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Description
Association "Creative Minds for Culture", in collaboration with organisation the Participation Agency, will implement project "CMC: The Next Level" from September 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023, with the goal to strengthen Creative Minds for Culture capacity by improving communication with the public and implementing monitoring and evaluating procedures. Within the framework of this project, the organization CMC will address a significant part of the identified capacity needs of the organization, which will affect the capacity building and sustainable operation of the association.
In order to achieve the goal, the project will develop and implement CMC Monitoring and Evaluation Procedures, prepare CMC Communication Activities Plan, implement CMC Communication Plan activities, organise CMC Communication Academy and ensure participation in youth advocacy networks. The target group of the project is CMC''s existing and potential members, volunteers and civil society in general.
The development of an evaluation plan for setting and achieving the goals of the association will be based on a “M&E” approach, improving the assessment of the effectiveness of the association and creating a support tool for identifying the impact of its activities. Awareness of its influence and efficiency, will help the Association to develop in the next level.
The plan of the association''s communication activities and its implementation would support the association''s further regular and meaningful communication with the public. The developed competencies of the members and volunteers of the organization would enable them to become more actively involved in the communication of the organization with the public. Under the influence of high-quality and regular communication with the public, the association would be able to improve its visibility and public image.
Summary of project results
The project "CMC: The Next Level," implemented by the Association "Creative Minds for Culture" in collaboration with the Participation Agency, aimed to address several key challenges faced by the organization. These challenges included:
Capacity Building: The association needed to strengthen its overall capacity to ensure sustainable operations. This involved improving internal processes and procedures, such as monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems, which were identified as necessary for measuring effectiveness and impact.
Communication with the Public: The organization faced issues with its communication strategies, impacting its visibility and public image. There was a need to develop and implement a comprehensive communication plan to engage more effectively with both current and potential members, volunteers, and the broader civil society.
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): The lack of effective tools and procedures for monitoring and evaluating the organization''s activities was a barrier to understanding its impact and improving its operations. By implementing M&E procedures, the association sought to better assess its effectiveness and create mechanisms for setting and achieving future goals.
Involvement of Members and Volunteers: The project aimed to equip members and volunteers with the skills and competencies needed to take a more active role in the organization''s communication efforts. This would help foster greater engagement and participation within the association.
By addressing these challenges, the project sought to enhance the organization''s capacity, improve public communication, and ultimately increase its influence and sustainability.
The project "CMC: The Next Level" implemented several key activities, resulting in important outputs aimed at strengthening the capacity of the "Creative Minds for Culture" (CMC) organization. Below is a description of the activities and their outputs:
1. Development and Implementation of CMC Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Procedures:
- Activities:
- Conducted six working group meetings (Oct 2022 - Mar 2023) with project staff, CMC members, volunteers, and an expert from the Norwegian partner organization to design the M&E procedures.
- Organized a webinar (May 2023) with the Norwegian expert to present and discuss the M&E plan and its implementation steps. The expert also provided recommendations for improvement.
- Held follow-up meetings (June 2023, Oct 2023) to evaluate the implementation of the M&E plan and gather insights from the expert for further refinement.
- The M&E plan was launched in May 2023, and interim results were compiled in October, based on predefined indicators.
- Outputs:
- A comprehensive M&E plan was developed and partially implemented.
- The plan continues to be used to improve operational quality and guide the organization in its future development.
2. Development of the CMC Communication Plan:
- Activities:
- Organized four working group meetings (Dec 2022 - Mar 2023) involving project staff, CMC members, volunteers, and the Norwegian expert to design the communication plan.
- A webinar with the Norwegian expert (Mar 2023) shared best practices in public communication.
- CMC initiated its Communication Plan from April 2023, incorporating modern communication methods (social media, website updates, diverse media channels, and content formats).
- Communication materials were created, including a new CMC logo, a promotional video, and branded merchandise (jackets and T-shirts with the logo).
- CMC ensured communication with the public at least twice a week and enhanced its communication methods and visibility.
- Outputs:
- A detailed Communication Plan, new branding materials (logo, video, merchandise), and improved communication frequency and methods.
- CMC’s membership grew by 11 members during the project period.
3. Implementation of CMC Communication Plan Activities:
- Activities:
- From April 2023, CMC members and volunteers implemented the plan through social media posts (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), website updates, and preparing promotional materials for events.
- Participated in various public events (e.g., "Demokrātijas svētki", youth festivals, Eurodesk events) wearing branded clothing to promote CMC.
- Used innovative communication formats like short videos, Instagram Reels, and hashtags to engage the public.
- Outputs:
- Enhanced CMC’s digital presence and public engagement through social media, videos, and other promotional activities.
4. CMC Communication Academy:
- Activities:
- A full-day training (Mar 2023) was held for 10 CMC members and volunteers, led by a non-formal education trainer, focusing on improving communication skills and understanding responsibilities within the Communication Plan.
- Outputs:
- The academy empowered CMC members and volunteers to actively participate in implementing the Communication Plan.
5. CMC Participation in Youth Advocacy Networks:
- Activities:
- CMC joined the Latvian Youth Council (LJP) as an associate member (Mar 2023).
- CMC representatives participated in various youth policy discussions and events (e.g., policy proposals for volunteer work legislation, contributions to youth policy meetings, participation in the “Lampa” festival, and representation at youth consultative councils).
- Outputs:
- CMC became an active member of national and local youth advocacy networks, contributing to youth policy and civic engagement.
These activities collectively contributed to improving CMC''s internal processes, enhancing public communication, and expanding the organization’s role in youth advocacy, leading to greater visibility and sustainability for the organization.
The project "CMC: The Next Level" achieved several important outcomes and impacts, benefiting a variety of stakeholders, including CMC members, volunteers, and the broader civil society. Below is a summary of the key results and the groups they impacted:
1. Strengthened Organizational Capacity:
- Outcome: The development and implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) procedures significantly improved CMC’s ability to assess its effectiveness, measure the impact of its activities, and set clear goals for the future.
- Impact on Beneficiaries:
- CMC Leadership and Staff: Gained better tools for tracking the organization’s progress and making informed decisions to improve operations.
- Volunteers and Members: Benefited from being part of a more structured and goal-oriented organization, making their contributions more effective.
2. Enhanced Communication and Visibility:
- Outcome: The creation of a comprehensive Communication Plan and the active implementation of communication activities (e.g., social media presence, promotional materials, branded merchandise) led to improved engagement with the public, increased organizational visibility, and a more positive public image.
- Impact on Beneficiaries:
- CMC Members and Volunteers: Gained skills in modern communication techniques, enhancing their ability to actively engage with the public and represent the organization effectively.
- Potential New Members and Volunteers: Through improved communication and visibility, more individuals were drawn to CMC, leading to an increase in membership by 11 members during the project period.
- General Public and Civil Society: Benefited from increased access to information about CMC’s activities, opportunities, and initiatives, allowing more people to participate in the organization’s efforts.
3. Improved Monitoring and Evaluation Practices:
- Outcome: The M&E plan allowed CMC to systematically evaluate the outcomes of its activities and use data to improve future initiatives.
- Impact on Beneficiaries:
- CMC Organization: Became more efficient and goal-oriented, which strengthened its overall capacity and sustainability.
- Members and Volunteers: Were able to see the direct impact of their contributions, motivating continued involvement and more effective participation in organizational activities.
4. Empowerment Through Training:
- Outcome: The "CMC Communication Academy" provided training to CMC members and volunteers, equipping them with communication and organizational skills. This helped to foster active participation in the organization''s communication strategies.
- Impact on Beneficiaries:
- CMC Members and Volunteers: Gained practical skills and knowledge to manage communication activities and represent the organization to the public.
- Broader Civil Society: Benefited indirectly, as the trained members and volunteers were able to effectively communicate CMC’s mission and activities, raising awareness and fostering community engagement.
5. Increased Participation in Youth Advocacy:
- Outcome: CMC’s active participation in youth advocacy networks (e.g., Latvian Youth Council) strengthened its role in shaping youth policy at both national and local levels. This enabled the organization to contribute to discussions on issues like volunteer work legislation and youth participation in civic initiatives.
- Impact on Beneficiaries:
- Youth in Latvia: Benefited from CMC’s advocacy efforts, as the organization contributed to policy discussions and initiatives that impact youth opportunities and rights.
- CMC Members and Volunteers: Were empowered by participating in advocacy networks, gaining a platform to influence policy and represent the interests of young people.
6. Organizational Growth and Sustainability:
- Outcome: The project laid the foundation for CMC’s long-term sustainability by improving internal processes, building a more skilled membership base, and strengthening external communication and partnerships.
- Impact on Beneficiaries:
- CMC as an Organization: Became more resilient and capable of expanding its activities, reaching more people, and having a broader impact on the cultural and civil society landscape.
- Members and Volunteers: Gained a more stable and well-organized association in which they could participate meaningfully, contributing to long-term projects with clear outcomes.
Summary of Beneficiaries:
- CMC Members and Volunteers: Gained skills, knowledge, and better tools for engagement, communication, and advocacy.
- Potential New Members: Were drawn to CMC due to improved visibility and public communication, leading to membership growth.
- Youth and Civil Society in Latvia: Benefited from CMC’s enhanced communication efforts, access to information, and involvement in shaping youth policy.
- CMC as an Organization: Strengthened its overall capacity, visibility, and long-term sustainability, becoming a more impactful player in the cultural and civil society sectors.
In conclusion, the project achieved significant results by building organizational capacity, improving communication, and empowering members, ultimately benefiting both the organization and the broader civil society.
Summary of bilateral results
The involvement of the Norwegian donor project partner significantly enhanced the "CMC: The Next Level" project by providing expertise, mentorship, and credibility. The Norwegian expert shared valuable insights, helping CMC refine both its Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) procedures and Communication Plan to meet international standards. Continuous consultations and webinars facilitated the transfer of knowledge, allowing CMC to benefit from the partner''s experience. This support led to improved project quality, enabling CMC to better track progress, measure impact, and enhance public outreach. Additionally, the partnership increased CMC''s credibility and strengthened its reputation as part of an international network.The collaboration produced several key results:Knowledge Sharing: Regular consultations enabled CMC to integrate best practices into its processes.Improved M&E System: The partnership helped develop and implement a comprehensive M&E plan, improving CMC''s ability to track its activities and demonstrate impact.Enhanced Communication Strategies: The Norwegian partner''s guidance modernized CMC’s communication, significantly improving visibility through social media, video content, and public engagement.Capacity Building: The collaboration built the skills of CMC members and volunteers in organizational development and public outreach.Network Expansion: CMC’s international profile grew, opening opportunities for further collaboration and partnership building within European and global cultural sectors.CMC plans to sustain its bilateral cooperation with the Norwegian partner through:Ongoing Consultations: Continuing to seek advice on the implementation of M&E and Communication Plans.Joint Projects: Exploring new funding opportunities for youth empowerment, cultural development, and capacity building.