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Description
The project, implemented by the Bona Fides Association for Civil Activity in cooperation with its partner, the Anna and Józef Kumorek AJKUM Foundation, tackles the important issue of mobbing in NGO sector as well as organizations compliance with the principles resulting from the Labor Code and the Civil Code. What can be observed is the lack of competent and access-free tools as well as know-how on the Internet concerning anti-mobbing practices and regulations devoted to NGOs. Moreover the information which can be found on the Internet are often contradicted – for instance some sources indicate that the employer should have an anti-mobbing procedure, others that there is no such obligation.The project consists of several phases such as monitoring to thoroughly investigate the mentioned phenomenon, then a report will be developed to present the results of the monitoring. Then it will be presented to a wide range of organizations, informational campaign will be also carried oud. Anti-mobbing procedures developed within the scope of the project will be piloted in selected organizations.One of the key activities of project is related to monitoring of Polish NGOs for compliance with the principles of the Labor Code and the Civil Code, respectively in the field of anti-mobbing activities. Minimum number of 500 organizations will be the subject of the research as a part of the project activities. Monitoring report with recommendations for implementation both for the third sector entities and their stakeholders will be published.The results of the project will include improved access to competent knowledge on anti-mobbing measures and increased awareness of the problem of mobbing in NGO sector. The partner with whom the project is implemented, AJKUM Foundation, is an entity created by experts with extensive experience i.e. working for NGO sector and business sector as far as the mentioned problem-area is concerned.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the significant issue of mobbing within NGOs, an area that had not been adequately explored or addressed before. Many organizations lacked knowledge and tools to effectively prevent or respond to workplace mobbing, which can have a serious impact on employee well-being and organizational performance. There was also insufficient awareness of compliance with principles derived from the Labor Code and Civil Code, particularly regarding the implementation of anti-mobbing practices. Additionally, online resources were not only scarce but often inconsistent, leading to confusion about whether NGOs were legally obligated to adopt specific anti-mobbing procedures. This gap in knowledge and guidance created a pressing need for a project that could provide clarity, practical tools, and comprehensive resources tailored specifically for the NGO sector. The project aimed to fill this void, equipping NGOs with the knowledge and mechanisms necessary to create safer and more inclusive workplaces while raising awareness of mobbing as a critical organizational issue.
The project, implemented by the Bona Fides Association in collaboration with the AJKUM Foundation, carried out a multifaceted approach to address mobbing within NGOs. It began with comprehensive research, monitoring over 500 organizations to evaluate their compliance with anti-mobbing principles outlined in the Labor Code and Civil Code. Based on the findings, a detailed report was prepared and disseminated in both full and summary formats to maximize accessibility. The project also launched an extensive awareness campaign, utilizing various media platforms, seminars, and conferences to engage a wide audience. Key activities included training programs for 10 selected NGOs, involving both group and individualized sessions tailored to organizational needs. Participants underwent a series of workshops, culminating in the development of 10 model anti-mobbing procedures. A practical handbook compiling these procedures was published and made freely available online. Legal advisory services were provided to participating organizations, ensuring they received expert guidance in implementing their procedures. Additionally, promotional materials, including videos and articles, were created to sustain long-term awareness and advocacy for anti-mobbing measures within the sector.
The project delivered a range of impactful outcomes for NGOs and their stakeholders. Over 20,000 individuals, including representatives of NGOs, policymakers, and other stakeholders, were reached through the project’s activities, reports, and promotional materials, significantly raising awareness about mobbing and its prevention. Ten organizations were selected for intensive engagement, leading to the successful implementation of customized anti-mobbing procedures. The participants, numbering approximately 90 individuals, reported improved knowledge and skills in addressing workplace issues related to mobbing and discrimination. The publication of a comprehensive handbook containing the 10 model procedures provided a valuable resource for NGOs nationwide, offering practical guidance on creating safer workplaces. Beyond these tangible outputs, the project fostered long-term cultural change within the NGO sector by encouraging organizations to adopt ethical practices aligned with legal and social expectations. The project also laid the groundwork for continued efforts, as several organizations have expressed interest in sustaining the initiative by applying its findings and tools to future activities. Through these achievements, the project not only improved individual organizations but contributed to building a more supportive and inclusive environment across the third sector.
Additional activities we undertook were aimed at popularising among Polish voluntary organisations access to useful tips and rules for implementing procedures to counteract undesirable phenomena in employment, commissioning or provision of voluntary services. As part of the main project, we prepared a report together with a tool facilitating the implementation of an internal prevention system for people working in organisations - in the form of model procedures - made available in the form of an e-book.
This time, we established cooperation with 5 organisations operating in the so-called ‘umbrella’ structure - nationwide, as well as locally (organisations operating in federations, unions, support networks), we disseminated knowledge about the existence of the report and the tools (through posts on the profiles of these organisations in social media and mailings to their contact networks) and encouraged conscious preparation and implementation of equality principles.