Final report : strategies, training and advocacy for reconciliation project (STAR) : October 6, 1994-December 31, 1998 : Croatia

The most important accomplishment of STAR was the overall strengthening of women"s NGOs in Croatia. Towards this end, the project: (1) assisted Croatian women"s NGOs in making the transition from war-related mission and program (refugee support, trauma counseling, inter-ethnic reconciliation) to post-war mission and goals (service and advocacy on behalf of women in the local community); (2) strengthened the Croatian women"s NGO network; (3) developed sustainable local training teams in organizational development and advocacy; (4) published the Public Policy Advocacy workbook, the International Funding Guide, and an e-mail workbook; (5) supported increased capacity and sustainability of individual NGOs, especially those outside of Zagreb, by providing training, TA, and grants; (6) increased emphasis on and capacity for citizen advocacy in the post-war period, including use of the media to reach the public and improve the image of NGOs; (7) strengthened regional links among women"s NGOs in the Yugoslav Successor States (YSS); and (8) provided NGO leaders the experience of serving on a consultative advisory board. Areas that need further attention by NGO development programs include: fostering links between NGOs, local government, and local businesses; improving the legal environment for NGOs in Croatia, which will also facilitate tax-exempt donations and thereby decrease dependency of local NGOs on international donors; and improving links and coalitions among NGOs from various sectors. (Author abstract, modified)