USAID's Civic Engagement Project - Quarterly Report #7 - April 1 - June 30, 2018

During this time, the project continued to support 15 civil society organizations (CSOs) in strengthening their capacity to engage in civic activities. These CSOs were selected through a competitive process and were provided with funding and technical assistance to enhance their organizational development and advocacy skills. Component One of the project focused on strengthening CSO alliances, with a particular emphasis on building partnerships between CSOs and local government units. This component aimed to increase the effectiveness of CSOs in advocating for policy changes and promoting civic engagement at the local level. A total of 10 CSOs participated in this component, with a focus on developing strategic plans and conducting advocacy campaigns. Component Two of the project focused on strengthening individual CSOs, with a particular emphasis on enhancing their organizational development and advocacy skills. This component provided funding and technical assistance to 10 CSOs, with a focus on developing their capacity to engage in policy advocacy and civic engagement activities. The CSOs that participated in this component reported significant improvements in their organizational development and advocacy skills, with many indicating that they were better equipped to engage in civic activities and advocate for policy changes. Component Three of the project focused on strengthening youth engagement, with a particular emphasis on building the capacity of young people to engage in civic activities. This component provided funding and technical assistance to 5 CSOs, with a focus on developing their capacity to engage in youth-led advocacy and civic engagement activities. The CSOs that participated in this component reported significant improvements in their capacity to engage young people in civic activities, with many indicating that they were better equipped to advocate for policy changes that benefited young people. Capacity development for CEP's transition organizations was also a key focus of the project during this reporting period. A total of 5 CSOs participated in this component, with a focus on developing their capacity to engage in policy advocacy and civic engagement activities. The CSOs that participated in this component reported significant improvements in their organizational development and advocacy skills, with many indicating that they were better equipped to engage in civic activities and advocate for policy changes. Cross-cutting activities were also a key focus of the project during this reporting period. These activities included public outreach, monitoring and evaluation, and cooperation with USAID and other donor programs. A total of 10 CSOs participated in these activities, with a focus on developing their capacity to engage in policy advocacy and civic engagement activities. The CSOs that participated in these activities reported significant improvements in their organizational development and advocacy skills, with many indicating that they were better equipped to engage in civic activities and advocate for policy changes. Overall, the Civic Engagement Project in Macedonia made significant progress during its seventh quarterly reporting period, with a focus on strengthening CSO capacity, youth engagement, and policy advocacy. The project's activities and outcomes are expected to have a lasting impact on the civic engagement landscape in Macedonia, with a focus on promoting democratic values and good governance.