NGO Aktiv organized a working meeting in Gračanica focused on strengthening crisis communication, strategic planning, and advocacy capacities of civil society organizations and media.
The meeting was held at the Civic Energy Center (CEC) and brought together representatives of NGOs and media operating in different communities across Kosovo. This event followed up on a meeting held in October this year, which initiated discussions on the challenges civil society organizations face under increased pressure, crisis circumstances, and negative media campaigns.
The central theme of the meeting was the establishment and improvement of a crisis communication framework, aimed at providing participants with practical tools for timely, responsible, and effective responses to situations that may threaten the work, reputation, and safety of organizations and individuals.
Three concrete attacks against NGO Aktiv were presented as case studies, involving orchestrated and coordinated media attacks by certain Albanian-language outlets. These examples served as a basis for a joint analysis of how negative narratives are created, how they spread in the public sphere, and what consequences they may have for organizations acting in the public interest.
Through a structured discussion, participants addressed how to recognize early warning signs of media and political pressure, assess risk levels, and shape appropriate responses depending on the context and intensity of attacks. Particular attention was given to the importance of timely reactions, clearly defined messages, responsible public communication, and the need for internal coordination and decision-making mechanisms during crises.
In the segment dedicated to strategic planning, participants discussed the importance of predefined procedures and a long-term approach to crisis communication. It was emphasized that the absence of clear strategies often leads to improvised and uncoordinated responses, further weakening organizations exposed to pressure.
Participants agreed on the need for systematic efforts to strengthen internal capacities in order to ensure consistent, calm, and professional action in crisis situations.
The third part of the meeting focused on advocacy and strategic action in situations of public attacks and disinformation. The discussion centered on mapping relevant institutions, regulatory bodies, media and journalists’ associations, as well as domestic and international actors to whom organizations can turn to protect their rights and professional integrity.
The importance of networking, mutual solidarity, and joint responses was particularly emphasized, given that attacks on individual organizations are often part of broader pressure on civil society and freedom of public action.
It was concluded that such meetings are of great importance for exchanging experiences, improving knowledge, and building joint strategies for responding to crisis situations. NGO Aktiv will continue organizing similar activities in the coming period, with the aim of strengthening the resilience of civil society organizations, enhancing professional standards in public communication, and creating a safer and more enabling environment for action in the public interest.
