Strong Organization, Effective Advocacy

The project employs a multi-stage methodology to develop the capacity of MEOSZ member organisations. At its core is a modern blended learning model, which combines flexible, asynchronous online learning with face-to-face, interactive workshops. Participants use a digital platform to acquire knowledge of the relevant legislation on accessibility and reasonable accommodation, as well as the fundamentals of strategic planning and partnership-building. These are supplemented by video tutorials and presentations, creative tasks, and modules designed to facilitate self-reflection. One of the most important elements of the methodology is the direct professional mentoring provided by MEOSZ, during which each organisation develops its own unique advocacy strategy and action plan through online consultations. The programme’s key innovation is its practice-oriented, pilot-based approach. Through 28 specific pilot activities, the organisations are putting their plans into practice, whilst MEOSZ monitors these and provides effective support where necessary. An innovative element is the organisational exchange programme, which is designed to promote a change in mindset between the civil society sector and state institutions through staff exchanges.

The main objective of the project is to strengthen the advocacy capacity and strategic thinking of local civil society organizations representing people with limited mobility, so that laws affecting people with disabilities are effectively implemented at the local level in practice. The project places great emphasis on establishing equal, long-term partnerships with the public sector, as well as on strengthening network cohesion within the organizations.
The sustainable use of the results will be ensured by the creation of a digital, interactive toolkit. This document will remain freely available even after the project concludes and will provide practical guidance for new advocacy campaigns as well as for training additional member organizations. During the project, we will hold 30 online and in-person training sessions for two members each from 28 member organizations, meaning a total of 56 people will participate in asynchronous training. Throughout the training process, participants learn the fundamentals of advocacy through modern, digital platforms. The training focuses on the following key areas:
• Professional Fundamentals: Provides in-depth knowledge on topics such as accessibility, regulations regarding reasonable accommodations, and general awareness-raising.
• Strategic Planning: Provides guidance on strategic planning methodologies, which are essential for the long-term effectiveness of organizations.
• Networking: Introduces participants to the opportunities and steps involved in establishing partnerships with local government and municipal actors.

The direct target group includes association leaders and active members, while the secondary group consists of local and state government decision-makers. The methodology follows a blended learning model, combining flexible asynchronous online education with interactive workshops. Mentored organizations will develop individual advocacy strategies and action plans, tested through 28 local pilot activities. An innovative exchange program also allows NGO and government staff to spend 1–3 days at each other's offices to foster networking and mutual awareness.
The most important guarantee of long-term impact is the interactive toolkit that has been developed. This digital collection consolidates training materials, best practices, and a step-by-step methodology into a single package accessible to anyone, enabling interested civil society organizations to train new staff or launch a new advocacy campaign even after the project has ended. This is complemented by the previously established asynchronous online platform, which provides a stable technical infrastructure