Bulgaria

HUMAN RIGHTS- STEP BY STEP ASSOCIATION

National Network
Bulgaria
Address

Mariya Luiza 13
9000 Varna
Bulgaria

Telephone
+359 878 318 459
Fax
+359 52 608 718
E-Mail
eli.krasteva@gmail.com
E-Mail (2)
tsvetanatsankova@gmail.com
Mobile Phone
+359 87 8318 459
Mobile Phone (other)
+359 88 7318 459
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2002
Fields of Activity
  1. Democracy and community development
General Information

Structure: Members Assembly and a Board of 3 persons, 3 people employed, Partners::"Step by Step Programme" Foundation Sofia, Ministry of labour and Social Policy, Sofia Municipality, Varna Municipality, Aksakovo Municipality, Avren Municipality, European Information Center Veliko Tarnovo, Schools in Varna and Sofia Budgetary resources available in a year- they differ according to the projects funded- in 2008- appr.60 000 Euro Sources of funding: EU Structural funds, EU Commission, Bulgarian State Budget- cofinancing the Structural funds in BG, Varna Municipality, Ministry of labour and Social Policy, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Administration and Administraive Reform, Mama Cash Foundation, Royal Embassy of the Netherlands, The Association is a member of the following networks: Human Rights Family, International Polit Commettee of FNASAT"Roma and Travellers Programme"-France Actions and Activities: seminars, regional and national information campaigns, trainings, social services

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the Association are: - to support the building of balanced civil society in the country, for equal opportunities and equal presentation of men and women and various ethnic groups in public and in private sectors, - to support cultural exchange and diversity, to promote tolerance and universal human rights values. - to provide services for vulnerable groups - to promote education for law enforcement personnel, to develop public awareness campaigns on human rights issues

Main Projects / Activities

1. Project: “The Local Roma Elective Bodies-an Important Step towards the Political and Social Integration of Roma People in the Society and the Governmental System”- funded by Interethnic Initiative for Human Rights, Sofia, Bulgaria - Program: Interethnic development fund-cycle 2003- 8628 USD, 01.10.2003-31.07.2004. Establishment of Roma Public Councils at the Municipality Councils in Aksakovo and Beloslav Municipalities Members of the public council discuss issues which are of community interest. 2. Project: “Equal in the Differences, Different but Together- Local Authorities and NGO for Integration and Sustainable Development for Ethnic Minorities”- funded by Civil Society Development Program PHARE Project 2001- budget 34 968.59 Euro, from the program-27 828 Еuro, 01.12.2003-31.07.2004 Establishment of Public Councils of ethnic minorities at the Municipality Councils in Avren and Dolni chiflik Municipalities and NGO info centers, course on NGO management, development of a website. 3. Project:” Human Rights Training for Roma Women from Varna Region and the Rural Area” – funded by Minority Rights Group International, UK -1793 Еuro, 01.02.2004-31.04.2004 Training on human rights, monitoring mechanisms, interview skills for primary contact with victims of violence and trafficing, computer skills, project writing skills. 4. Project: «Society and Media against Corruption-for Transparency and Community Control on the Activities of the Public Administration” – funded by USAID, Open Government Initiative Project- 7 500 USD, 02.02.2004-31.07.2004 Monitoring of corruption cases, media investigations, interviews, survey, publishing a book with the analyses of corruption practises and dissemination of the book among parliamentarians and ministers, lobbing for legislative changes 5. Project: “Consulting Center for Roma Women from Varna Region and Rural Area”- funded by Mama Cash, the Netherlands- 8000 Euro, 01.08.2004-31.07.2005 Lecture series for Roma women in 5 villages in Varna region on issues of domestic violence, trafficking, unemployment, health care. Consultancy room is opened in the office of the NGO to provide pro-bono legal counseling for Roma women. 6. Seminar for local officials and administration: Human Rights Promotion and Protection through the Institution of the Local Public Mediator -The event was organized jointly by CSD, Coalition 2000 and the Initiative for Sustainable Development Local Agenda 21 in cooperation with Human Rights Step by Step Association – Varna. 7. Women's Rights and Mechanisms for Their Protection. On November 12, 2004, a public discussion on the Women's Rights and Mechanisms for Their Protection was held in Varna. The event was organized jointly by the Center for the Study of Democracy, Information Centre on the Council of Europe -–Veliko Tarnovo, and Human Rights Step by Step Association – Varna. The book Ombudsman Institution in Europe and Bulgaria: Legal Nature and Practice was presented by Prof. Dr. Nora Ananieva. The book is educational manual designed for the specialized courses and programs in Bulgarian universities and schools, first introduced in Law School of Varna Free University in 2004-2005. University lecturers and students, NGOs and local administration representatives, citizens and media took part in the discussion. 8. Project” The Art-Trend and Profession for Young Talents”- funded by EU Commission for Bulgaria, PHARE Program, budget 34 990 Euro, 01.04.2005- 31.03.2006 Promotion of young talents in the field of art and establishing and running of art gallery for young talents “Aglaya”. 9. Training of police officers in human rights and anti-discrimination. Co-organized with Varna Free University and the Regional Police Department.,12- 16.12.2005 10. Project: ” Election of Local Ombudsmen in Aksakovo and Avren Municipalitites-Varna region”, funded by Open Society Institute Sofia, 3500 Euro, 15.03.2006г.- 15.08.2006г. Training seminars for local parliamentarians and administration to speed up the process for local ombudsmen election, raising awareness campaign on the importance of this institution. 11. Project „Pallette “Aglaya”- funded by Varna Municipality- 280 Euro, 01.04.-30.09.2006 The project provides young artists with materials to stimulate them to produce art works and to promote them in the field of art. 12. Project: “Roma Mediators -for Social Inclusion”- funded by the Royal Embassy of the Netherlands- 10200 Euro, 01.12.2006- 30.11.2007, Training of Roma mediators who will work as mediators among the local Roma community helping people to benefit from the social security system, guiding them through the labyrinth of administrations. 13. Project: “Your World is Mine too- Let’s Make it better Together”- promotional campaign for the 2007 –European Year of Equal Opportunities for All, funded by th Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, European Commission, 54 000 Euro, 01.01.2007-31.12.2007 14. Project “Bridges of Dialogues and Trust”- educational project for developing educational materials: manuals and books for non-formal civil education to support the process of integration of Roma children into the school system.- budget 37 500 euro, funded by the Ministry of Education-OP HRD, 17.06.2008- 17.09.2009 15. Project ” Map of Accessible Varna”, financed by the Social Programme of Municipality of Varna -2008, budget 1500 euro., 01.07.2008- 31.10.2008- Varna city map was designed and printed on which all the administrative, public and cultural objects adapted to the needs of disabled people were marked. 16. Project ”Model for collaboration between the structures of the civil society for applying an effective mechanism for partnership with the local authority in the field of management of the process of decentralization and optimization of the educational institutions”, financed by Operational program ”Administrative Capacity” co- funded by the European Social Fund and the State budget, budget 196 662, 39 euro, 27.08.2008-27.08.2009. During the implementation of this project many informational, educational and promotional materials will be produced and disseminated: 3 manuals, 3 educational films, brochures, TV clips and radio programs.

Contact (1) Full Name
Elka Petrova Krasteva
Head of the organisation
Elka Krasteva- Chair of the Board
Contact (2) Full Name
Tzvetana Tzankova

IKAR Association

National Network
Bulgaria
Address

35 Peter Berkovsky Str.
6300 Haskovo
Bulgaria

Telephone
00 359 878 13 63 13 (mobile)
E-Mail
ikar.ngo@gmail.com
Mobile Phone
00 359 878 13 63 13
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
1998
Fields of Activity
  1. Gender
General Information

About us: We are a group of professional women and men. /9 women and 2 men - lawyers, doctors, teachers, journalist, psychologist and artists/; a network of volunteers is supporting the projects. The association was founded as youth one in 1998 according to the NGO law of Bulgaria. Considering the dominating female presence in it as well as the good partnership with The National Network for Equal Opportunities between men and women a team, dealing with women’s issues was established. OUR TARGET GROUPS The IKAR Association provides support and protection of the social, cultural civil etc rights of the minorities in society. We put at first place women and children at risk, these that remain isolated and misunderstood: unemployed and discriminated women; women, who are neglected from the society due to their unacceptable profession, disabilities or psychological diseases; economically challenged women and their children; women and children victims of sexual abuse, drug, traffic and violence. The organization is licensed as a provider of social services to people in risk (License 48/20.06.2003, Social Assistance Agency - Ministry of Labour and Social Policy) IKAR Association’s team has a Certificate for trainers in advocacy campaigns education PARTNERS AND NETWORKS We’ve got out own non formal network of partners: local and government institutions; business contractors; NGOs in Bulgaria. They assist us in releasing our mission and objectives. IKAR Association is an active member of National Network for Equal Opportunities, Local Social Council of People of Special Needs and some National Citizen Campaign . Budget 2009 - 66 688 Euro Main sources of funds include: / GFW - USA CEETrust -USA BG Fund For Women Transparancy Internatinal Mama Cash -Holland Ballkan Trust For Democracy\BULGARIA FUND\ Member taxes and donation

Mission and Objectives

Raising of the social status of the Bulgarian women and children, Bulgarian families OUR STRATEGIES: • to influence the governmental practices in their favour by lobbying and advocacy campaign • to give to the target groups highly qualified assistance and timely information on health and social issues; to work for the process of empowering them • to raise the social awareness towards problems of violence; equality of sexes and women’s discrimination • to establish contacts with other Bulgarian and international organisations • to publish and distribute information for the organization’s activities and results • We try to use arts,media,and popular culture to transform and attitudes and behaviours

Main Projects / Activities

2008 – 2010 * ’Maria in a box.’- supported by Trust for Civil Society in Central and Eastern Europe. The main goal in this project is forum-theatre performance which will provoke a public debate regarding the significance of the “women in a box”. * “The law is not enough/Silence is broken” supported by Trust for Civil Society in Central and Eastern Europe. The project was focused on the problem of discrimination at workplaces against women. The project was implemented through the methods of forum-theatre and presentation of the production “Sex for salary” and “open juridical rooms” in 11 bigger town in Bulgaria. For more information, refer to http://my.opera.com/ikarorg * “Alice in Trafficland” – 2009, prevention of human traffic through art methods in high-schools of Haskovo Region, project supported by Balkan Trust of Democracy.” * “The Flowers in Boxes “– prevention of domestic violence through movie methods in 30 countries in Haskovo Region, support by Mama Cash Foundation – Holland * 2009 – Won a project for the distribution of a unique printed colorful pamphlet meant for the women from the garment industry in the region that was a year long project under the name “STITCH BEHIND NEEDLE”, supported by the Global Fund for Women – USA. * Project “Blind Game” – for the prevention of trafficking of people by interactive means in three small towns , supported by FM of EES\ Norway, Lichtenstein and Island \ and administrated by FLGR and “Eco society” Foundation - Sofia *Project “Creation of a network of School Forum-clubs” in 6 schools in Haskovo on the problems of aggression and discrimination in schools, supported by EU funds

Contact (1) Full Name
Mariya Daskalova
Head of the organisation
Dimo Stoynov - Chairman
Contact (2) Full Name
Antoaneta Stancheva

In Statu Nascendi

National Network
Bulgaria
Address

33A Sava Mihaliov
Zapaden Park
1373 Sofia
Bulgaria

Telephone
+359878577997
E-Mail
Pietrzak_IR@hotmail.com
E-Mail (2)
irinstatunascendi@yahoo.com
E-Mail (3)
irtheory2021@gmail.com
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2018
Fields of Activity
  1. Democracy and community development
  2. Human rights
  3. International/Cultural relations
  4. Others
  5. Research
General Information

In Statu Nascendi is a new peer-reviewed journal that aspires to be a world-class scholarly platform encompassing original academic research dedicated to the circle of Political Philosophy, Cultural Studies, Theory of International Relations, Foreign Policy, and the political Decision-making process. The journal investigates specific issues through a socio-cultural, philosophical, and anthropological approach to raise a new type of civic awareness about the complexity of the contemporary crisis, instability, and warfare situations, where the “stage-of-becoming” plays a vital role. As of 31 August 2018, In Statu Nascendi has been formally registered as a Non-Profit Organization in Bulgaria and respectively in the entire European Union. Our NGO number is 205254346.

Mission and Objectives

As per our by-laws the main objective of "In Statu Nascendi - Journal of Political Philosophy and International Relations" is the realization of activities in the public benefit. The main aim of In Statu Nascendi - Journal of Political Philosophy and International Relations – henceforth referred to as "the organization" –is to educate, facilitate science and academic research, culture, education, art, international understanding, environment protection, to strengthen the civil society in Bulgaria, the European Union, and around the world. We aim to contribute to strength of civic society by offering a voice to needy, underprivileged, stateless, disadvantaged, disabled, young and old, as well as others unspecified groups of individuals who are not duly represented in the current academic discourse. The means by which the association will achieve its objectives are: To seek and promote, on a national level, the participation of In Statu Nascendi. To raise funds using subscription of members or otherwise for all the purposes and objectives of the organization in such amounts and such manner as may be authorized by the General Assembly. One of our main objectives is to form a strong partnership with any national/international organization/s whose aims are similar to that of the organization. The organization is determined to act as a Charity that fully complies with Bulgarian and EU law in respect to philanthropic organizations. Membership contributions from members of the association. Donations from individuals and legal entities. Volunteer work by members of the association to create an appropriate environment for publishing and attracting articles from young and promising scientists from the country and the world.

Main Projects / Activities

We are a Non-Profit Organization operating in Sofia, Bulgaria. We are a political-philosophical journal that published biannually. The main purpose of our activity is to research the Middle East from the perspective of history, politics, culture and tradition. Our network is around 120 members strong. We would like to join your growing network to contribute to the high quality your work, research and other projects.

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

We are a Non-Profit Organization operating in Sofia, Bulgaria. We are a political-philosophical journal that published biannually. The main purpose of our activity is to research the Middle East from the perspective of history, politics, culture and tradition. Our network is around 120 members strong. We would like to join your growing network to contribute to the high quality your work, research and other projects.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

Because of its growing reputation and the opportunities that we could seize together.

Contact (1) Full Name
Piotr Pietrzak, Ph.D.
Job Title
Editor
Head of the organisation
Editor-in-Chief of In Statu Nascendi - Journal of Political Philosophy and International Relations

Index Foundation

National Network
Bulgaria
Address

A.Malinov 30 office 23
Sofia
Bulgaria

Telephone
+359898530002
Telephone (other)
+35924806801
Fax
+35924806801
E-Mail
lucymincheva@abv.bg
E-Mail (2)
lucymincheva@abv.bg
E-Mail (3)
indexfounndation@abv.bg
E-Mail (4)
lucymincheva@yhoo.com
Mobile Phone
+359898530002
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
1997
Fields of Activity
  1. Human rights
General Information
Index Foundation works in several major areas: EDUCATION AND TRAINING HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING
Mission and Objectives

Index Foundation was established in 1997 as a not-for-profit organization with the mission to promote the development of stable civil society and help strengthen the social safety nets in Bulgaria. The Foundation works in collaboration with the international community on a wide range of projects and initiatives.

Main Projects / Activities

• Assessing Needs of Care in European Nations (ANCIEN) – a research project under FP-7 Research of the European Commission
• Study on the Situation of Private Health Insurance – Country Case study
• Creation and Development of Structures for Citizen Participation in Decision Making in Health on a Regional Level
• Research Study on the Provision of Hospital Services in Bulgaria and Estonia
• Monitoring and evaluating the state of the rights to European active citizenship - organizations. The project involves 11 countries – Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey
• Prevention and Anti-Aggression – a drug prevention project in 10 municipalities
• Civil Society for Drug Demand Reduction

Contact (1) Full Name
LUDMILA MINCHEVA

Individual Person: Georgi Stankov

National Network
Bulgaria
Address

Str. "Makedoniya" 38
6300 Haskovo
Bulgaria

Telephone
+359 0886 824918
E-Mail
dunyata@gmail.com
Organisation Type
Individual Person
Year of Establishment
1976
Fields of Activity
  1. Arts
  2. Democracy and community development
  3. Environment/Sustainable development
  4. Heritage
  5. International/Cultural relations
  6. Media
  7. Others
  8. Research
  9. Youth and education
General Information
I am a developmental and social psychologist, psychodrama director, and trainer. Currently I am a PhD candidate in Public administration. I am interested in the improvement of the citizen participation process and the development of citizens' capacity to impact politicians, decision-makers, and public administration in forming public policies. My side interests include arts and culture, history, social issues, local cuisine, traditional know-how, nature, environment, and anthropology.   For more detalied information, please visit my LinkedIn profile: https://bg.linkedin.com/in/gstankov
Mission and Objectives

- Open School of Psychology 
- Chernichevo community network

Main Projects / Activities

- psychological counseling 
- psyshotherapeutic practice 
- volunteering 

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

I am an experienced trainer and consultant. I was trained in intercultural training skills by "LTS training and consulting"  - Bath Spa, so I'm able to teach and train both theoretical and practical topics in intercultural communication. 
I have experience in an intercultural environment, by atending workshops and seminars in the UK, Bulgaria and Denmark, and by delivering my own workshops with international participants in Izmir (Turkey) and Sofia (Bulgaria). 
I am a blogger, and two of my blogs present really unique content, which is very relevant to ALF Network's work: Intercultural skills (in Bulgarian) and Small and Local (in English).

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

I want to establish new partnerships, to exshange knowledge and experience, and to develop new interesting projects for a bigger social impact.

Contact (1) Full Name
Georgi Angelov Stankov
Head of the organisation
Georgi Stankov

Information and Nature Conservation Foundation (INCF)

National Network
Bulgaria
Address

65 Postoyanstvo Str. , bl. 260 , entr. A, ap. 12
Sofia 1111
Bulgaria

Telephone
+ 359 2 872 14 83
Telephone (other)
+ 359 2 871 86 17
Fax
+ 359 2 872 14 83
E-Mail
svetla_aladjem@hotmail.com
E-Mail (2)
dboteva@abv.bg
Mobile Phone
+ 359 899 817 204
Mobile Phone (other)
+ 359 887 214 858
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2005
Fields of Activity
  1. Democracy and community development
  2. Environment/Sustainable development
  3. Heritage
  4. International/Cultural relations
  5. Media
General Information
INCF has one full time Executive Director, three non-paid experts members of the management Board, 3 part time assistants and dozens of freelance experts hired on short term contracts on specific assignments. The Foundation works with funding mainly from international sources: the European Foundation PAN Parks; N.H.Hardner Foundation (USA); CANON Europe, UNDP, USAID, SIETAR Europa and some frоm national institutions such as the Ministry of Environment and Waters. In the last year the turnover of the Foundation increased to more than 68 000 Euro. INCF works in partnership with municipalities, governmental organizations, NGOs, private business for projects development and implementation in the thematic areas listed below. We work on projects realisation, events management; workshops, trainingс and study tours organization and implementation, etc.
Mission and Objectives

The INCF works in benefit of local communities` capacity building; civil society development; improvement of communication between cultures, people and institutions; information sharing and creation of a new communication culture in the Bulgarian society able to understand, adopt and implement contemporary civil practices and nature protection and biodiversity conservation.

Main Projects / Activities

Our goals are:
∙ Study and preserve the Bulgarian cultural traditions; help foreigners orient and adapt to Bulgarian cultural traditions through consultations and trainings;
- Study and protect the biodiversity through sustainable development of Bulgaria’s rural areas, implementing standards for environmentally sound practices for natural resources management;
∙ Capacity building of local communities and different social groups for use of new information technologies and nature conservation practices;
∙ Support institutions in introduction and implementation of national, EC and international legal and political instruments concerning the landscape and biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
∙ Bulgarian culture trainings and consultations
∙ Biodiversity resources assessment, conservation and sustainable use; agro-ecology; protected areas management
∙ Public awareness and communications, capacity building and networking
∙ Education and training
- Sustainable nature based tourism development
Information for recent projects may find in the attached file.

Contact (1) Full Name
Mrs. Svetlana Aladjem
Head of the organisation
Mr. Vladimir Galabov
Contact (2) Full Name
Mrs. Dimitrina Boteva

Initiatives for Civil Society

National Network
Bulgaria
Address

Radi Ivanov str, 5
Rousse
Bulgaria

Telephone
82 40 83
E-Mail
iniciativi@abv.bg
E-Mail (2)
nbenin@abv.bg
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2001
Fields of Activity
  1. Democracy and community development
General Information
Employees - 12 Volunteers Sources of funding - projects, donations
Mission and Objectives

To help the recognition of humanistic and culture values, civil society and encouraging the initiative of society.
Initiatives for Civil Society is a nonprofit corporation organized to promote understanding and education in community sustainable development. AWISH conducts educational programs, seminars and workshops, artistic performances, and technical assistance and research to support community wellbeing.
Its programs foster collaborations with communities, businesses, universities and governments to advance knowledge and understanding about the relationship of cultural and economic development, environmental justice, and the creative and performing arts to community health and well being.
Initiatives for Civil Society programs are funded through government and private grants, charitable donations, workshop and seminar fees, and other sources of funding.
- grants, charitable donations, workshop and seminar fees, and other sources of funding.

Main Projects / Activities

1.Democracy and Human Righst education Seminars, Networking, Partnership Building Activities.
2. Europe and the World
Youth Exchanges
3. Local and international Internships (Lifelong Learning Programme LLP, Youth in Action Programme YAP)

Contact (1) Full Name
Radka Danchovska
Head of the organisation
Radka Danchovska
Contact (2) Full Name
Nikola Benin

Innovations and Sustainability Academy

National Network
Bulgaria
Address

1, Lotos Str.
4006 Plovdiv
Bulgaria

Telephone
+359896778586
E-Mail
insustacademy@gmail.com
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2014
Fields of Activity
  1. Democracy and community development
  2. Environment/Sustainable development
  3. Gender
  4. Heritage
  5. Human rights
  6. International/Cultural relations
  7. Media
  8. Research
  9. Youth and education
General Information
Innovations & Sustainability Academy (ISA) has been established as a non-profit organization working in the field of sustainable development, green economy, corporate social responsibility and information & communication technology. It is a young Bulgarian ngo founded by experts in business administration, project management and sustainable development. The organization has a Managing board of three persons taking the main decisions in its operation. The General Assembly is the main structure assuring functinong and transparency. The International Scientific and Advisory Committee (ISAC) is a body of Innovations and Sustainability Academy (ISA) established according to Article 5 (19) of the ISA Statutes. The main goal of ISAC is rendering scientific advice and support to the activities implemented by ISA making proposals and giving expert opinion. Technology Transfer Center at the Innovations and Sustainability Academy (ISA-TTC) is established with the goal to encourage and support creation and dissemination of scientific knowledge, experience exchange, transfer of innovations and fostering entrepreneurial activity in the field of sustainable development, green economy, corporate social responsibility and information and communication technology. The organization is funded by consultation and training activities for now. It has two big projects for the first year of its start: First International Scientific Conference “Sustainability challenges in modern organizations” (SCMO) which will be held on 12 December 2015 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria under the topic “Knowledge & Innovation in Management & Operation” (KIMO) and Journal of Innovations and Sustainability (JIS). Main partners of ISA are scientists, researchers and trainers working on different topics of social and economic interest.
Mission and Objectives

The mission of ISA is expressed in its three objectives:

Inspiring innovations

Supporting science

Advancing sustainability

Main Projects / Activities

Main activities of the organization are in the following fields:

Research & Development

Training

Consulting

Publishing

Networking
ISA team is now working on the preparation of a few projects intended for application under national and international programs.

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

ISA can support the network  in the organization of different initiatives. It is specialized in seminars, tranings, scientific forums, etc.
ISA will promote the foundation's goals and activities and could attract followers and collaborators.
ISA can initiate and support joint projects.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

Because we were impressed by the activities of Anna Lindh Foundation. We find them very topical and socially valuable and feel confident we could contribute to achievement of the joint objectives regarding active citizenship and mutual understanding for a better future.
 

Contact (1) Full Name
Ekaterina Arabska
Job Title
President of Managing Board
Head of the organisation
Ekaterina Arabska

Institute for Creative Civil Strategies - ICCS

National Network
Bulgaria
Address

Ruse, 17 Baykal Str, bl. 22, fl. 1, ap. 1
Sofia, 125, Czarigradsko Chaussee Blvd. Block 4, Floor 2, Office 216
7005 Ruse
Bulgaria

Telephone
+359 887 759 272
E-Mail
iccs.bulgaria@gmail.com
E-Mail (2)
nora.goleshevska@gmail.com
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2010
Fields of Activity
  1. Arts
  2. Democracy and community development
  3. Environment/Sustainable development
  4. Gender
  5. Heritage
  6. Human rights
  7. International/Cultural relations
  8. Media
  9. Research
  10. Youth and education
General Information
Structure of the organization, including number of staff employed and/or partners The Institute for Creative Civil Strategies — ICCS was founded in 2010 with the aim to assist the successful personal development, social integration and professional realization of young people who work with, developing their creativity as a model for active participation in the civil, social and cultural dimensions of society and promoting the European youth and lifelong learning policies. The ICCS’s long-term strategy is to mix the boundaries between creative industries and youth civic participation, implementing on this base different educational and cultural projects focused on youth cultural participation. The ICCS team has a permanent team of three young university professors, PhD and MA students in Media and Communication, Cultural studies, Fine Arts and Social work. Nora Goleshevska is the Founder, President and Project manager, Sylvia Borisova is the Research and Publications manager and Pavlina Ivanova is the Administrative manager. We also have part time employees who are experts in their fields, Kristina Todorova, who is a career counselor and professor, is the EVS mentor and Radoslav Neichev acts as the Bulgarian teacher for the EVS volunteers. ICCS is currently hosting two EVS volunteers for our year long project- Marta Olaso, a sound technician from Spain and Katya Owens, a reporter from UK/Australia. We also work with more than 10 Bulgarian volunteers from different Bulgarian universities- National Art Academy, Sofia University ‘St. Kliment Ohridski and South-West University “Neophit Rilski’. Budgetary resources available in a year: As ICCS works with project funding, the budgetary resources vary yearly depending on the awarded projects we have. For this year (2014), we have three awarded projects on a budget of €25 000. Sources of funding Modalities of action: In 2013 the organization received EVS accreditation (h-s-c EVS Acr. No 2013-BG-35) and started sending Bulgarian EVS volunteers abroad on projects involved in the field of arts and culture, cultural heritage, environmental protection, new media and youth information, active citizenship and human rights. Our host EVS  project –  ‘Art Reporters without Borders’ –  stimulates  the  creativity, employability  and  entrepreneurial  spirit  of  young people.  The EVS volunteers are an essential part of achieving our goal to increase national and international visibility of young Bulgarian visual artists, who are otherwise hidden from Bulgarian cultural institutions and mainstream media. It’s financed in the frame of Erasmsus+ Programme 2014-2020. In May and June 2015 we are going to implement one more EVS project that is already approved – a short term grope EVS project “ YOUNG SUSTAINOPRENEURS: Active Citizenship through Wind and Sunshine”; In 2013-2014 ICCS developed  a long-term Youth  in Action project (under Sub-Action 1.2.) about career development of  university students (undergraduate and postgraduate) in courses such as: Cultural  & Media Studies, Cultural  Management & Tourism, Management of Cultural Heritage, Creative industries & Social media. The aim of the project „Count me in! Culture Creative Industries and New Media“ is to motivate and encourage all youth, university students, young professionals, unemployed youth, etc. to get involved in educational and practical activities and bring awareness to the creative labor market. The university students and facilitators we work with are often involved in youth mobility projects in the fields of Culture, Art, Creativity and Career development in the field of the creative entrepreneurship (international youth exchanges, international seminars and training courses for youth workers, youth initiatives). They are or were under the umbrella of the Youth in Action Programme (2007-2013) and Erasmsus+ Programme 2014-2020.  In the resent past the ICCS’s participation in non-formal educational activities is identified under Action 1. (Youth for Europe), we were partners of International Youth Exchanges (Sub-action1.1) between young people from Bulgaria and other (EU and non-EU) countries. Our youth workers had also participated in a variety of different projects – Action 4 (Youth Support Systems) – mostly Sub-Action 4.3. and 4.5 - of the Youth in Action Program. The main partners involved in the organization's projects in the last 2 years are:  + Association “Atelier for social work” (BG) + Association of Doctoral Candidates in Bulgaria   (BG) +    Albert & friends instant circus (GB) long term EVS “Art Reporters without Borders” + Bond of Union (It) –  youth workers TS "Shape your Future" Feb 2015 Palermo; YE "Shape your Future" Sofia 2015, YE "Discover Your Enviroment" 2, Collesano, Sept 2013 and youth workers TC "Educate to Sustainability" Collesano - Aug 2012, + We also collaborate actively with the Department of Cultural Studies at Blagoevgrad University (BG) + Pendik Municipality Istanbul (TR) youth workers TC "Economic Literacy for Youth", Istanbul Apt 2014 + Solidarity Track (GR) youth workers TC "FREE PaSS For rediscovering, empowering & enhance the path to soft skills", Lefkas Nov 2014 and youth workers TC Empowering Youth Throuth EVS" Lefkas Dec 2014 + Ser Joven (ES) long term EVS “Art Reporters without Borders” 2014-2015
Mission and Objectives

The Institute for Creative Civil Strategies — ICCS mission is to assist the successful personal development, social integration and professional realization of young people who work with, developing their creativity as a model for active participation in the civil, social and cultural dimensions of society and promoting the European youth and lifelong learning policies.
According to nowadays educational tendencies we believe the successful youth personal and proffesional development should be build on two major pillars - the creativity and sustainability. So we aim to increase youth cultural participation implementing projects that stimulate youth's creativity, sustainability and employability encouraging the young people crieative entrepreneurship.

Main Projects / Activities

Оur team  provides the student communities informational support to assist with development opportunities such as: national and international academic and non-academic scholarships, internship programs, non-formal education projects, and volunteering opportunities. ICCS involves university students in international trainings, youth initiatives and intercultural exchanges which serve to extend their understanding of European Citizenship and to critically develop their sense of European identity.
Institute  for Creative Civil Strategies works also as EVS sending organisation actively searching for European voluntary  service  placements abroad for Bulgarian EVS candidate volunteers. Currently we have two volunteers undertaking their placements in Slovenia and Hungary.
The ICCS’s host  EVS project  „Art Reporters Without Borders“ seeks to enhance the creativity of young people in Arts, New media & communication. It promotes a concept for ‘youth access to culture’  that  goes  beyond  accessing  cultural  products,  attending  spaces  and  receiving  information, but about  a  first-hand  experience  empowering  the  EVS volunteers personal  development  &  employment. Our two EVS volunteers began their year-long project ‘2014
The short term grupe host EVS Project "YOUNG SUSTAINOPRENEURS: Active Citizenship through Wind and Sunshine" project aims to raise awareness on sustainable living and other environmental subject involving young volunteers in the eco-building activities of the building of small youth educational center. The project will be implemented in the spring of 2015 with the help of 16 EVS volunteers from : Belgium, Croatia Great Britain, and Spain.

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

ICCS can be really helpful for the ALF network in Bulgaria creating or managing various visibility channels in the social media – weblogs, social media fan pages, social media work groups as well as providing information through the already existing channels and mailing lists.  
ICCS can contribute to the  Bulgarian ALF Network because our team is made up of dedicated members that are motivated to spread and receive information. We are actively looking for collaboration in the field of youth volunteering, non-formal education and access to culture and information and be as involved with any projects as we can. 
At least but not last our team can contribute with the experience and expertise of every member. (For example creating and implementing informational campaigns, surveys and other research activities).

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

Joining the ALF Network at firs place will encourage ICCS’s future thematic cooperation and the process of exchanging good practices and inspiring ideas.
ICCS share similar ideologies to ALF and becoming a member would increase the capacity of our organization but also give us a chance to find out more information and share any information that could be of help for the youngsters we work with as well as with a wider audience.
We already have Mediterranean project partners but we would be very glad to extend our partnership and start new fruitful collaboration in the field of arts, culture, cultural & environmental heritage protection, youth information & new media, youth entrepreneurship, environmental, human rights and civic education issues.
In 2011 the president of ICCS took part in SALTO Euromed TC for Youth Workers developed in collaboration with the Bulgarian National Agency. This training developed in pragmatic way her academic background in the field of intercultural dialogue between Mediterranean cultures and societies (Bulgarian-Italian Master degree in “Anthropological studies of Mediterranean region and the Balkans”). Following this interest, the last month two our youth workers took part in Youth workers TC with partners from the MEDA region dedicated on collaboration in the field of EVS.

Contact (1) Full Name
Nora Goleshevska
Job Title
President
Head of the organisation
Nora Goleshevska
Contact (2) Full Name
Pavlina Ivanova
Job Title (2)
Project Manager

Institute for Public Environment Development

National Network
Bulgaria
Address

121 Nishava Street, fl. 1
Sofia
Bulgaria

Telephone
+35929582433
E-Mail
iped_1@abv.bg
Mobile Phone
+359878750009
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2003
Fields of Activity
  1. Environment/Sustainable development
General Information
The Institute for Public Environment Development is a non-governmental organization founded on 4 April 2003 and registered as a not-for-profit legal entity. The main activities of the organization are development of civil-society participation in government; elaboration and application of controlling and accounting instruments designed for public institutions, and implementation of new practices and models in connection with public administration. The Institute pools together the efforts of people who have ample practical and theoretical experience in public administration, local self-government, regional development and civil-society participation. The organization has amassed unique experience in the institutionalization of the so-called community ombudsman in Bulgaria. The Chair of the IPED Board is the first Ombudsman of Sofia Municipality (2001-2003). The members of the organization have been trained in advocacy and lobbyism and are experienced in training civil-society structures in the practices of citizen participation and control. The organizational appraisal by experts is highly appreciated by non-governmental organizations seeking assistance for implementation of their project activities. The Institute for public environment development was actively involved and initiated advocacy campaigns for revisions of the Local Self-Government and Local Administration Act, statutory instruments of secondary legislation adopted by central and local government authorities, the Rules of Organization and Procedure of the Sofia Municipal Council for the 2003-2007 term of office and 2007 - 2011, and the Rules of Organization and Procedure of the 40th National Assembly.
Mission and Objectives

The Organization's main mission is promotion of civil culture and assertion of the values and principles of democratic law and order, encouragement of citizen control and popularization of the forms of citizen participation in governance.
Our main goals are dissemination of ideas and information, building partnerships and implementing programs and projects targeting: civil society development; creating conditions to guarantee respect for the rights and legitimate interests of citizens.
The principal purposes of the Association are:
* Promotion of civil culture and assertion of the values and principles of democratic law and order.
* Encouragement of citizen control, and popularization of the forms of citizen participation in governance.
* Improvement of the mechanisms ensuring transparency and accountability in the public environment.
* Building the capacity of public administration and improvement of governance in the public sector.
* Study and investigation of processes in the public environment, and making public the state of the public environment.

Main Projects / Activities

The main areas of activity of the Organization are development of civil-society participation in government; elaboration and application of controlling and accounting instruments designed for public institutions, and implementation of new practices and models in connection with public administration.
Some of our projects:
“Civil Monitoring Over the Process of Creating of New Election Rules in Bulgaria”;
“Civil monitoring over the used by the Government mechanisms for managing the sources of the EU structural funds”;
"Buying votes" or the Death of Local Democracy";
"Civil Monitoring Over the Activities of the State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission";
"Development of Internal Controlling System at Municipal Levels";
"Civil Monitoring on the Program for Realization of the Strategy of Anti- Corrupt Fighting within the Judicial System";
"Formation of youth volunteers network on the territory of Sofia municipality", etc.

Contact (1) Full Name
Iva Lazarova