financial sustainability. The primary beneficiaries were the organization’s members, vulnerable populations, and the wider Cēsis community, who gained skills, opportunities, and stronger civic ties.