The "Essential Courses for Everyone" program serves as an introduction to the field of civil society. In this program, which addresses fundamental concepts, approaches, and debates along with their historical background:
- We will collectively reflect on the fundamental concepts of civil society and the development of civil society from past to present; we will develop ideas on how we can position ourselves within civil society.
- We will address topics such as organizational models, dimensions, institutional development, and organizational culture along with principles, and we will establish institutional policies based on these principles.
- We will examine the relationship between the rights-based approach and mainstreaming; we will focus on how to incorporate an inclusive perspective into organizational structures and programs.
- We will discuss the basic concepts of advocacy and become acquainted with tools to strengthen our skills in writing and implementing advocacy-based policy documents.
This four-month training program is open only to representatives of civil society organizations (associations, foundations, initiatives, unions, platforms, city councils, nonprofit cooperatives, federations, confederations, etc.), and the trainings will take place in Ankara. Travel and accommodation expenses for participants from outside Ankara will be covered by STGM.
Training Schedule and Application Process
You can apply for the entire training program, which spans a four-month period from September to December 2025, using the same application form. We expect representatives whose applications are accepted to attend all training sessions in full. Dedicating 3 days per month for each module will be sufficient.
The planned course dates are as follows:
| 28-29-30 January 2026 | 101 – An Overview of Civil Society |
| 4-5-6 March 2026 | 102 – Organizational Design and Management for CSOs |
| 1-2-3 April 2026 | 103 – Rights-Based Approach and Mainstreaming |
| 6-7-8 May 2026 | 104 – Participation and Advocacy |
Click to apply.
The application evaluation process is aimed to be completed within 5 business days, and results will be communicated via email. Accepted participants will be required to submit a "support letter" from their represented CSO confirming participation in the training program.
How will evaluation be done?
To ensure an effective and efficient training process, the number of participants will be limited to 20 people. The following criteria will be considered in the evaluation:
- The application form must be completed fully and qualitatively
- The purpose of application, expectations from the training, alignment between the capacity and needs of the applying CSO and the goals of the training program
- Regional distribution
- Thematic distribution
- Gender balance
- Priority will be given to rights-based CSOs*, grassroots organizations, self-organizations, and organizations that have not previously benefited from the STOK program.
Completing the online content in the "Essential Courses for Everyone" section of the STOK Learning Platform at the time of your application will give you priority.
Note: In applications filled out entirely by artificial intelligence, it is difficult to determine the unique needs and expectations of the organization. This aspect is taken into account during the evaluation process.
We have a suggestion for you!
Before applying, we recommend completing the online content titled "STOK 100 – Essential Courses for Everyone" in the STOK Learning Platform. Completing this content will ensure your application is given priority during the evaluation.
*The rights-based approach defines individuals as rights-holders while identifying state institutions and, increasingly, the private sector as duty-bearers. Drawing on the principles and standards of human rights, the rights-based approach aims to develop the capacity of individuals to demand and defend their rights, and of institutions to fulfill their rights-related obligations.