Implementation of “Islands of Integrity” begins

Workshops called “Islands of Integrity” have begun for representatives of 12 civil society organisations, grantees of Civica Mobilitas, aimed at strengthening personal integrity and leading to systemic and organisational changes that will increase resistance to corruption.

The first two of the four-part workshop series were held in September. On 4th September, during the first workshop, participants learned more about the concepts of integrity and corruption. They assessed the values of personal integrity and later evaluated the culture of organisational integrity. One of their tasks between sessions was to share a questionnaire with colleagues and other stakeholders familiar with the organisation’s work, summarise the data, and prepare a report. Regarding corruption, statistical information about the situation in the country was presented, and discussions focused on possible actions to combat it. The trainers introduced the “Islands of Integrity” methodology and Professor Robert Klitgaard’s corruption formula.

The second workshop focused on a general and in-depth diagnosis of the integrity and vulnerability to corruption within the organisations. Through four questionnaires, participants assessed the levels of monopoly, discretion, transparency, and accountability in four areas: financial and asset management, human resource management, project implementation and service delivery, and governance and partnerships. This diagnosis helped them identify potential corruption risks, and in the in-depth analysis, they examined the activities most vulnerable to corruption. In the days leading up to the third workshop, participants will share the questionnaires with their colleagues and other stakeholders connected to the organisation to gain a broader perspective on these issues.

The workshops were filled with discussions, which participants found useful and inspiring. At this stage of the “Islands of Integrity” implementation, the participating organisations include HERA, Pro Lokal, the Environmental Resource Centre, the Climate Change Centre, the Centre for Civil Initiatives, the Youth Educational Forum, the Forum for Reasonable Policies, Glasen Tekstilec, Promo Idea Strumica, CMA-KRIK, the Rural Coalition, and InSok Tetovo.

Civica Mobilitas is considering the possibility of conducting another cycle of workshops, where interested organisations that are not part of this cycle can participate.