The Civil Society Forum project is over - but the discussion about the future of civil society in CEE goes on!  It is no longer possible to comment and interact on this website, however all the material gaterhered throughout the Forum initiative will remain here for browsing and downloading. 

If any part or topic of this discussion sparks your particular interest, reflections or ideas for action, we invite you to contact us on trust@ceetrust.org and we will be happy to discuss potential future initiatives to contribute to a vibrant, pluralist, viable and sustainable civil society in Central and Eastern Europe.
 

What is the forum and why this initiative?

Reading material 

Articles written by various CEE civil society practitioners, discussing

trends affecting civil society among others on:

• A real chance for local philanthropy in CEE?
• Art and culture as activism – a new era of dissidence
• The fragmentation of engagement – small issues, small groups, small change
• Providing a real chance for e-democracy - civil society’s role? 
   

assumptions and realities surrounding civil society in CEE today - one paper from each of the 7 CEE countries, for example:

• How civil society is marginalizing itself by claiming to be “anti-political”
• Professionalization and prioritized activities – and the boarderland with social sciences
• Self identity and internal management - a critical look at NGOs 
   

And some additional reflections published throughout the year, e.g.:

• Bauman – end of orgy (conversation with sociologist and philosopher Zygmunt Bauman)
• Civil Society – always a good thing? (speech to CEE Trust board by Rafal Pankowski)

Additional preparation material 

As basis for discussions selected desktop research on perceptions and engagement in CEE and Europe.

The Civil Society Forum event, Bratislava, September 2009

• Program (pdf version)
• Livestreaming of full group sessions
• Discussion summaries 
• Film clips produced  - a street poll with 4 questions conducted in 7 CEE countries, and scroll down further for the Mozaik of civic engagement across the CEE!
• Photos from the Cvernovka factory
   

Civil Society Forum Contest - for young activists, students and journalists in CEE.

• Winning entries in all categories
• Gallery of a selection of the photos submitted
• A selection of essays submitted

Social Innovation Camp CEE website
 

Download

Civil Society Forum street poll film clips: IsDemocracyWorking (172326 kb) IfYouHaveProblem (29585 kb) WhatComesToMind (124442 kb) HaveYouEverVolunteered (31655 kb)  

MOZAIK of CEE civic initiatives (film)

Forthcoming: summaries; key issues; important messages coming in one publication!

We hope you find this material interesting! Let us know your questions, comments and ideas - we look forward to continue discussing and working together to nourish civic engagement in the CEE region in the years to come!

PS - dont forget to contribute your share in the fight against climate change, buy emissions to cover your travel to the Civil Society Forum and elsewhere!