Tips for Funding Horizontal Learning

Two professionals engage in a knowledge exchange session, illustrating the importance of funding horizontal learning among civil society organizations.

Funding horizontal learning is crucial for organizations to effectively navigate complex challenges and maximize collaborative resource use. This approach fosters meaningful knowledge exchange and cooperation, strengthening both individual organizations and the sector. For donors, investing in these spaces not only empowers organizations at an individual level but also enhances coordination and collective impact across the […]

Indicators for Advocacy: A Practical Guide for Civil Society Organizations

Hand drawing a fluctuating bar and line graph on a chalkboard, symbolizing data tracking and analysis — representing indicators for advocacy in civil society organizations. Logo of COMETA

Indicators for advocacy are essential tools for civil society organizations to measure our outcomes and learn from our processes of political advocacy. In this guide, we will walk you through a step-by-step approach to designing meaningful advocacy indicators. Sebastián Hernández Mora, Senior Consultant, Colectivo META 3 Steps to Craft Indicators for Political Advocacy Step 1: […]

The Usefulness of Horizontal Learning in Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

In the image we see two people sharing knowledge through their testimonies about the usefulness of horizontal learning in CSOs. They are connected by a thought bubble where there is a light bulb that symbolizes a common idea.

The usefulness of horizontal learning in civil society organizations (CSOs) lies in its ability to generate internal change, inspire new strategies, and strengthen connections among actors facing common challenges. Through this collaborative approach, CSOs learn from one another, recognizing their experiences as valuable sources of practical knowledge. In this post, we share two video testimonials […]

Why Is Self-Care for Civil Society Organizations Essential in Strategic Planning?

Six hands, each forming a fist, join together in a circular formation against a vibrant gradient background of blue, purple, and orange. The image symbolizes unity, collective strength, and mutual support—key elements of self-care for civil society organizations. The logos of ECOS and COMETA reinforce the message of resilience and strategic transformation within the sector.

Self-care for civil society organizations is not a luxury or indulgence but an essential requirement to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of our efforts toward social transformation. This perspective draws inspiration from feminist movements and collective practices. Anna Langheinrich, senior consultant at Colectivo Meta The Origin of Self-Care for Civil Society Organizations: A Political Act […]

How should we conduct strategic reflection processes in a closed civic space?

Group of three people engaged in a strategic reflection session in a modern indoor setting, discussing ideas with notebooks and laptops. An illustrated character symbolizes inclusivity and diverse participation. Logos of ECOS and COMETA highlight the theme of strategic reflection processes in a closed civic space

Civil society organizations face complex challenges in their work and strategic reflection processes within a closed civic space. Arianna Bizzoni, Consultora senior en Colectivo Meta. States can impose the following challenges: Conducting strategic reflection processes in a closed civic space is essential for organizations to reassess their advocacy work and political actions from different perspectives. […]

Strategic facilitation for an international organization: specific elements and learning process

A team engaged in a hybrid meeting, with two animated characters on a screen, symbolizing virtual collaboration. The image, branded with ECOS and COMETA logos, represents Strategic Facilitation for an International Organization, emphasizing teamwork across diverse regions. The gradient overlay reinforces a dynamic and inclusive approach to global decision-making.

Strategic facilitation for an international organization is both inspiring and motivating. At the same time, it presents a multifaceted and demanding journey that requires deep introspection and thorough preparation, given its expansive scope, challenges and learning opportunities. Manuela Garza, COMETA’s Founding Partner Specific elements for designing a strategic vision for an international organization A well-defined […]

Why does the whole organization need to participate in a financial resilience strategy?

A close-up of a person balancing a wooden plank on a round fulcrum, with stacks of coins on one side. The image symbolizes stability and financial planning. Logos of COMETA and ECOS are displayed. Representation of a financial resilience strategy for civil society organizations.

Finances and resource mobilization are key to an organization’s sustainability and health. While there is no single recipe for success, a financial resilience strategy that considers our organization’s needs, specificities, and context is a relevant first step. Arianna Bizzoni,  Senior consultant  at Colectivo Meta For COMETA, a financial resilience strategy is the ability of organizations […]

Challenges in high-level facilitation

A conceptual image representing high-level facilitation, featuring a hand carefully placing wooden blocks with interconnected symbols, symbolizing collaboration and strategic decision-making. A digitally illustrated woman adds another block, reinforcing the idea of collective effort in building structured solutions. The background has a gradient of green and blue, creating a dynamic and engaging visual. The COMETA logo is positioned in the top left corner.

High-level facilitation occurs when an external consulting firm designs and applies a methodology for facilitating dialogues or strategic discussions for organizations or networks of civil society organizations. Anna Langheinrich, senior consulting at Colectivo Meta High-level facilitation is crucial for guiding political and strategic conversations that require decision-making in complex and adverse circumstances. For instance, when […]

Theory of Change for Networks: The Key to Success in a Good Process

Wooden game pieces are arranged on a board with interconnected arrows, symbolizing strategic planning and collaboration. The image represents the concept of Theory of Change for Networks, emphasizing the structured approach needed to align diverse actors toward a common goal. The logos of ECOS and COMETA are displayed, reinforcing the focus on resilience and strategic transformation for civil society.

Theory of Change processes for networks are as critical as those for civil society organizations. They allow us to reflect on the impact we want to achieve with our work, clearly define our objectives, and take the necessary steps to achieve them. Arianna Bizzoni, Senior Consultant at Colectivo META Why is Theory of Change relevant […]

Why should we invest in strategic reflection processes as the key to organizational success?

Illustration highlighting the importance of invest in strategic reflection to achieve organizational success, with visual elements such as a light bulb, pencil, and speech bubbles representing key ideas.

What does it mean to invest in strategic reflection? Strategic thinking helps an organization to think critically about itself and its work: According to the Royal Spanish Academy, “strategy” is defined as: Being strategic involves making optimal decisions, innovating, and creating. Investing in strategic reflection is an organizational way to stand out and innovate vis-à-vis […]