Implementing Cross-Cutting Values in Our Work

November 15 – December 20, 2023 / Online Course for CSOs

Format: online course, participation is free of charge
Language: English
For whom: CSOs representatives and volunteers from EaP countries
Registration deadline: November 13, 2023

Have you ever had to describe in a project proposal how your activities align with cross-cutting issues? Or explain to contractors and new employees what inclusion is and how to incorporate it into different events? Maybe, you’ve asked colleagues if they have a gender equality policy because you want to create one but don’t know where to start? Or perhaps you’ve wondered why you should even care about cross-cutting values when you’re already working in CSO and doing a lot?

We think we can answer these questions during an online course designed to equip Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Eastern Partnership countries with the knowledge about cross-cutting issues and tools to develop and implement Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) and gender policies. Registration is open till November 13!

Course Details and Structure

We have prepared an online course consisting of 5 videos and 4 online workshops, from which you can learn:

• how the managerial approach, built on cross-cutting values, can improve the whole performance of your CSO,
• what successful inclusive practices exist in different countries and organizations,
• how to conduct gender analysis in your CSO and integrate its results into your work,
• what is human rights-based approach (HRBA) and what are first simple steps to take to make it work,
• why making eco-friendliness a core value matters, even if your organization doesn’t specialize in this area.

Timeline:

• November 15 – Introductory meeting & Networking

• November 22 – Gender equality in programmatic work, workshop by Tony Lashden. We will delve into the concept of gender equality and discuss what an CSO’s gender equality policy could look like and how to start preparing one.

• November 29 – Greening for NGOs: how to reduce the negative impact on the environment and why. Elena Tacu is a freelance trainer in climate change and sustainable life-style for 5 years and counting, and she will share how each organization can become more environmentally aware and include eco-friendly practices in their day to day activities.

• December 6 – together with Nazarii Boiarskyi, a human rights defender and non-formal education trainer, we will talk about inclusion, discuss what should and should not be done, and share knowledge and best practices

• December 13 – During the workshop “HRBA and cross-cutting issues in proposal writing”, Natia Tavberidze will explain how to use how to use Human Rights Based Approach in practice, as well as for building organizational structure & policies

• December 20 – Graduation Party

Workshops and networking will be held in Zoom (with discussions, interactivity and small group work) on Wednesdays, in the evening. You can participate with your camera and microphone on or off, under your own name or an alias. Meetings won’t be recorded.

The course will be delivered through the ‘Cities of Learning’ platform in the format of an educational playlist. It’s like a musical playlist, except instead of songs and podcasts, there will be short educational videos, workshops, additional materials and assignments. You can decide for yourself how much time to devote to learning.

Who can participate

We welcome participants:

• from the Eastern Partnership countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine),
• who work or volunteer in CSOs, regardless of position or experience, and/or lead their own initiative,
• up to 2 people from one organization/initiative can apply.

This diverse group will enrich the learning experience and foster networking and collaboration opportunities.

Certificates

You get a badge for every task you complete on the platform. This is an electronic version of a ‘certificate’ – it shows what competencies you now have on a particular topic. To get the certificate of completion, you need to get at least 5 thematic badges.

Key Results

We expect that after finishing the course CSOs will utilize HRBA principles in their daily activities and/or develop and implement gender policies within their organizations, as well gain the ability to identify and address discrimination within their programs and internal processes.

Apply by November 13, 2023 (or right now)!

By participating in this course, you’ll not only empower your organization but contribute to the greater good in your community and beyond. Let’s build a more inclusive, equal, and rights-based future for our organizations and the communities we serve. We look forward to seeing you in our upcoming course!

Next steps

1. Fill out the application form until November 13.
2. Receive a response no later than November 14 to the email specified in the form (check your spam folder to make sure you don’t miss an email).
3. Register on the platform and come to the first meeting.
4. Learn what cross-cutting values are and how to integrate them into your organization’s work!

Please note that we reserve the right to select participants based on the information provided in the application form.

For any inquiries or further information, please contact us at [email protected].

The course is organised by OEEC and supported by the Danish Cultural Institute (DCI) in the framework of the “New Democracy Fund” (NDF) project.