Category: Novedades

In November, the conversation on the 2030 Agenda took place, evaluating the actions implemented and the challenges in the continuous search for actions to promote human rights in Argentina. During this event, the presentation of the RACI/UN SDG Platform was highlighted and the challenges and successes in the implementation of the SDGs by NGOs such as Cultura de Trabajo, Pata Pila and Fundeps were discussed.

The event included the participation of the UN, represented by Tamara Hahnt, Director of the UN Office in Argentina, who addressed the update of the new SDG agenda in the country. In addition, Pablo Basz, Strategic Partnerships and Development Finance Officer, shared the importance of Argentina’s commitment and highlighted the relevance of actions at the local level.

During the discussion, the three dimensions of sustainable development in Argentina were explored: economy, development and environment. This has been part of the 2030 Agenda since January 2016, with the aim of eradicating poverty, protecting the planet and ensuring peace and prosperity for citizens.

Outstanding Achievements in Argentina: Ownership, Adaptation, Federalization, Territorialization

Pablo Basz emphasized the importance of Argentina’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda and the need for follow-up and review of the implementation of the goals. Territorial importance was highlighted, as development policies generated more direct impacts and mechanisms as a basis for citizen participation to be implemented.

SDG-RACI Platform: Democratizing Information

Through RACI, the SDG-RACI Platform was created in August 2017. It aims to democratize information on the work of Civil Society Organizations in Argentina. To date, 421 projects have been developed.

Significant NGO Actions in Relation to the SDGs

The foundations Cultura de Trabajo, Pata Pila and Fundeps presented their actions focused on the SDGs:

Cultura de Trabajo highlighted its work equalizing opportunities in access to employment, and discussed its efforts with the SDGs: End Poverty, Gender Equality and Reducing Inequalities.

Pata Pila, a foundation that works to address the problems affecting families living in extreme poverty in Argentina, explained how to address these structural problems from three axes: following the SDG guidelines in: nutrition and human promotion, social economy and entrepreneurship, infrastructure works and access to water.

Fundeps, an organization that aims to promote public policies on human rights, based on the SDGs: Health and Well-Being, Gender Equality, Clean Water and Sanitation, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Climate Action, Underwater Life, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and Partnerships for Achieving Goals.

This event reaffirmed the commitment of Raci and the country’s NGOs to the 2030 Agenda and highlighted the remarkable progress and challenges in the implementation of the SDGs in Argentina.

 We thank all participants for contributing to this meaningful dialogue!

José Luis Barrios, a volunteer in RACI’s membership area, shared his experience regarding this year’s final directors’ meeting. 

“In this encounter I was able to get to know on a personal level many of RACI’s team members, and the main representatives of the Civil Society Organizations that are also members of the network. As a student of International Relations I understand that cooperation is a fundamental factor in an increasingly interconnected world; and in this sense, I was able to observe first hand the importance of these assemblies, where RACI showed with total transparency the objectives, research, and concerns of all those present, showing clearly that they have distinct goals to achieve its objectives,” said José.

In this meeting participants discussed, among other topics, the mid-term evaluation of the network’s five-year strategic plan, a review of the activities carried out from July to October 2023, as well as the presentation of RACI’s Past Presidents’ Committee and a joint reflection on the country’s situation and the electoral context.

“At all times we wanted those in attendance to share their feedback on what was presented and to hear all ideas about future objectives and what has been done throughout the year in order to improve even further. Among the actions that RACI has carried out over the year, I would like to highlight one that demonstrates the commitment to the members of the network: the visits to CSOs. I found this very interesting as it allows RACI to see the state of the network members in order to help strengthen them, as well as to listen to their recommendations. Finally, I can only say thank you for this great experience which allowed me to be part of RACI, it was very nice to see how RACI cares about its members and maintains a dialogue with everyone to improve day by day”. concluded José.

Discover Semillero Digital, a path to an inclusive digital future!

We met with the team at Semillero Digital, which is dedicated to empowering economically disadvantaged youth through the digital revolution. 

The organization’s goal is clear: to open the doors to the digital workforce so that everyone, regardless of their social background, can improve their quality of life by harnessing the potential of technology.

The organization is dedicated to providing free education in cutting-edge digital disciplines such as digital marketing and e-commerce. But it doesn’t stop there. It accompanies young people in vulnerable situations in their search for employment in the digital world, especially those who lack the resources to access this training. How does it do this? Through strategic partnerships with committed organizations that already work in the most needy neighborhoods and provide training for young people’s employability.

At Semillero Digital, volunteerism is a fundamental part of its success. It invites professionals to join its teaching and mentoring team. This creates an enriching environment for students as they have access to quality teachers, dedicated mentors, and a talented team to guide them through their transition at Semillero. This process of learning, training and development culminates with the achievement of their first formal digital job.

The community of professionals at Semillero Digital shares a deep belief that decent work and education are fundamental rights, not exclusive privileges. 

CADENA: Changing realities through humanitarian aid

We met with the CADENA Argentina team where we talked about their work, projects and goals.

CADENA, a non-profit civic association, is committed to preventing and responding to crises and disasters around the world by providing direct aid to those who need it most.

To be part of CADENA is to dare to change the world through humanitarian aid.

The organization’s mission is to promote a culture of prevention and inclusion to transform realities and build resilient, just and equitable communities for all.

 The organization carries out mano a mano missions, challenging indifference and seeking the active participation of people in the process of change for those most in need. 

CADENA has a rescue team, “Go Team”, trained in Israel and composed of 40 active members highly trained in all types of rescue operations. In addition, CADENA implements programs to rebuild homes, medical centers and schools affected by crises and disasters around the world. It also provides vital support for the economic recovery of affected areas.

On Monday, November 6th, we had the honor of welcoming professional referents to the coworking space of the Fundación Navarro Viola. On this occasion, we were joined by Gabriela Boyer, representative of the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) for Chile and Uruguay, and director of the Strategic Initiative for Community Philanthropy. She was joined by Carolyn Smalkowsky, IAF representative for Argentina. Florencia Alvarez, responsible for local liaison and support, also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, we held a dialogue with our members on the current context and reality of Argentine civil society. Among the participants were representatives of outstanding organizations such as Fundación Huésped, Asociación Conciencia, Educar 2050, Vida Silvestre, AMIA, CIPPEC, ELA – Equipo Latinoamericano de Justicia y Género, Banco de Alimentos, Fundación Pro Vivienda Social, and Fundación Poder Ciudadano.

We appreciate the visit and the exchange of ideas that will strengthen our commitment to community and social development!

Good Deeds Day 

From October 29 to November 1, 2023, the Good Deeds Day Regional Conference was held in Costa Rica.

Representatives of civil society organizations and individuals committed to the slogan participated, as well as leaders of incredible initiatives from all over Latin America and the Caribbean. There were very enriching workshops, conferences and panels and we came back full of energy and ideas to take DBA to another level in our country.

Some of the topics we covered were: 

• Sustainable volunteering.
• High-impact project planning.
• Strengthening of networks and alliances.
• Problem-solving group dynamics to achieve dynamic and sustainable volunteerism in a changing society.

Among the most outstanding panels was the one on “Alliances with the Business Sector”, which offered different ways to approach and involve the private sector in our projects. Another very enriching panel was “How to raise funds and not die trying” offered by Salvador Sanchez (Majocca Foundation- Mexico) and Carlos Madrid (Independent Consultant- Mexico).

The Giving Tuesday representative from Brazil spoke about generosity in Latam and how we can connect with the program. RACI participated in the panel “Partnerships with Governments” with colleagues from Peru, Mexico and Paraguay.

At the end of the event, all delegations participated in a volunteer activity that consisted of assembling backpacks with school supplies for children from underprivileged areas. We counted on the presence of the children who would receive the backpacks, and they themselves participated in this “Marathon”. 

Kettering Foundation Gathers World Leaders in Auckland to promote inclusive democracy.

In a momentous event organized by the Kettering Foundation, leaders and professionals committed to promoting inclusive democracy gathered in Auckland, New Zealand. This globally significant event brought together diverse experts and representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs), including RACI.

The event addressed the contemporary challenges facing democracy. Key discussions were held on concrete strategies to foster civic participation and strengthen democratic institutions in an increasingly complex and changing world.

RACI’s participation as a network of civil society organizations was instrumental in enriching the dialogue and sharing experiences and perspectives from Argentina and the region. 

The event, which culminated in a series of commitments and action plans, reaffirms the commitment of the Kettering Foundation and its partners to promoting inclusive democracy and strengthening communities around the world globally.

The training program to support the efforts of CSOs in Latin America and the Caribbean has concluded.

These workshops were designed to collaborate in strengthening the capacities of civil society organizations, providing and exchanging tools, knowledge, and skills to boost their resilience in facing challenges throughout the region.

What have we achieved?

During the months of July to October 2023, more than 60 people took part in the workshops. Coming from civil society organizations, social movements and activists across 17 different countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Attendees received certification on key topics such as Strategic Communication, Advocacy, Networking and Volunteering.

This incredible training opportunity was made possible thanks to the collective effort of the Argentine Network for International Cooperation (RACI), Grupo FARO and Youth Against Violence, the organizations that make up the Regional Center for Innovation for Change in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Thank you all for participating!

Follow us on social media to keep up to date with all our activities.

RACI renews its commitment to CIVICUS as a full and voting member for the next three years.

We are proud to announce that we have successfully completed the re-accreditation process as a full and voting member of CIVICUS – World Alliance for Citizen Participation. This renewal ensures RACI’s continued membership in this leading global alliance, effective October 4, 2023 through October 4, 2026.

By reaffirming our role as a voting member, we consolidate our active participation in a diverse global alliance of activists and civil society organizations, in line with the mission and vision of CIVICUS. The renewal of our membership reflects our commitment to strengthening citizen action and civil society advocacy, both on a local and global scale.

The certificate of membership awarded by CIVICUS revalidates our dedication to building a global community that is informed, inspired and committed to addressing the challenges facing humanity. At the same time, it underscores our ongoing efforts to strengthen citizen action and civil society around the world.

RACI is proud to continue to collaborate with CIVICUS and looks forward to working together to foster meaningful and positive change in our communities and in the world at large.

On October 31, our members-only forum focused on key strategies for attracting donors and ensuring the sustainability of Civil Society Organizations. Under the expert guidance of Daniel Gamboa, Director of Growth and Fundraising at Amnesty International Argentina, tactics were shared to expand impact and strengthen commitment to Human Rights.

We thank the Universidad Torcuato Di Tella for offering its facilities for an intensive day of learning and reflection, which significantly enriched the dialogue around the importance of collaboration and the exchange of experiences, especially in such challenging times as the present.

Special emphasis was placed on providing practical tools for the formation and management of highly effective fundraising teams. Strategies employed by large organizations to attract donors and retain competent professionals in this field were analyzed.

In addition, the workshop promoted reflection on the management of financial development in times of crisis, and fostered an active dialogue among all the areas that interact with this sector. The workshop was especially designed for professionals with leadership roles in social organizations, seeking to provide them with the necessary tools to face challenges.

The members of the network participated in debates and shared experiences, reflecting on actualization strategies and tactics to preserve the impact of the causes in times of inflation. 

We express our gratitude for the participation of all network members, and look forward to future meetings to continue strengthening the sector.

The Regional Center of Innovation for Change in Latin America and the Caribbean continues with the cycle of multi-actor roundtable discussions.

As with each new forum, the next meeting will consist of brief presentations by leading figures from Latin America and the Caribbean with the aim of motivating and generating enriching conversations, with innovating proposals and alternatives that improve and enhance the democratic practices in our countries. After the presentations, it is proposed a round table discussion with the participation of the audience, based on dynamics that favor a genuine dialogue, open and inclusive communication of all voices in order to achieve a better consensus.

On this opportunity, we invite you to join us for the third encounter:

Dialogue 3: Democracy and Rights. Human Rights. Environmental Rights. November 30, 2023. From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (GMT -3)

The topics to consider will be the relationship between democracy, human rights and environmental rights as well as the different situations in the region, the challenges, risks, and opportunities.

The conversations shall be done virtually through Zoom and will be held in Spanish.

Register here.