Leveraging Open Source Investigative Tools for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

DCN Global's Balkan Hub Launch

In an era where traditional media struggles with financial constraints, civil society organizations play a pivotal role in uncovering critical issues, advocating for change, and holding power to account. Harnessing open-source investigative tools empowers civil society organizations to conduct in-depth research, identify shortcomings, and project their findings for advocacy purposes. This training program aims to equip them with the skills needed to effectively utilize these tools.

Civil Society Organizations complement the media, ensuring that vital issues are thoroughly investigated and brought to public attention. Shrinking resources in traditional media make room for CSOs to sustain and support much-needed investigative work. While media reports on important stories, CSOs have the traction to ensure findings translate into societal impact.

Organizations like the Center for Public Integrity (CPI) utilize investigative tools to become one of the most effective watchdogs in the U.S., uncovering corruption and advocating for policy change. Transparency International employs open-source tools to investigate and combat corruption worldwide, promoting accountability and good governance. Similar processes apply to organizations covering environmental issues, combating poverty and inequality, or seeking peace in different parts of the world.

Focus Point

The training, hosted by the opening of the DCN Balkan Hub, will focus on developing basic skills such as:

Understanding Open Source: Familiarize with the concept of open source and its vast array of freely available resources.
Accessing Resources: Learn how to navigate open-source databases, archives, and tools relevant to investigative work.
Data Analysis: Develop skills in data collection, cleaning, and analysis to extract meaningful insights from diverse sources.
Digital Forensics: Gain proficiency in digital investigation techniques to uncover hidden information and trace digital footprints.
Verification: Master techniques for verifying the authenticity and reliability of information gathered from open sources.
Ethical Considerations: Understand the ethical implications of investigative work, including privacy concerns and responsible reporting practices.
Data Visualization: Create compelling presentations meant to generate impact.

The forum is organized by World Learning and Digital Communication Network Global with funding from the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

SCHEDULE

JUNE 24

Day 1

9:00 - 9:30

Welcome Remarks

9.30 - 10.30

Empower Your Cause with Open Source Tools

Introduction to Open Source tools, Understanding the role of open-source investigation in NGO work, Importance of transparency and accountability, Leveraging open-source investigation to support human rights advocacy

Andronikos Koutroumpelis: Senior Editor | FactReview, Greece
Stamos Archontis: Editor-in-chief | FactReview, Greece
Spyridoula Markou, Researcher, Greece

10.30-11.00

Coffee Break

11.00 -12.30

OSINT tools & Investigative Game

Linas Skirius, Co-Founder, CRI, Lithuania

12.30 - 13.30

Lunch Break

13.30-14.30

Panel Social Media for NGO Advocacy

Leveraging social media to raise awareness and advocacy, Tools and strategies for monitoring social issues, Collaboration -Partnering with Media for Impactful Campaigns: Strategies for collaborating with journalists and media outlets, Maximizing the impact of NGO campaigns through media partnerships, Practical Applications and Case Studies in NGO Work

Moderator: Diana Filimon, DCN Global team member, Romania

Marja Kodre, Digital Content Creator, Social Media Manager, Institut 8. marec, Slovenia
Amra Avdic, Radio Host, Podcaster, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Nina Skočak, Content Creator, Communications Officer European Commission's Scientific Advice Mechanism (within SAPEA), Croatia
Nikolina Pavićević, Journalist, Content Creator, Montenegro
Alexandra Clapa, Editor-in-chief, Gen, știri, Romania
Denisa Cotor, Communications Manager, Forum Apulum, Romania

14.30 -15.00

Coffee Break

15.00-16.00

Workshop: Empowering Advocacy Through Citizen-Driven Media Reporting

Real-world examples of open-source investigation in human rights work, Success stories and challenges faced by NGOs

Marija Vasilevska, Project Manager, Balkan Investigative Regional Reporting Network (BIRN Hub), North Macedonia

June 25

Day 2

09.30 - 10.30

Applying Open Source Tools

Sam McKnight, Director, Khthon, U.K.

10.30-11.00