Description
The public image of environmental NGOs is often a perception greatly distorted and stereotyped. People tend to see environmental NGOs in black and white, although their activities are guaranteed by wide range of experts. They face prejudices of the public due to specific working methods, even though they are legal and nonviolent. The aim of the project is to strengthen the positive image of environmental NGOs and civic activism among the Czech public. We intend to achieve this by the implementation of an awareness campaign, by the promoting of their existing principles of transparency, integrity and professionalism. The project’s activities will contribute to a better understanding of environmental NGOs; to the promotion of mutual dialogue between the non-profit sector and the public and to the better involvement of citizens in environmental protection. Environmental NGOs and the Czech public are also the primary target groups of the project. The Norwegian partner GRID Arendal is involved as a consultant with the experience of successful campaigns that have communicated complicated topics and will share its know-how in the context of Czech environment.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to strengthen public image of environmental NGOs and to improve public awareness about environmental issues by promoting NGOs activities and topics. To achieve our goal, we implemented awareness campaign to improve the image of environmental NGOs. We targeted mostly at journalist and Czech public. We also organized educational seminars for our member NGOs to improve their PR skills and public communication. During the project we organized 6 informal evenings for public, activists and scientists, 3 press conferences and 6 lunch meetings for journalists, published 17 press releases, created 3 videospots and 3 videoreports which promoted Green circle, its member NGOs and their topics, we organized 6 seminars and 2 workshops, and in cooperation with experts we created new visual identity of Green circle and new website. Unique research was carried out during the project. The topic of this research was public engagement in environmental issues in the Czech republic (which forms of engagement people prefer, how often do they engage, in which issues and what do they consider to do in the future etc.). The research helped us to identify existing and also potential target groups. Within the project we cooperated with 35 member NGOs. Through videospots and videoreports we reached more than 45 000 people. 157 people participated in the informal evenings. 65 journalists participated in the press conferences and the lunch meetings for journalists, 475 media outputs were published based on our activities.
Summary of bilateral results
During the project we shared know-how with partners and adapted it to our needs in Czech conditions so that we could use it in further work in raising awareness among the Czech public. During consultations with partners we exchanged valuable experiences in communication on specific topics. On that basis, we implemented new tools or chose a new innovative approach within media communication or during campaigns on social networks. Thanks to that we increased the number of media outputs during the project and maximized positive impact in media and on social networks.