Resilience in Croatia: Navigating Uncertainty Through Strength and Collaboration
In recent years, the phenomenon of shrinking civic space has posed significant challenges to civil society organizations (CSOs) worldwide. This trend has made it increasingly difficult for the likes of Zelena akcija (Friends of the Earth Croatia) to operate effectively, to advocate environmental defenders’ rights, and to promote EU values.
As a result, many CSOs face challenges—such as limited financial resources, overburdened staff, and inadequate organizational policies—that hinder their ability to respond to external threats and crises.
To address these, Zelena akcija launched the Resilient Activism in Times of Uncertainty project in 2023. The primary goal was to empower CSOs at the operational and organizational levels so as to enable them to adapt to negative changes in their social environment and to continue their advocacy work effectively.
To this end, Zelena akcija organized a workshop on resilient activism for Croatian CSOs. This helped participants understand shrinking civic space, explore resilience strategies, and think through how to successfully manage advocacy and fundraising campaigns.
The key takeaways were compiled in the Tools for Resilience guide. This comprehensive publication, available also in English, shares best practices and insights from Zelena akcija’s extensive experience acquired over 35 years. It covers topics including value-based leadership, organizational and financial resilience, launching activist groups, and fostering effective decision-making cultures. Distributed to over 700 organizations and groups in Croatia and beyond, the guide aims to support resilient social engagement and resistance against shrinking civic space. It is an invaluable resource for seasoned activists and beginners alike.
The Resilient Activism in Times of Uncertainty project exemplifies how dedicated efforts towards internal resilience can empower CSOs to navigate challenging environments and continue their advocacy work effectively. By reimagining practices, building capacity, and fostering collaboration, Zelena akcija has set a powerful example for other CSOs facing similar challenges. This success story is an inspiration for CSOs worldwide to prioritize resilience and adaptability in their pursuit of social and environmental justice.
The Resilient Activism in Times of Uncertainty 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.
