Summary of organization’s strategic orientation:
Heartefact is a multi-disciplinary organization that convenes and maintains fora where cultural and social reality is critically questioned, the past is remembered and learnt from, individuality is encouraged and talent is celebrated, creative and forward-thinking individuals are empowered to try and allowed to fail—so that the cultural and public space for all people is diversified, enriched, made vibrant and more accepting towards differences. Heartefact provides transformational opportunities to those who are deprived, marginalized, and belittled on account of their identities, or denigrated for standing out, by amplifying their voices, supporting those who empower them, and building fora where they can expand their skills, emancipate their expressions, and find empathy and hope.
Summary of the supported project:
This six-month initiative provides ad hoc support to 10 inexperienced individuals from various local communities in Serbia, equipping them for running effective human rights advocacy. It is designed for those who have recently established their organizations or seek support to do so.
The program offers:
- Knowledge on human rights standards and the operational functioning of non-governmental organizations.
- Personalized support through a three-month mentorship program.
- Hands-on experience in conceptualizing and running successful human rights campaigns.
- Networking opportunities with institutions, organizations, and donors in Belgrade with a strong human rights focus.
The program is the first step for project participants to transition from engaged individuals and grassroots activists to more effective human rights advocates.
Project goal(s):
Overall objective:
To increase the level of understanding and support for human rights advocacy of marginalized communities among key social and political stakeholders by amplifying marginalized voices and informing policy changes through storytelling.
Specific objectives:
- To strengthen the capacities of less experienced human rights defenders from local communities in Serbia, while increasing understanding and support from key national and local actors.
- To enhance the social response to human rights violations of marginalized groups through effective campaigns and creative advocacy, leading to informed public opinion, the development of impactful policies, and improved institutional responses.
Beneficiaries:
Direct beneficiaries: Ten less experienced human rights defenders from local communities in Serbia who will strengthen their advocacy skills.
This group will receive:
- A tailored three-day training
- One-on-one consultations with mentors over three months
- Hands-on experience in developing and implementing two advocacy campaigns
- Networking opportunities with up to 10 representatives from human rights organizations, institutions, and donors
Main activities:
- Selection of 10 participants through an open call
- Online introductory meeting to connect, discuss expectations, and identify participants’ needs
- Three-day in-person seminar
- One-on-one consultations with mentors
- Selection of two key topics for public campaigns
- Collaborative campaign development by selected participants, guided by experts in relevant fields
- Campaign preparation and implementation
- Agenda development, highlighting key Belgrade-based human rights organizations and institutions
