about us
What is Sivil Düşün?
There are those who imagine a world shaped around rights and turn those dreams into action. You can also call them as Civil Thinkers (Sivil Düşünenler). The European Union Sivil Düşün Programme supports the steps for change taken by Civil Thinkers across Türkiye to protect and strengthen rights.
How does Sivil Düşün provide support?
The world may not change in six months yet a step that can change the world can be taken. Sivil Düşün support is designed precisely for such steps.
Sivil Düşün provides in-kind and expert support to civic actions aligned with European Union values to be completed within a maximum of six months. If a civic actor receives Sivil Düşün support, it means their expenses are covered or they are matched with experts according to their needs.
Who does Sivil Düşün support?
Sivil Düşün is open to anyone who wants to take a step for rights. This includes not only civil society organisations but also activists, platforms, initiatives, networks, and communities.
Sivil Düşün values the specific needs of each Civil Thinker. The application process is simple and accessible. Requests for support (RfS) can be submitted in Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic, or English. Whether implemented online or in person, all activities are carried out in line with principles of inclusivity.
Sivil Düşün supports rights-based actions. But what exactly is a rights-based approach?
A rights-based approach means placing human rights at the very centre of policies and practices. It is guided by universally recognised human rights principles, standards, and norms. Embracing this approach also creates opportunities for more people to recognise and claim their rights.
Five elements of the rights-based approach
Participation
Everyone is entitled to participate in making decisions that affect the enjoyment of their rights.
Accountability
Everyone has access to mechanisms to hold duty-bearers accountable and seek redress for rights violated.
Equal Treatment and Non-Discrimination
Everyone is entitled to enjoy rights without discrimination of any kind.Discrimination is prevented, prohibited and eliminated.
Empowerment
The capacity of individuals to understand and enjoy their rights are supported.
Legality
Everyone has access to mechanisms to hold duty-bearers accountable and seek redress for rights violated.
How does Sivil Düşün support work?
Applications are assessed on a first come, first served basis. No priority is given to any particular rights area, geography, or level of experience. Applications are not compared against one another. The support mechanism remains open throughout the budget cycle, although short pauses may occur during periods of high application volume.
Flexibility lies at the heart of the Sivil Düşün programme. The direction of support is shaped by the needs and demands of Civil Thinkers. Sivil Düşün may also launch calls for special lots tailored to crises, emergencies, or critical turning points.
Does Sivil Düşün only provide support?
Taking a step to change the world for rights means insisting on doing what is possible. That is why Sivil Düşün support connects people with inspiration. Through campaigns, forums, roundtables, incubation programmes, and learning platforms, Civil Thinkers encounter one another. Their needs meet with new ideas and creative methods, through which fresh collaborations emerge. Dreams turn into determined steps. Stories of change and good practices find their place within the world of Sivil Düşün.
How does Sivil Düşün work?
The European Union determines the direction, phases, and budget of Sivil Düşün. For each phase, the European Union Delegation to Türkiye conducts a tender process. At the end of this process, a service provider and expert team responsible for legal and financial obligations are selected.
Sivil Düşün in one paragraph
The European Union Sivil Düşün Programme supports the steps for change taken by any civic actor in Türkiye to protect and strengthen rights. It provides in-kind and expert support to initiatives aligned with European Union values and completed within a maximum of six months. If an action receives Sivil Düşün support, its expenses are covered or it is matched with experts according to its needs. Sivil Düşün is open to anyone who wants to take a step for rights, including civil society organisations as well as activists, platforms, initiatives, networks, and communities.