APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR THE CIVIL SOCIETY SUPPORT CENTER

Registrations have begun for the Civil Society Support Center (STDM), established by Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality to strengthen civil society organizations (CSOs) in the city, enhance their institutional capacities, and encourage their active participation in local governance processes.

Founded under the Metropolitan Municipality's Department of Social Services, the center aims not only to provide CSOs with a physical space but also to create a public platform that fosters sustainable cooperation between civil society and the municipality, supports shared learning, and promotes collaborative production processes.

A RIGHTS-BASED AND PARTICIPATORY APPROACH

STDM aims to support the institutional development of associations operating in Eskişehir in rights-based, social, and cultural fields, increase their visibility, and strengthen communication between civil society and the municipality. Operating through a membership system, the center will accept applications from associations established under Law No. 5253, registered in DERBİS, and operating within the city boundaries of Eskişehir.

FREE SERVICES AND FACILITIES FOR MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS

Civil society organizations whose membership applications are approved by the "Evaluation Committee" will be able to benefit from various free services. In this scope, the Ergin Orbey Stage/Social Stage (with a capacity of 167) will be available for trainings, panels, and talks; and the 25-person meeting room will be accessible for associations' meetings. Additionally, CSOs will receive institutional support such as postal and secretarial services.

Selim Öztop, Head of the Metropolitan Municipality's Department of Social Services, stated: "STDM will contribute to the capacity development of member organizations through trainings, seminars, and mentoring programs on project development, fundraising, advocacy, volunteer management, and similar topics. The Civil Society Support Center is considered an important step toward strengthening participatory local governance in Eskişehir and giving civil society a stronger voice. In this center, beyond cooperation between the Municipality and CSOs, the aim is also to foster dialogue and joint service production among civil society organizations themselves."

Registrations will remain open until November 20. Associations wishing to apply may do so at: siviltoplum.eskisehir.bel.tr