My first encounter with a non-governmental organization happened after a boutique refused to exchange sneakers I had worn for only four hours, claiming they were already damaged. Initially, I decided to file a complaint with the Inspectorate, but then I remembered that there was a Consumer protection association in the city, so I changed my mind.
I had a very negative opinion about citizen associations, knowing how much funding they receive from the city budget (which I contributed to). Moreover, I often didn't see the effects of their work at all. Additionally, I perceived organizations receiving grants from abroad as mercenaries carrying out the agenda of a foreign country. In short, I was foolish.
I was warmly welcomed at the Consumer protection association. After explaining my case, the Association's president promised that the problem would be resolved the next day. And indeed, the next day, he called me and told me to go to the boutique where they would either give me new sneakers or refund my money. I was grateful to him and asked if I needed to pay him anything, but he reassured me that they were already paid for that work (by the government grant). Anyway, the next day I exchanged the sneakers without any problems.
After that first encounter, I had more contacts with civil society organizations. I realized that besides fake associations established solely to extract money from the city budget (and whose responsible individuals are now being held accountable in court), there are organizations doing serious work. For such organizations, the main source of income is not government grants but other private donors from the country and abroad. I discovered that receiving donations from foreign sources does not mean being motivated by foreign interests that are inherently malicious. I really don't see a problem with building a new playground, helping to fight corruption, or promoting more responsible waste management, regardless of who the donor is.
On the other hand, even when some projects don't achieve the expected results, the people who worked on the project were paid for their engagement. Part of the funds was also used to procure goods and services in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Encouraging the local economy can't be bad. I believe it's necessary to congratulate people who have attracted tens and hundreds of thousands of euros to the city and not belittle their work.
I don't harbor illusions that this text will open the eyes of everyone who has a negative opinion about the civil sector, but I hope it will make them pause before lumping all associations together or concluding that the city derives no benefit from them. Ultimately, if someone claims that everyone who donates funds for community development does so solely for their hidden dishonest intentions, then think twice before accepting a gift from that person.
