The Ukrainian National Platform conducted a training session titled “Tools and Methods for Developing Organisational Resilience and Impact” as part of the project.
The training was held on 16 December from 14:00 to 18:00 online via ZOOM.
The training consisted of two sessions held on the same day.
Purpose of the training. To present members of the UNP EaP CSF and other Ukrainian NGOs with methodological approaches and practical tools for building and developing an impactful organisation by enhancing organisational capacity, improving team collaboration, promoting the organisation’s image and recognition in the information space, and introducing project management practices.
Programme:
- Opportunities for collaboration with the UNP EaP CSF
- Presentation of a step-by-step plan to help participants understand how to focus efforts to make their organisation recognisable, resilient, and impactful. Discussion of organisational capacity components, the role of community building, algorithms for establishing organisational recognition, practices for building partnerships with other organisations, and establishing communication with donors.
- Demonstration of the effective use of online tools to promote the organisation’s image on the Internet, establish communication with partners, and prepare and implement projects. Recommendations were illustrated through the practical activities of the NGO Agency of European Innovations (AEI).
Trainers:
- Ivan Kulchytskyi, expert at the Agency of European Organisations. He has 20 years of experience working in civil society organisations (CSOs). He has extensive experience in delivering impactful training and consultations on building organisational capacity through the implementation of strategic and project management methods.
- Ivan Kulchytskyi, UNP EaP CSF WG4 Coordinator, President of the NGO Agency of European Innovations
Ivan Kulchytskyi emphasised the necessity for organisations to be impactful and capable, with a focus on planning, financial self-sufficiency, and the ability to manage change. Ivan also stressed the importance of understanding the needs of the target audience and the ability to solve problems. He shared examples of successful projects and organisations, such as the Institute of Civic Leadership and the Kharkiv Organisation for Ukrainian Professional Development. Ivan concluded the discussion by highlighting the elements of an impactful organisation, including a strong leader, mission, values, reputation, and partnerships.
During the training, the importance of building organisational capacity and strategic planning for NGOs was discussed. He emphasised the need for a clear understanding of goals, values, and strengths within the team.
The importance of communication systems, operational management, and project management was also emphasised.
The trainer highlighted the need for a clear understanding of goals, values, and strengths within the team. Ivan also emphasised the importance of communication systems, operational and project management, and the distinction between volunteer work and civic work. He recommended resources such as the Sustainable Development Lab of the Renaissance Foundation and the Academy of Civic Activism for further learning. Ivan also stressed the importance of motivation, competence, and action plans in achieving organisational goals.
Ivan Kulchytskyi shared the history and successes of his NGO, the Agency of European Organisations, which focused on non-formal education and community development. He highlighted the importance of understanding one’s goals and motivations before making decisions, building an organisation, or simply working on a project. Ivan also emphasised the necessity of planning and scenario analysis in uncertain times and shared a model for assessing realities and setting action plans. He urged participants to reflect on their own experiences and apply the discussed strategies to their projects or organisations.
Ivan discussed the importance of understanding donor criteria and the organisation’s ability to meet these requirements. He emphasised the necessity of legal registration, a competent team, expertise, a developed strategy, transparency, communication systems, and prior experience. The trainer also emphasised the importance of partnerships and the potential of social entrepreneurship.
Ivan Kulchytskyi discussed the role of the UNP EaP CSF in promoting international cooperation and funding opportunities. He highlighted the Platform’s involvement in various projects, including the European Business Incubator Network and the Ukraine Recovery Network. Ivan also emphasised the importance of social media for reaching new target audiences and the need for live communication to test the perception of their offerings. He mentioned the Platform’s participation in the Horizon programme and its collaboration with other organisations. The discussion also covered the use of Facebook and Instagram for communication and the importance of understanding audience perception of their content.
During the training, participants discussed various social media platforms and the strategies their organisations use. The trainer highlighted the importance of Facebook, YouTube, and Telegram for reaching a wider audience and promoting organisational activities. The necessity of active engagement with the audience, sharing useful information, and promoting the organisation’s image was emphasised.
During the meeting, Ivan Kulchytskyi stressed the importance of continuous learning, transparency, and adaptability in achieving organisational goals and making positive societal changes.
The trainer led a discussion on effective communication strategies, highlighting the importance of clear messaging, understanding the target audience, and using various channels for outreach. He emphasised the need for creativity in email content, the use of colour and links, and maintaining a professional tone.
Organisations were advised to have a communication strategy, define their target audience, channels, and outreach, and to monitor and analyse data to understand the effectiveness of their communication efforts.
The discussion concluded with Ivan encouraging the team to consider ways to improve their communication strategies and explore the potential of using platforms as their own for more effective work.
Video recording of the training
Presentation: “Tools and Methods for Developing Organisational Resilience and Impact”
Presentation: “Tools and Technologies for Promoting NGOs Online”
The event was held within the framework of the project “Supporting the Activities of the Ukrainian National Platform of the EaP CSF in 2024,” funded by the European Union and implemented by the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting. Individual opinions expressed in the event the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting.
