2021 was not as worrying as 2020. But it was critical because neither Covid-19 nor the measures disappeared, there was a severe political crisis. On this background, civil society organizations were more mobilized and ready for action.

The institutional crisis

The political crisis overflew into a severe institutional numbness. In fact, the majority of institutions stopped the dialogue with civil society organizations, and not just because there was no permanent government and parliament, but because sentiment, demands and expectations were polarized. The few places of dialogue and partnership have once again proved that this is the only effective way to reach consensual and unifying solutions and where they have been lacking or failing – we have all lost: institutions have failed in open government, civil society organizations have failed to help develop societal processes, and society has failed to profit from positive change.

Energy restart

We took most of the energy of the young people who advocated for civic activities. In 2021 we were able to involve over 150 young people directly in civic topics and actions. These hundreds of good youthful eyes of optimism and faith have recharged us and reaffirmed our belief that action creates change.

20: it's our right to be together

That was the slogan for our 20th anniversary. Because we believe that the right of association is fundamental to our development as a free, prosperous, and democratic society. Starting our 21^st year, we reaffirmed our lessons:

• in Bulgaria there are many people who care and want to create change by teaming up with others, are civilly active and ready to work tirelessly for the common good.
• we like our work because we are proud of the achievements of our colleagues in the civil sector, it is nice to be on the good side, and this year we managed to reach more than 1 000 000 people with the stories of NGOs and their heroes.
• the most valuable thing we have are the people who have been and who are part of the team of Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law- real civil hitchhikers.

Оur gratitude goes to:

• the civil sector colleagues with whom we are fighting together.
• to all the young people who trusted us to jump into our society and
• to all people who believed in us this year, became our partners, mentors, friends, supporters.

Next year we have plans to meet even more people and attract even more awake minds for civic causes!