On 2 March 2026, SELDI organized the online training webinar “Research, Reforms, Results: Strategic Advocacy for Civil Society”, bringing together grantees of the SELDI Small Grants Programme to further enhance their capacity to transform research findings into effective advocacy and policy reform.
The first session, “Small Grants, Big Impact: Lessons from the Field”, provided a platform for three grantees to present their projects and shared results achieved. Representatives of Foundation LOLI (North Macedonia), Association Baby Steps (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and Slobodna reč (Serbia) outlined their approaches to data and information gathering, research, in-depth analysis, and the elaboration of action plans and policy recommendations. They also reflected on their engagement with policy-makers and the challenges and opportunities encountered while advocating for reforms at national and local level.
The second session focused on uncovering the truth through multi-source Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and practical statistical analysis. The training was delivered by Brendon Zhan, Analyst at the Geoeconomics Program of the Center for the Study of Democracy, who introduced participants to practical tools and methodologies for collecting, verifying, and analyzing data from multiple sources. Through hands-on exercises and demonstrations participants deepened their understanding of how analytical techniques can support corruption monitoring and evidence-based advocacy.
The training continued with a session on writing impactful policy documents and organizing policy events that influence decision-makers, delivered by Daniela Mineva, Senior Analyst at the Center for the Study of Democracy, Bulgaria. The session combined practical exercises with discussion, focusing on how to structure policy recommendations, frame key messages effectively, and engage stakeholders in a way that increases the likelihood of reform uptake.
The final part of the webinar provided grantees the opportunity to raise specific questions and receive tailored guidance from the experts. The discussion addressed building multi-sector coalitions, resource mobilization, strategic communication, and turning data into compelling narratives that can drive legislative and policy change.
The training is part of the project “Civil Society for Good Governance and Anti-Corruption in Southeast Europe: Capacity Building for Evidence-Based Advocacy, Policy Impact and Citizen Engagement (SELDI.net),” funded by the European Union.
Presentations:
Synergy Against Corruption – Slobodna reč
Corruption in Healthcare Justice Denied – Baby steps
Writing impactful policy documents – Daniela Mineva, Center for the Study of Democracy
Photo Gallery:
Video Recordings:
Training topic: Uncovering the Truth through Multi-Source Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
Training topics: Writing Impactful Policy Documents. Organizing Policy Events that Influence Decision-Makers
