What is monitoring?

Monitoring is a planned, systematic investigation of a selected fragment of social reality, conducted according to an adopted scheme. At the same time, monitoring constitutes an element of non-violent action intended to bring about a change in this reality (the definition originates from the publication “Human Rights Monitoring” by Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights).

What are watchdog activities?

The term “watchdog activities” is used to define the initiatives by civic organisations (watchdog organisations) and by media that consist in observing the activities of institutions and public officials leading to the increase in transparency and rule of law in the public life.

What is the Powerful Watchdogs programme (Program “Mocna Straż”)?

The Mocna Straż programme, realised by the Association of Leaders of Local Civic Groups consists in supporting Polish watchdog organisations. We collect knowledge, provide support and education. Our offer is addressed to organisations and persons who carry out watchdog activities or wish to start such activities. More on the Powerful Watchdogs programme can be found in the section Offer.

What is a report?

A report is a summary of the monitoring carried out. It does not need to take the form of a paper publication, although it mostly does. It may exist as an online version or as a constantly updated website on the monitoring currently carried out. Then, the report can be made attractive with multimedia materials such as audio/video, as well as charts, illustrations, source materials etc. The purpose of creating the report is an appropriate presentation of the results of monitoring activities; therefore the report is prepared in a “tailored” version, since it should always be borne in mind who we want to convince to our ideas. Regardless of the recipient’s type, the report should be prepared in a reliable and unbiased way.

What is advocacy?

Advocacy is an activity aimed to propagate the monitoring results and to call public’s attention to appearing problems. The most important objective is, however, to pursue changes. Advocacy is evidence that the work done by watchdogs brings measurable benefits to the whole society or its selected groups. It consists in applying a strategic series of activities influencing political or economic decision makers and convincing them of arguments of those who are less powerful. Good advocacy is made by the solutions suggested by them or to the favour of them to serve public interest. More on advocacy can be found here.

What is a systemic change?

A systemic change is the aim of watchdog activities. All the activities, such as e.g. analysis of law, monitoring or advocacy are subordinate to this objective. The term „systemic change” simply means counteracting causes and not effects that noticed first. Systemness also means introducing such a change which will serve all and not only selected - the most powerful social groups or persons. For example, not only running a campaign, with authorities sending information on consultation carried out to one organisation, but providing a transparent information system on public consultation, better adjusted to the needs of different residents’ groups.

Who is a watchdog?

A watchdog is a person interested in their environment, dealing with civic social control of authorities and public institutions and takes activities in favour of a change to the public interest.

Who can carry out watchdog activities?

Any person who has time and is willing to observe activities by public officials and institutions.