Abstract
Evaluates the Democracy Network (DemNet) program, designed to strengthen Macedonia's NGO sector, for the period 4/95-2/02. The report centers on DemNet "process" activities, aimed at helping make new and existing NGOs capable of producing significant development impacts. Participating new NGOs credit DemNet with making their development possible by teaching them what NGOs can do if properly developed and operated. Most of those visited, however, admitted that they needed more training. Previously registered NGOs reported a similar experience. Most operated as loosely organized groups concerned with particular issues such as drug abuse. DemNet took them to the next level, helping them to organize and operate more efficiently as NGOs. At the sectoral level, Macedonian NGOs are disconnected from each other, each going its own way and rarely sharing with each other or learning from each other. DemNet attempted to eliminate this isolation through its training, TA, and outreach activities. DemNet established a network of local trainers (e.g., LEAP/CAP training; NGO development training/TA) that presumably are available to assist new NGOs. It also produced and disseminated brochures designed to provide a guidebook. Despite these efforts, many of the NGOs visited lamented the sector's enduring competitiveness. The sector as a whole suffers from the general judgment that NGOs are ineffectual in alleviating or eliminating important social problems. Persuasive evaluative documentation of NGO achievement of significant development results will go a long way towards recasting the sector's image. It will demonstrate that DemNet enabled potent NGO action that indisputably produced important and measurable impacts. Several factors influenced DemNet's implementation. The Kosovar refugee (1999) crisis fueled inter-ethnic tensions, and was followed closely by armed conflict between Albanian rebels and the Macedonian Army/Government. The negative image of NGOs has had a detrimental impact on support for NGOs. The proliferation of NGOs in the last decade, many of which were viewed as purely opportunistic, magnified the problem. Several stakeholders also noted that the weak NGO image has inflamed the traditional NGO/government distrust. Other problems include the absence of a tradition of volunteerism in Macedonia, the limitations placed on private sector participation by a frail economy, and the hostile fiscal and legal environment facing most NGOs. Lessons learned are that: (1) sustainability training is ineffective; (2) application of DemNet training is weak; (3) NGOs need to produce and communicate impacts to improve their image; (4) NGO evaluation is inadequate and their communication skills underdeveloped; (5) NGO performance milestones are effective; (6) the media helps amplify affirmative NGO visibility; (7) site visits verify grantee qualifications; (8) coalitions enhance NGO success potential; and (9) collaboration is possible and works. DemNet, the Local Government Reform Project (LGRP), the Community Self Help Initiative (CSHI), and the PRISMA project are all working in communities, seeking to improve conditions in their particular sectors of activity, such as NGO strengthening, small infrastructure development and quality of life improvement, local government capacity, and economic development. Together, these projects address a wide range of important community development issues in Macedonia and, together, possess a very promising synergy for systematic change in these communities. DemNet NGOs have been prepared to achieve significant impacts, and the time is propitious for them to reach that goal. The LEAP and CAP projects, for example, need to demonstrate that their partnering arrangements have actually produced their intended, ultimate results. Convincing proof and communication of these results will in due course establish the Macedonia NGO sector as a vital force for essential social change.