Supported by the EU Delegation in North Macedonia, under the framework agreements and associated annual operating grants, NGO Info-centre is implementing the four-year programme Alliances for Active Citizenry. The programme empowers local civil society organizations (CSOs) to create opportunities for proactive citizen engagement in their communities, enhancing their capacities through alliances and training in citizen mobilization, advocacy, and sustainable development, while simultaneously strengthening public pressure for participatory democracy and good governance.
Since 2022, through this action, NGO Info-centre has established cooperation with, supported, and encouraged 16 local CSOs to mobilize citizens and advocate for participatory democracy at the local level. This has been achieved by strengthening their capacities in mobilization, advocacy, and sustainable development, aiming to encourage local authorities to promote and practice participatory democracy.
The cooperation and support of the 16 CSOs from Kriva Palanka, Veles, Sveti Nikole, Strumica, Kumanovo, Tearce, Debar, Skopje, Mavrovo and Rostushe, Bitola, Skopje, Struga, Shtip, Gostivar and Demir Kapija is secured through series of activities (including trainings, in-house consultations and meetings, mentorship, events, and local actions) tailored to the specific needs of each organization and local community. The involved local CSOs are successfully applying the knowledge gained from seven trainings on topics of their interest, including the use of online tools to create educational and informative video content for social media and campaigns; practical steps for ensuring compliance with the Law on Personal Data Protection; improved fundraising and project cycle management; practical use of AI tools for CSOs; and data collection, analysis, and report writing.
Ongoing cooperation and consultation with local CSOs resulted in the design and implementation of 16 events/small local actions and 16 joint initiatives with journalists and local media. These activities addressed various issues relevant to local communities, including: (a) Youth activism and representation in rural areas (Chashka and Tearce); (b) Economic empowerment of rural women (Sveti Nikole, Debar, Centar Zupa, and Gostivar); (c) Solutions for managing the coexistence of civil populations and the growing number of brown bears (Mavrovo and Rostushe); (d) Improving youth mental health through more sustainable communication between parents and children (Kriva Palanka); (e) Mapping alternative cultural spaces and promoting intergenerational dialogue through culture (Kriva Palanka); (f) Gender equality and gender-responsive budgeting and policies at the local level (Strumica and Gostivar); (g) Equal opportunities for men and women (Sveti Nikole); (h) Prevention of peer violence (Strumica); (i) Inclusion of persons with disabilities in political and public life (Kriva Palanka); and (j) raising awareness among the active population about ecological footprints and encouraging participation in environmental protection efforts.
These local events and actions resulted аin the participation and engagement of more than 1,000 people, including citizens, rural women, youth, local experts, municipal and institutional representatives, and local and national journalists.
See the testimonies of the partner organizations involved in the program:
Personal Choice Leaves a Mark on the Environment, Andrijana Ristovska Kostovska, Institute for Good Governance and Policies in Environment and Climate Change (IPECC)
When Everyone is Involved – the Community Thrives, Zaklina Cvetkovska, RCS Spektar Kriva Palanka
Women in Rural Areas Drive the Change, Irina Pockova, Civic Initiative of Women Sveti Nikole
Youth for a Better Local Community, Maja Hristovska, Initiative for Civic Integrations – Gostivar
Active Youth, Strong Community, Dejan Ristov, AKTIVO Veles
The Participation of All Citizens Strengthens the Community, Lence Hristova, Women’s Organization from Strumica
Culture Connects Generations, Metodi Cvetkovski, Center for Audiovisual Arts Kriva Palanka
