In the ever-evolving landscape of governance and civil society, building resilience, fostering collaboration, and leveraging creative strategies are essential to creating lasting change. At Thoughts and Mace Advisory, we are proud to have hosted three impactful events over the past months, each designed to empower Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and amplify the voices driving transformation in Nigeria. Here’s a detailed look at these events and their significance.

1. Civil Society Resilience and Sustainability Training (October 1st–5th, 2024, Abuja)**

In today’s fast-changing world, CSOs face mounting challenges, from limited funding to increasing operational complexities. Recognizing this, we organized the Civil Society Resilience and Sustainability Training, a five-day intensive workshop to strengthen the capacity of CSO leaders.

Participants from diverse organizations gathered to learn cutting-edge strategies in three key Fundraising Effective Networking, and Harnessing Technology for Maximizing Impact.

Key Takeaways from CSORST 2.

• Strategies for Sustainable Funding and Organizational Growth: To achieve long-term financial sustainability, organizations must diversify their funding sources and strategically integrate fundraising into their operations. This includes establishing a dedicated business development team while ensuring all staff contribute to fundraising efforts. Maintaining visibility through compelling storytelling and effective networking helps build a strong brand that attracts donors. Developing a robust funding pipeline, nurturing strategic donor relationships, and having pre-prepared concept notes enable quick responses to funding opportunities. Additionally, leveraging social media and crafting impactful proposals can showcase the organization’s value, while cautious investment strategies provide steady revenue streams to support sustainability.
• Key Principles for Effective Networking and Advocacy: Building genuine relationships based on trust and delivering on promises are fundamental to successful networking. Engaging stakeholders from diverse sectors enriches collaboration, offering varied perspectives and resources. To maximize impact, networking efforts should align strategically with organizational goals, ensuring relevance and efficiency. Collaborative advocacy through partnerships amplifies messaging and strengthens campaigns. Finally, leveraging data-driven approaches enhances credibility and allows organizations to adapt strategies effectively in dynamic environments.
• Harnessing Technology: One of the core lessons from the training was the transformative potential of AI when used with detailed, specific prompts. Participants learned that providing clear context and instructions significantly improves the relevance and accuracy of AI-generated outputs, particularly in complex tasks like writing fundraising appeals, grant proposals, and creating project budgets. Ultimately, the training underscored the need for a balanced approach, combining AI’s efficiency with human oversight to ensure responsible and impactful use.

2. Lagos Book Launch: CSOs and Creatives Collaborating for Change (October 8th, 2024)**

The Lagos launch of It Is Impossible took an innovative approach, with a focus on fostering partnerships between CSOs and the creative industry. The event brought together advocates, storytellers, artists, and digital content creators to explore how creative expression can amplify the impact of advocacy campaigns.

The event underscored a critical insight: Advocacy thrives when it taps into the universal language of creativity**. By working together, CSOs and creatives can create compelling messages that not only inform but also inspire action. The key takeaway was that the future of advocacy lies at the intersection of data-driven strategies and emotionally resonant storytelling. This synergy is crucial in engaging a broader audience and sustaining the momentum for change.

3. It Is impossible* Book Launch in Abuja (October 14th, 2024)

On the heels of the Lagos Book Launch came another landmark event: the launch of our latest publication, It Is impossible. This book is the culmination of our project “Influencing Change in Nigeria”, a testament to our commitment to driving societal transformation.

The Abuja launch offered a platform to explore the book’s central thesis—that even the smallest, seemingly impossible efforts can ignite significant change over time.

The event featured, A stirring keynote address by the Former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo highlighting how incremental progress builds resilience in the face of systemic challenges. A panel of distinguished speakers, shared their experiences in advocacy and governance, tying their stories to the book’s powerful message.

It Is impossible is more than just a book; it’s a guide for anyone invested in social justice and advocacy. Available now on our website, it has already begun to spark conversations across Nigeria.

Why These Events Matter

These three events highlight our commitment to equipping CSOs with the tools they need to thrive in challenging environments.

From capacity-building workshops to thought-provoking book launches, each event has played a role in shaping the civil society landscape. We are proud to have fostered dialogue, encouraged collaboration, and provided resources to organizations and individuals dedicated to making a difference.

Future Plans

As we reflect on the success of these events, we are more committed than ever to our mission of empowering change-makers. We invite you to join us on this journey—whether by participating in our future programs, collaborating with us, or simply picking up a copy of *It Is imPOSSIBLE HERE