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 […]

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 […]

Diversity, equity and inclusion

Close-up of diverse hands stacked together, symbolizing unity and collaboration. This image emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in fostering social justice and collective progress.

Civil society organizations promote social justice through the protection of human rights. Consequently, they are often questioned about issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their work outside the organization and how they incorporate and implement these values within their organization. Why should civil society organizations have internal discussions about these values? Since civil society […]

What is the Theory of Change?

Illustration representing the Theory of Change: A vibrant background with a hand stopping falling dominoes, symbolizing intervention and impact. On one side, a woman in a lab coat gestures as if explaining, and on the other, a man holds a laptop, portraying collaboration and analysis in civil society initiatives. Logos for ECOS and COMETA are displayed above.

The Theory of Change (TOC) helps us identify the impact we want to achieve as civil society organizations. It encompasses both the change we seek and how we will achieve it. Therefore, the TOC is our roadmap to our organizational goals. What should a Theory of Change include? The TOC needs a combination of elements […]

How to work the strategic vision in civil society

Hands pointing and working over charts and graphs on a wooden table, surrounded by laptops, a smartphone, and a tablet, symbolizing collaboration and strategic vision. The image features an orange-to-teal gradient overlay with the COMETA logo and slogan 'Rethink. Reimagine. Reshape.

Previously, we discussed the relevance of conducting a strategic reflection process. Now, we share with you what it takes to have efficient strategic reflection planning. This time, we look at how a strategic vision process helps an organization know itself and achieve its desired outcomes. What is required for an efficient strategic vision process? First, […]

Key questions about the participatory approach

Group of people engaging in a discussion around a table, representing the participatory approach in organizational processes.

Are you familiar with the participatory approach? Do you know how it can help your organization? We will guide you on implementing this approach in organizational processes, particularly in hierarchical organizations. This approach is particularly beneficial for civil society organizations with traditional structures or clear commitments to their donors. What is the participatory approach? The […]

How do you design SMART goals?

SMART Goals seek to generate long-term improvements, contributing to the mission of our organization in the following years.

Setting goals is critical to our success journey as a civil society organization. However, not every goal is created the same way or with the same success. We need to establish goals smartly and strategically to maximize our success rate. An excellent way to do this is the SMART methodology, a powerful tool that will […]