A Decade of Dedication
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
The NGO Leadership Workshop Offers Space for Learning, Reflection Among Ukrainian Leaders
Since 2015, the William Davidson Institute and its partners have provided NGO Leadership Workshops to non-profit leaders from across Central and Southeastern Europe. In October, 25 NGO leaders from across Ukraine attended the interactive management training sessions in Warsaw, Poland, designed to empower Ukrainian civil society amidst the ongoing war.
This marked the 13th NGO Leadership Workshop and the fifth held in Poland, offering critical support at a time of immense challenge. Participants traveled from across Ukraine to represent NGOs addressing critical war-time challenges, including documenting war crimes, human rights advocacy, veteran support, civic engagement, justice reform, policy change, memory preservation and emergency aid for internally displaced people.
Sponsored by the University of Michigan’s Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia, in partnership with WDI, the workshop was organized in partnership with Hekima, a Slovakia-based NGO dedicated to empowering civil society leaders and activists, with a focus on addressing gender-specific challenges through entrepreneurship and education.
The five-day program in October began with an opening networking reception in downtown Warsaw. Throughout the week, training sessions focused on leadership, conflict resolution, social media strategies, resilience and preventing burnout. A cultural excursion to Warsaw’s Wilanów Palace allowed participants to explore the historic museum and gardens, offering time for reflection. The week concluded with a closing dinner at the picturesque Villa Foksal, attended by Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski.
Amy Gillett, WDI Vice President, Education, said for more than a decade the workshops have provided a unique experience for participants to network, learn and collaborate with instructors and fellow NGO Leaders. The focus specifically on Ukrainian nonprofits coping with the incredible strain of Russia’s invasion, highlights WDI’s commitment to providing professional education even in the most difficult of circumstances.
“These workshops go beyond just training – they’re a lifeline for leaders facing extraordinary challenges,” Gillett said. “The week also offers participants a much-needed respite from the war, providing a chance to recharge and reflect away from the daily stress and uncertainty in their country. We’re continually inspired by their resilience and determination, which motivates us as organizers to ensure these workshops provide meaningful support and opportunities for growth and networking.”
The next workshop will take place from May 26-30 in Bratislava, Slovakia. That program will be open to NGO leaders from 16 countries.
Learn more about the NGO Leadership Workshops here and download the full report on the latest workshop here.