Greater focus needed on reporting the achievements of civil society organisations

The communications strategies of Civica Mobilitas and civil society organisations (CSOs) in general were the focus of a workshop held on 16th May 2024 in Skopje.

A total of 37 representatives from 32 CSOs discussed the challenges of communication in the modern information age. The overwhelming influx of information, hate speech, and fake news complicate the process of informing target groups and the public about the work of CSOs.

Participants agreed that one of the most important adjustments needed is to shift the focus of communication towards reporting on achievements, rather than just activities. While activity updates remain important, it is essential that CSOs report on the changes and impacts that their efforts have brought about.

Some participants shared their experiences with media communication and explained how and why media coverage can be a valuable tool for advocacy and influencing policies. They also discussed how they handle hate speech, particularly on social media, and how they manage such comments.

The Civica Mobilitas team presented their available communication channels and encouraged organisations to utilise them to complement their own. Participants were encouraged to share information with each other, use hashtags and mentions to increase reach. Additionally, based on website visit statistics, they were advised to better understand the communication habits of their target groups and adjust their strategies accordingly. While posting on social media is quicker and easier, publishing on websites should not be neglected.

Participants agreed to intensify communication amongst themselves, and the Civica Mobilitas team committed to continuing to support and facilitate this process.