Source: Private Archive

At the invitation of the Technical Assistance to Civil Society Organizations (EU TACSO 3) in the Western Balkans and Turkey, on October 31 and November 1, Metamorphosis was part of the panelists at the event “from people to people” aimed at the effects of the digital transition on civil society organizations.

The main idea of the event was to encourage civil society organizations in the Western Balkans region and Türkiye to advance in the digital age and encourage positive social change through knowledge exchange, networking at the international and regional level, and expert panel discussions and interactive sessions.

Source: Private Archive

The representative of Metamorphosis, Mila Josifovska Danilovska, coordinator of Social Accountability and Human Rights Online programs, together with Snezhana Nicevic from 35mm (Montenegro) and Armin Sestic from the Association for Social, Cultural and Creative Development Zora (Bosnia and Herzegovina), were part of the last panel discussion where they shared the practices of their organizations for empowering the civil sector with digital skills and tools.

Among the successful initiatives of Metamorphosis in providing support to CSOs and other stakeholders in building their digital capacities and resilience, as well as empowerment through software donations, Josifovska Danilovska emphasized the initiatives TechSoup program for software donations in North Macedonia, Albania, and Kosovo, the program for digital activism that Metamorphosis implements with TechSoup Global and Google, a project and trainings for digital security, Digital first aid kit, Increasing Civic Engagement in the Digital Agenda – ICEDA, Privacy by Design –Building an inclusive digital ecosystem (EU), and others.

Source: Private Archive

The presentations prompted comments and questions from the attendees, some of which focused on how to keep up with the changing digital landscape, and what organizations should do in terms of using digital tools and developing their digital skills.

In general, the speakers agreed that in order to stay up to date with the constant technological innovations, we must work on agility in our learning, working, and living, as well as making a good division of labor and portfolios in the team, as well as prioritization of processes and trends. which benefit the organization and its constituents.

 

Source: Private Archive

In addition, Josifovska Danilovska advises organizations on how to be more efficient in building their digital capacities, for example:

  • making a regular assessment of internal digital capacities, including strengths and weaknesses;
  • researching opportunities for capacity building, with an emphasis on those offered by the civil sector without financial compensation;
  • establishment of cooperation with experts, faculties, civil organizations and businesses, especially referring to the corporate social responsibility of the business sector;
  • using open source software in order to reduce unnecessary costs;
  • smart and ethical use of social media for better access to the public and the target groups they work with.

“Building digital competencies is an ongoing process, so make sure you are continuously exploring and adapting to new technologies and the changing digital landscape.” – she added.

 

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