Internally CSOs are well organized in different networks and umbrella organizations. According to the MCIC Research “Networks and Coalitions in Macedonia” from 2006 there are approximately 200 networks and coalitions in Macedonia. According to this research most of the networks and unions tend to associate formally and to register legal entity (57%).
Usually they are organised according to the target group, their members’ occupation or the sector of activity: Macedonia without Discrimination (human rights), SEGA (youth), UWOM (women/gender), DEM (environment), UPAM (pensioners) and the trade unions. Also, there are legally specified umbrella bodies, for example sports unions.
There are also examples of broader cross-sector networks like Civic Platform of Macedonia (CPM), established in 2004 in Skopje as open place for thinking, democratic debate of ideas, proposal formulation, free exchange of experience and mutual connection for meaningful action of CSOs that are dedicated to building civil society in Macedonia. The first meeting for establishment of CPM has been organized by MCIC in 2003, when an initiative board comprised from nine representatives of leading CSOs was formed. The CPM is comprised of 33 member organizations working in various sectors and interests: women, environment, human rights, children, people with disabilities, youth, housing, local development, entrepreneurship etc.
CPM has its standing and temporary bodies. The standing bodies are: Council, Committee and Secretariat, as well as other working groups, thematic committees, etc. CPM is financed via membership fees and self-financing of the activities.
The activities are directed to improvement of: communication, coordination and cooperation among CSOs; civic dialogue/participation of CSOs in policy making; legal framework for civil society; and financial sustainability of civil society.
CPM has no intention to be a body that exclusively represents Macedonian civic society. The legitimacy will be the result of its capability to strengthen civic society, to develop roots and provide organization and sustainability.
Since its establishment CPM was invited by international organizations and state institution to participate in various working groups or the elect representative of civil society. This led to development and establishment of mechanisms for election of representatives of civil society, that enables participation of non-members in elections i.e. openness. Representatives elected by CPM are members of the working group for drafting the law for associations and foundations, National Council for European Integration, Civil Society Joint Consultative Committee of EU and Republic of Macedonia; Operational Committees of IPA Components; Local Advisory Committee of TACSO project (EU funded project) etc.
The improvement of civil dialogue remains strategic direction of CPM. Activities for capacity building of CSOs, raising awareness about civil dialogue as well lobby for establishment of mechanism for CSO participation in decision-making are planned for the next two-year period.