Strengthening the capacity of the Aglona association ""Forget-me-not""

Description

The aim of the project of Aglona district association "Neaizmirstule" is to set priorities for associations development in the county and beyond in the coming years, while resolving problematic issues and focusing on the new goals set through good governance, democracy and citizen participation.
With the activities carried out by the project, we will achieve:
1.    The development of the brand idea of the Aglona municipality association “Neaizmirstule” as a non-governmental organization;
2.    Financial attraction strategy and diversification;
3.    The transfer of experience and knowledge to other non-governmental organizations;
4.    Strengthening the visual identity on the association''s website;
5.    Strategies for the future direction of the association.
Training under the guidance of a specialist will improve the organization''s management and processes will strengthen the capacity of the association and provide good governance, democracy and citizen participation a platform for the implementation of its civic activities.
The development of the strategy will allow to evaluate what has been done and to set new tasks and a vision for the future. It will allow effective planning of both human and material resources to achieve the goals of the association.
By motivating a member of the association, the association will receive feedback, promoting the development of the association and the achievement of the set goals to a new level.
The implementation of the above activities within the project will provide long-term results and promote the participation of civil society in the association and its organized activities.
Organized activities during the project will deepen the knowledge of project participants.
The acquired knowledge, skills and abilities will be useful in the daily activities of the association, will promote the capacity and focus of the association and the areas of activity highlighted during the project activities.

Summary of project results

The project aimed to address several key challenges related to the development, sustainability, and effectiveness of the Aglona district association "Neaizmirstule" as a non-governmental organization (NGO). These challenges included:

1. Strengthening Organizational Identity and Branding:
   The association needed to develop a clear brand identity to better represent its role as an NGO and enhance its visibility within the community and beyond.

2. Diversifying and Securing Financial Resources:
   A lack of diversified funding sources was identified as a barrier to long-term sustainability. The project aimed to create strategies for attracting and managing financial resources more effectively.

3. Knowledge and Capacity Building:
   The transfer of experience and knowledge to other NGOs was highlighted as crucial for fostering collaboration and strengthening the local civil society network.

4. Improving Governance and Citizen Participation:
   Challenges in governance and engaging citizens were addressed by promoting democratic processes and creating platforms for civic participation.

5. Future Strategy Development:
   The association lacked a clear strategic direction. Developing a comprehensive strategy was necessary to set priorities, assess progress, and plan the use of resources to achieve future goals.

6. Enhancing Visual and Digital Presence:
   The association needed to strengthen its online presence through improved visual identity and a more effective website to engage stakeholders and communicate its mission.

The project implemented several significant activities to strengthen the capacity, brand, and strategic development of the NGO "Neaizmirstule." Key accomplishments include:

1. Technological and Digital Solutions:

   • Developed and updated the NGO''s website, improving its visual identity and accessibility.
   • Created a social media presence with a new Facebook account, enhancing the organization''s digital reach.

2. Brand Development and Communication:

   • Designed the NGO''s brand and guidelines for social media, presentations, and promotional materials, ensuring a cohesive visual identity.

3. Training and Capacity Building:

   • Conducted an 8-hour training series titled "The Future of the NGO Brand". Topics covered branding strategies, community engagement, and communication skills.
   • Organized a 6-hour training series on "Financial Attraction Strategy", attended by 9 participants. The training focused on funding diversification and practical financial planning tasks.

4. Experience Exchange Visits:

   • Facilitated two exchange visits: one to Vidzeme and another to Liepāja. 

5. Strategic Planning:

   • Developed and updated the NGO''s development strategy and action plan for 2023–2027, outlining priority areas and tasks for the future.

6. Fundraising Campaign:

   • Conducted a fundraising and publicity campaign during the event "With a Bike through Aglyuna", raising funds and spreading awareness about the organization''s mission.

• Results and Impact:

  • Enhanced Digital Presence: The new website and social media platform facilitated better information dissemination and public engagement.
  • Strengthened Branding: The NGO''s new branding and guidelines improved its public image and recognition.
  • Increased Capacity: Training and exchange visits equipped participants with new skills and knowledge for better NGO management and fundraising.
  • Strategic Focus: The updated strategy provided a clear roadmap for sustainable development and goal-oriented activities.

• Target Groups and Beneficiaries:

  • NGO Members: Direct beneficiaries included participants in the training sessions and exchange visits who gained skills to improve organizational operations.
  • The Community: Fundraising and awareness campaigns engaged the broader public, fostering support for the NGO''s activities.
  • The NGO Sector: Knowledge and insights from the experience exchange visits were shared with other organizations, contributing to the overall growth of the nonprofit sector.