In early April, 17 alumni of the Social Innovation and Management Programme (SIMPro) 2023 met in Budapest for a three-day workshop on “Building Resilience in Response to the Erosion of Civic Spaces.” Hosted at Habitat Kreatív Központ and Szeglet, the gathering brought together civil society professionals from across Central and Eastern Europe to exchange experiences and practical strategies for navigating increasingly challenging working environments.
Civic space continues to come under pressure in many countries in the region. Participants discussed the political, legal, financial and reputational challenges that organizations currently face, and reflected on what helps them maintain stability, motivation and perspective in their work. The workshop included sessions on financial sustainability, personal and organizational security, communication during crisis situations, supporting team wellbeing, and building long-term networks and partnerships.
The schedule combined structured sessions with informal exchanges, allowing time not only for learning but also for reconnecting with peers. The group opened with discussions on personal resilience and leadership, and later shared country-specific updates which highlighted both common challenges and diverse local contexts. A site visit to Szeglet offered an example of how community spaces can foster collaboration. The day concluded with a keynote by Dr. Szilvia Gyurkó, who spoke about maintaining purpose in complex environments.
On the final day, the focus shifted to communication and cooperation: how to respond when narratives about civil society are distorted, how to build supportive coalitions, and how to stay connected across borders. The conversations were practical and grounded in real experiences.
Throughout the three days, the sense of community among the alumni was evident. Many had remained in close contact since completing SIMPro in 2023, and the workshop provided space to strengthen those relationships. Several participants noted that simply being among colleagues who understand their reality was itself an important form of resilience.
The group plans to continue meeting and supporting one another in the months ahead. The workshop reinforced the importance of long-term peer networks in sustaining civil society work at a time when pressure is increasing.
