This is the story of how digital tools and transformation helped these organizations rise above the noise and fight back against the spread of false information.
The challenge: a new era of disinformation
For NUNS and Europolis, the stakes were high. As an independent media association, NUNS stands at the frontlines of the battle against disinformation, supporting a vast network of journalists committed to delivering truth to the public. Meanwhile, Europolis, a grassroots activist organization based in Novi Sad, has been a powerful voice for local communities, working to bring people together to tackle social issues head-on.
But as they both grew, so did their challenges. Disinformation spread faster than ever, flooding social media and news outlets, and their traditional methods of outreach struggled to keep up. Community members, journalists, and activists were overwhelmed, unsure of where to turn for reliable information. The solution lay in a bold new approach: digital transformation – giving independent media the tools to stay ahead of disinformation.
A new partnership: the Catalyst Balkans approach
In partnership with NUNS, Europolis, and Partners Serbia, Catalyst Balkans launched the Local Action "Combating Disinformation with Digital Transformation." Their mission was clear: equip these organizations with the tools and skills they needed to tackle disinformation in a new, digital-first world.
The first step? Training NUNS and Europolis on using CiviCRM, an open-source platform that revolutionized how they managed relationships and communicated with their communities. In a series of workshops, Catalyst Balkans introduced this powerful tool and provided practical, hands-on guidance to help these organizations streamline their outreach, consolidate their data, and automate processes like membership management and newsletters.
Catalyst Balkans also helped them integrate Drupal 10, a robust content management system, to ensure their websites could handle the growing demands of their digital presence. Meanwhile, Partners Serbia stepped in to tackle the legal side of things, ensuring that every new tool adhered to privacy and data protection laws, safeguarding the trust these organizations had worked so hard to build.
Transformation in action. A story of an impact.
The impact of these changes was felt immediately. With the new tools in place, NUNS and Europolis could now reach over 8,000 contacts directly. Journalists, activists, embassies, and civil society organizations were just a few clicks away, connected through a streamlined system that allowed for rapid, accurate communication.
For NUNS, the transformation marked an important shift. Nevena Ršumović, a representative from the organization, noted: "We have developed several ideas for using CiviCRM, including effectively managing our members' database. We are grateful to Metamorphosis for initiating our collaboration with Catalyst on the multifold use of CiviCRM."
Europolis also saw the benefits firsthand. "Thanks to Catalyst Balkans, we now have the tools and skills to manage our community much more effectively," said Dane Pribić from Europolis. "In the fight against disinformation, speed is crucial. CiviCRM has given us the confidence to act quickly, knowing our messages are reaching the right people."
Overcoming the obstacles
Of course, no transformation comes without challenges. Introducing new technology wasn’t always smooth sailing. There was a steep learning curve as staff at NUNS and Europolis adapted to the digital tools. But Catalyst Balkans was there every step of the way, providing training and support to make sure no one was left behind.
There were also concerns about handling sensitive data. With so much personal information being managed, compliance with strict legal regulations was critical. Partners Serbia played a vital role in this aspect, ensuring that the new systems adhered to privacy standards and laws, especially regarding the handling of personal data.
The results: a stronger, more connected community
Despite the challenges, the results were undeniable. NUNS and Europolis emerged stronger, more resilient, and more capable of addressing the rampant spread of misinformation. Their community outreach improved dramatically, with faster response times, more personalized messaging, and a greater ability to target disinformation at its source.
The introduction of CiviCRM not only strengthened their organizational capabilities but also built trust within their communities. Journalists, activists, and citizens alike saw that these organizations were serious about fighting disinformation and protecting their privacy.
The power of Digital Transformation
The story of NUNS, Europolis, and Catalyst Balkans is a powerful reminder that in today’s digital world, countering disinformation requires more than just good intentions. It requires innovation, collaboration, and a willingness to embrace change.
By bringing together expertise in digital transformation, legal guidance, and community engagement, Catalyst Balkans helped these organizations turn the tide in their battle against false information. It was a testament to the power of technology when used for good, and a glimpse into the future of how we can all play a part in building a more informed and resilient world.
Stay connected with Catalyst Balkans through their website and social media channels to keep up with their latest initiatives in the fight for truth:
