46, Parchevich str.
fl.3, ap.7
1000 Sofia
Bulgaria
- International/Cultural relations
BRIDGES – Eastern European Forum for Dialogue is a non-governmental organization which operates regionally with an international outreach, having established partnerships with other organizations worldwide. Founded in 2008, its capacity is expanded by a team of 12 people who dedicate their time and energy for the implementation of various intercultural and interfaith activities. The people involved possess expertise in different backgrounds, but their mutual concern for both the youth and the community at large is what binds them together. 2011 BRIDGES became a cooperation circle of the biggest grassroots interfaith network URI (United Religions Initiative). The organization has a vast experience in the preparation of project proposals for funding programs, organization and delivery of youth projects and events, coordination and management of project documentation, capacity building, regular contacts and development of relations with external partners and stakeholders, administrative tasks and reporting. We have partners in different places in Bulgaria – Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, Stara Zagora, Belitza, Plovdiv, Vidin. Our partners are from the religious communities, represented in Bulgaria; Municipalities; other NGO organizations. We are having good international partnerships in several European countries – the Netherlands, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, North Macedonia, Belgium. Bridges is a Cooperation Circle of URI network since 2011, which is the biggest international interfaith grassroots network in the world. More than 1000 interfaith groups all around the world, 62 of them in Europe.
The main focus is on youth empowerment that translates into enhanced creativity, active citizenship, social engagement, providing them with opportunities which will equip them with relevant skills to be successful in a professional environment as well as capable of giving back to the community. Talented adolescents, who have been attracted by the organization, represented it in official events that allowed them to be in close contact with the locals and act as proactive and self-aware changemakers. Another objective that this organization is striving to attain is the promotion of peace and tolerance. The youth activities realized foster close cooperation and better understanding among young people in the spirit of respecting human rights. Those events and activities aim towards resolving conflicts, promotion of peaceful societies through recognition and respect for the others.
BRIDGES has implemented projects and activities such as intercultural camps BRIDGE-Inter-Cultures (5 editions), Erasmus + exchanges as to help young people develop their full potential. Input by the youth is used when putting up the displays of art. Their works are featured in the exhibitions, giving them exposure to the professional world where they can influence change and the decision making process. The organisation has as its target group young people because they are source of creativity and are capable of critically assessing the different environments they may be placed in. Recently (1 year ago), an additional branch was founded, namely BRIDGES Youth, to encourage the active participation of adolescents in the society and to equip them with tools to be successful and productive units of their respective communities. ● international youth camps (co-funded by BG Municipalities, URI E, private donors and a partner from the Netherlands) – implemented six years from 2016 ● intercultural art exhibitions and concerts – eight events in total ● participation in Erasmus + exchange projects – seven implemented, two more are to be carried out ● conducting training sessions and workshops
Bridges is part of the United Religions Initiative network since 2011, the biggest grassroots interfaith organization. This will help develop the partnerships among the ALF and URI networks on local level. Our good partnerships with different religious communities in several parts of the country also will be of mutual benefit for the ALF network in the country. One of our goal is to develop a large network of likeminded organisation in Bulgaria, so that this would be a great opportunity.
For many years we are fascinated by the work ALF is doing in Europe and MENA region. We have partners from URI network who are already a ALF members. The mission and main principals are in line with our organization. Promoting intercultural dialogue and cooperation through art is one of our main focus and would be great if we can learn from other partners in ALF about their good practices and successful practices.
