The awards “Of NGOs and People” for an essay „Why is my organisation important for the people?” were announced on 22 November at Vivacom Art Hall. The competition was organised by Tulip Foundation and the Information Portal of NGOs in Bulgaria with the aim to encourage the colleagues from civil organisations in Bulgaria to use human language in communication with people (especially those with and for whom they work), the donors, the volunteers, other organisations, media, society...
This year 46 essays were presented in the competition. A Jury with members Luba Yordanova, journalist at Capital weekly, Marian Bodakov, a writer and a university teacher, and Georgi Angelov, journalist and Presenter at the Bulgarian National Television selected the best essays according to the preannounced criteria - human language of writing, clear and easy to understand presentation of the organisation and its importance for the people, interesting and moving narrative.
Marin Bodakov addressed the audience with introduction „Together with my colleagues and friends from the jury we were searching for texts that we can trust. These might be written in a simple manner, they may look a bit informal, they might be flirting with the audience, but they need to make you believe that the people that have written them know their job well and have reached the essence of things.” He also quoted the poet Ivan Tsanev “Speak less, speak less and if possible only the truth“.
The awarded texts are „Why Karin Dom?“ by Tsvetalina Iosifova from Karin Dom Foundation in Varna and „Glavochite, glavochite – let them live long!“ by Ivan Radev, chief expect in public communications at WWF Bulgaria. The awards include a certificate and 500 BGN incentive grant.
Luba Yordanova presented the story of WWF Bulgaria. She told about her daily contacts with “civil organisations that do very good work, but unfortunately they not always succeed to present their real achievements. Because of that initiatives like the competition “Of NGOs and People” that bring the attention on how we speak are extremely important.”
The essay „Why Karin Dom" was presented by Georgi Angelov. He shared that „The ultimate aim of your texts is to catch the attention of a maximum of people who may support you. That’s why I would advise you to look also for external help from communication experts, journalists, editors. I have some 40 and more translated books behind my back and I know how important the work of the editor is. I would never dare to publish a text of mine before it has been professionally edited and corrected. So, please, do not underestimate this issue if you want your messages to intrigue many people. Also always read your text in voice and you will find out how many things you will skip and others that you will add".
The ceremony was kindly hosted by VIVACOM Art Hall.
