Digital technology can simplify processes and strengthen community engagement

4 Apr 2025

The Civic Resource Centre (CRC) continues to strengthen civil society organisations (CSOs) on topics that contribute to their efficient and effective operation. This time, the focus was on digital transformation as one of the key areas in the EU Strategic Agenda 2024–2029. A workshop on this topic for CSOs was held online on 2-3 April, 2025.

During the workshop, participants enhanced their knowledge and skills in the three types of digital transformation: internally focused, externally focused, and two-way digital transformation. Among the tools for team collaboration and project management, special attention was given to project and team management, document sharing, and platforms for internal communication. More information about these tools is available at: https://bit.ly/4fYmM5P

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Additionally, participants were introduced to data and resource management tools, process automation tools, training and skill development tools, governance tools, and digital policies. They were then divided into groups to practically test these tools in pre-defined scenarios. During the practical exercises, participants selected digital tools most suitable for solving problems in their scenarios, subsequently presenting and discussing their chosen digital solutions in a plenary session.

Throughout the workshop, participants acquired theoretical and practical knowledge about digital advocacy and building a digital presence through social media, digital solutions based on social innovation, as well as digital tools for fundraising and supporter engagement. In the final session, they had the opportunity to practically explore ways to initiate digital transformation within their own organisations.

After the workshop, participants expressed satisfaction with the topics covered.

“The training was useful and informative, offering valuable information and insights into new technologies and strategies that will help effectively manage digitalization within our organisation,” said Maida Halimi from the Forum for Reasonable Policies, Skopje.

The topics were relevant, and discussions were beneficial for understanding the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital transition, according to Noli Osmani, president of the Association Regional Center for Sustainable Development and Innovation RESET HUB Debar:

“The sessions covered key topics such as the necessity of digital transformation, tools for team and project management, as well as strategies for digital advocacy and social media presence. Each of these segments provided valuable insights and demonstrated how technology can simplify processes and strengthen community engagement,” he said, highlighting interactivity as a particularly useful aspect of the workshop: “I especially appreciated the interactive approach, where participants shared experiences and best practices, making the sessions practical and inspiring. Digital transformation does not only mean adopting new tools; it also requires changing mindsets and fostering a culture of innovation within organisations.”

CSOs expressed interest in capacity building in this area through an open call, and prior to the workshop, they were required to watch the online course within the online Academy: Training on Digital Transformation for Civil Society Organisations. After the workshop, mentoring activities on this topic will be provided for all interested CSOs.

The workshop was organised within the project “EU Support to the Civil Society Resource Centre – Phase 2,” funded by the European Union and implemented by the National Civil Society Development Foundation – Civic Resource Centre, the Macedonian Center for International Cooperation (MCIC), Media Plus, Shtip, and the Association for Democratic Initiatives (ADI), Gostivar.