What inclusion looks like in practice often depends on how organizationally strong, strategically focused, and ready for long‑term planning the organizations advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities are. For this reason, on March 3–4, 2026, a two‑day training Strategic Planning for Associations Working With and For Persons With Disabilities was held in Belgrade, at the Zira Hotel, within the project Cordial – Inclusion Without Borders, funded by the European Union and implemented by Caritas Serbia in partnership with the Youth with Disabilities Forum.
The training was designed for civil society organizations wishing to improve strategic planning, organizational development, and teamwork. Each organization participated with two representatives to ensure that the knowledge and tools could be immediately transferred to their teams and integrated into the organizations’ daily operations.
The training was led by experienced trainer Snežana Stojanović, and participants developed and practiced key long‑term planning tools through hands‑on work, such as SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) and PESTLE analysis (political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors). These and similar tools help organizations gain a clearer understanding of the context they operate in, set realistic goals, and create plans that can withstand changes in the environment—from financial challenges to shifts in policies and procedures.
Strengthening the capacities of organizations working with and for persons with disabilities is not a “technical topic,” but a matter of rights and equality. When these organizations are strategically empowered, they can more consistently advocate for the interests of their communities, better plan services and programs, build partnerships, and engage in fact‑based dialogue with institutions grounded in needs and clearly defined priorities. This means more space for active participation of persons with disabilities—and fewer chances for inclusion to remain only a declaration.
As part of the Cordial – Inclusion Without Borders project, activities will continue with the next training, “Animation and Active Participation,” which will be held on March 24–25, 2026, in Belgrade.
