Strengthening Civic Participation in Slovenia
The Active Citizens, Strong Region: Empowering NGOs for Democratic Participation in the Zasavje Region project, coordinated by the Aspira Institute in Slovenia from November 2023 to October 2024, was dedicated to enhancing democratic participation and civic engagement in a valley region of the country.
At its core, the project recognized the crucial importance of vibrant civic life and the active involvement of civil society organizations (CSOs) in shaping democratic societies.
The initiative had two primary objectives. First, to fortify the CSO sector in Zasavje by fostering connections, building partnerships, and encouraging cooperation with other key stakeholders, particularly decisionmakers. Second, to equip CSOs there with essential competences for active participation so they can play a stronger part in civic engagement and democratic practice at the local and regional levels.
The project’s main activities reflected a hands-on, developmental approach. Four training workshops formed the backbone of the initiative, each addressing a critical area: idea development, financing, advocacy, and effective communication with diverse audiences. Through these workshops, CSO representatives gained practical skills, experimented with new methods, and engaged in peer learning.
The publication Active Citizens, Strong Region: Empowering NGOs for Democratic Participation in the Zasavje Region, prepared by Aspira, provides a comprehensive overview of the process and results of the project as well as best practices for strengthening civic engagement and the development of the civic sector in Zasavje. It brings together key information, advice, and recommendations to help CSOs work more effectively in their local and regional environments, and to support their role in democratic processes.
A notable example of the project’s impact is the success of the Philatelic Society of Trbovlje. This CSO participated in all training workshops and subsequently applied for funding through the annual municipal call for proposals. Using the knowledge and skills it acquired during the workshops, it secured 30% more funds than it had the previous year, demonstrating how capacity building and targeted support directly benefit local organizations.
Beyond such immediate outcomes, the project cultivated a sustainable culture of civic engagement in Zasavje. By strengthening their networks and enhancing their competences, the region’s CSOs are becoming more resilient, better equipped to respond to challenges, and more effective in representing local interests. The project is a model for similar efforts in other regions, demonstrating how targeted support and capacity building can generate lasting, positive change in democratic participation.
The Active Citizens, Strong Region: Empowering NGOs for Democratic Participation in the Zasavje Region project, supported by the Engaging Central Europe program of the Transatlantic Foundation, was implemented under the PROTEUS program and co-funded by the European Union.
The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Transatlantic Foundation (TF) or the European Union (EU). Neither the EU nor TF can be held responsible for them.
