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what if the key to unlocking a cityS potential lies not in skyscrapers and tech hubs, but in the strength of its community organizations? bogotá is putting that theory to the test.
A Unique Partnership Takes Shape
The Bogotá Chamber of Commerce (CCB) and the District Institute of community Participation and Action (IDPAC) have joined forces to launch “Strengthening cycles for non -profit organizations,” a program designed to empower 30 local social organizations and community media outlets. This initiative, a free virtual training process, aims to provide these groups with the tools they need to thrive.
Think of it as a “Shark Tank” for social good, but instead of venture capital, these organizations receive invaluable training and resources.
What’s on the curriculum?
The program, consisting of three virtual courses scheduled for May 9, 16 and 23, 2025, covers a wide range of essential topics, including:
- Legal aspects
- Accounting
- Strategic planning
- Technology
- Marketing
- Fundraising
The sessions will combine theory with practical exercises, tailored to the specific challenges and opportunities faced by these organizations.
Why This Matters: The American Parallel
In the United States, similar initiatives have shown the power of investing in community-lead organizations.For example, the Annie E.Casey Foundation’s “Making Connections” initiative demonstrated that strengthening community-based organizations can lead to notable improvements in family well-being and neighborhood conditions. Bogotá’s program echoes this approach, recognizing that grassroots organizations are frequently enough best positioned to address local needs.
The Vision: Enduring Impact
The ultimate goal is to equip these organizations with the skills and knowledge they need to become more sustainable and impactful. As Martha Niño, deputy director of strengthening to the social organization of the IDPAC, explains, the program aims to help organizations “improve their internal structure, increase their impact on the territories and move towards processes of greater sustainability and articulation with other institutional and community actors.”
Ovid Claros Polanco, executive president of the CCB, emphasizes the importance of institutional articulation in promoting the popular economy and strengthening communities. He believes that by providing organizations and community media with the necessary tools, they can become more efficient in achieving their goals.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Viewpoint
While the “Strengthening cycles” program holds immense promise, it’s important to consider both its potential benefits and limitations.
Pros:
- Free training provides valuable skills and knowledge to participating organizations.
- Focus on practical exercises ensures that the training is relevant and applicable to real-world situations.
- Collaboration between the CCB and IDPAC fosters a stronger connection between the social and business sectors.
Cons:
- The program is limited to 30 organizations, possibly excluding many deserving groups.
- Virtual format may not be accessible to all organizations, particularly those with limited internet access or technical expertise.
- The long-term impact of the program will depend on the ability of participating organizations to implement what they have learned.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Community Empowerment
Bogotá’s “Strengthening cycles” program represents a bold step towards empowering local communities and fostering social innovation. by investing in the capacity of social organizations and community media, the city is laying the foundation for a more vibrant and equitable future.
But what if this model could be scaled up and replicated in other cities around the world? What if governments and businesses everywhere recognized the power of community-led solutions and invested in the organizations that are working tirelessly to make a difference?
The possibilities are endless.
Time.news recently explored a engaging initiative in Bogotá, Colombia, where community collaboration is being leveraged to potentially spark a social renaissance. The “Strengthening Cycles for Non-profit Organizations” program, a partnership between the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce (CCB) and the District Institute of Community Participation and Action (IDPAC), aims to empower local social organizations and community media outlets through free virtual training.
To delve deeper into this innovative approach, we spoke with Dr. Elena Ramirez, a leading expert in community advancement and social enterprise, to gain her insights on the program’s potential impact and broader implications.
Time.news Editor: dr. Ramirez,thank you for joining us. The “Strengthening Cycles” program in Bogotá looks promising. Can you explain why initiatives like this are crucial for urban development, especially in cities facing social and economic challenges?
Dr.Elena Ramirez: It’s a pleasure to be here. Cities are complex ecosystems, and frequently enough, the most effective solutions to local problems come from within the community itself. Grassroots organizations are uniquely positioned to understand and address the specific needs of thier neighborhoods. By investing in these organizations, as Bogotá is doing, you are essentially empowering the people who are closest to the challenges to become the agents of change.
Time.news Editor: The program focuses on providing training in areas like legal aspects, accounting, strategic planning, and technology. Why is this multifaceted approach so critically important for community organizations?
Dr. Elena Ramirez: Many community-based organizations are driven by passion and a strong desire to make a difference. However, without a solid foundation in these core operational areas, their impact can be limited. For instance, understanding legal aspects is crucial for compliance and sustainability.Mastering accounting practices ensures financial clarity and accountability,which is vital for attracting funding. Strategic planning allows them to define their goals, measure their progress, and adapt to changing circumstances. And of course, in today’s digital age, technology and marketing skills are essential for reaching a wider audience and maximizing their impact. The International Women’s Club of Bogotá [[1]], for example, likely benefits from understanding marketing to engage its diverse community.
Time.news Editor: The article draws a parallel to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s “Making Connections” initiative in the US. Can you elaborate on the similarities and why this approach seems to be gaining traction globally?
Dr. Elena Ramirez: The core principle is the same: investing in community-led solutions. The Annie E. Casey foundation recognized that strengthening community organizations leads to improvements in family well-being and neighborhood conditions. Similarly, Bogotá’s program acknowledges that these voluntary groups, NGOs & charities [[2]] on the ground are best equipped to tackle local issues. This approach is gaining traction because it shifts the focus from top-down solutions to bottom-up empowerment,which is often more enduring and effective.
Time.news Editor: The article highlights both the pros and cons of the “Strengthening Cycles” program, noting that it’s limited to 30 organizations and that the virtual format may not be accessible to everyone. What are the key considerations for scaling up such initiatives and ensuring equitable access?
Dr. Elena Ramirez: that’s a critical point. While the program is commendable, scalability and accessibility are paramount. To scale up, consider a “train the trainer” model, where participating organizations can then share their knowledge with others in their network.To address the digital divide, offering offline components, such as workshops or printed materials, can help ensure that everyone has access to the training. Partnering with local libraries or community centers that have computer access can also bridge the gap. It is also of utmost importance to take into consideration events such as natural disasters that Give To Colombia,addresses [[3]].
Time.news Editor: What practical advice would you give to readers who are involved in community organizations or are interested in starting one?
Dr. Elena Ramirez: my top advice is to build strong relationships. Look for opportunities to collaborate with local businesses, government agencies, and othre community organizations. These partnerships can provide access to resources, expertise, and networks that can help your organization grow and thrive. Remember the “expert tip” highlighted: collaboration is key. Also, don’t underestimate the power of storytelling. Share your organization’s impact and humanize the work that you do. People are more likely to support organizations that resonate with them on an emotional level.
Time.news Editor: dr. Ramirez, this has been incredibly insightful. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us.
Dr. Elena Ramirez: My pleasure. I hope this program inspires other cities to invest in their communities and unlock their full potential.
