As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening civic engagement and building the capacities of youth and community leaders, Advancing Civil Society – GLOCA, in collaboration with Nour Al-Hayat Charity Association, organized two specialized training workshops at its office in Aleppo – Al-Mohafaza district, delivered by trainer Youssef Kardoush.
The sessions brought together 24 participants, including young men and women from community and volunteer teams, to develop their knowledge and practical skills in two vital areas: Social Responsibility and Strategic Planning.

1. Social Responsibility in Civil Society Organizations

In light of the growing challenges facing local communities, the concept of social responsibility has emerged as a cornerstone for strengthening cooperation between individuals and institutions in serving the common good.
The training, titled “Social Responsibility in Civil Society Organizations”, emphasized that social responsibility is not merely a charitable initiative or voluntary activity—it is a sustainable strategic approach that promotes awareness, accountability, and partnership between organizations and the communities they serve.

The session introduced participants to:

• The evolution and principles of social responsibility.

• The distinction between philanthropy, volunteerism, and social responsibility.

• The key types and domains of social responsibility.

• The importance of adopting social responsibility as an institutional culture within NGOs.

By the end of the training, participants gained a deeper understanding of how to integrate social responsibility into their organizational strategies, transforming it from a theoretical idea into a practical framework that contributes to sustainable development and positive social change.

2. Strategic Planning: A Compass for Impact and Sustainability

The second workshop, “Strategic Planning for Civil Society and Volunteer Teams”, focused on enabling participants to develop effective long-term strategies for their organizations and initiatives.
In an ever-changing environment, strategic planning is not just an administrative tool—it is a vision-driven process that allows organizations to act consciously and move toward sustainable goals.

The training covered:

• The concept and importance of strategic planning.

• Formulating vision, mission, values, and strategic objectives.

• Developing implementation, monitoring, and evaluation plans.

• Understanding related management and planning terminology.

Participants learned to analyze their operational environments, set measurable goals, and design realistic frameworks adaptable to their organizations’ needs.
The workshop concluded with participants expressing their confidence in applying the learned tools within their teams—turning strategy into action and vision into measurable community impact.

Conclusion

Both trainings reflect GLOCA’s belief that capacity building is the foundation for community resilience and civic advancement.
By equipping youth and community leaders with strategic and ethical tools, GLOCA and its partners continue to nurture a generation capable of leading positive transformation—guided by responsibility, planning, and a shared vision for sustainable development in Syria.