#NGOsDo: Organizations invited to share their contribution to Latvian society

Recent developments related to the work and role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or civil society organizations, have highlighted important questions about the interaction between the state and civil society. At the same time, they have revealed that a part of society still lacks a clear understanding of what NGOs do on a daily basis and what contribution they make for the benefit of society. Despite various public statements and comments on social media, NGOs will continue to be active, visible, and responsible. They will continue to explain their work, represent the interests of society, and participate in decision-making processes that are important for the country, strengthening democracy and public participation.

However, public opinion data shows a different picture – the majority of Latvia’s residents evaluate the work of civil society organizations positively. A survey conducted by the research centre SKDS (2026) commissioned by the Civic Alliance - Latvia shows that 62% of Latvia’s residents believe that the activities of associations and foundations make a significant contribution to society, while 59% believe that the state should provide financial support for the work of public benefit organizations. This confirms that society as a whole views the civil sector as an important partner in the development of the country and society.

The Civic Alliance - Latvia (CAL) invites every organization to share its contribution to society and highlight its achievements on social media platforms. The hashtag #NGOsDo brings together stories about NGO work across Latvia – from the capital city to the most remote communities, including border regions. These are opinions, positions, and stories about work that strengthens society every day, contributes to national security, provides support to people in crisis situations, delivers social services, protects human rights and interests, and builds more cohesive and resilient communities. This is work that strengthens democracy every day.

At the same time, survey results show that efforts to inform society remain essential – approximately one quarter of residents do not have a clear opinion about the role of civil society organizations, while some respondents identify political parties as examples of civil society organizations. This highlights the need to continue explaining the nature, role, and contribution of civil society organizations to Latvia’s development.

“The data shows that a large part of society sees, values, and trusts the work of civil society organizations, and understands their importance. However, recent events indicate that this understanding does not always reach some politicians. The SKDS survey results confirm that public support for civil society is stable, which makes it especially important that discussions about NGOs in the public space are based on facts. Therefore, we invite everyone – both society and decision-makers – to follow the hashtag #NGOsDo, while we have already been encouraging organizations since 16 July to share these stories,” says Kristīne Zonberga, Director of the Civic Alliance - Latvia.

At the same time, the Civic Alliance - Latvia invites every organization and activist to join and sign the open letter to the President of Latvia by 19 July, expressing support for the values of a democratic state, the rule of law, and the importance of civil society. The President is called upon to publicly affirm his support for the fundamental principles of Latvia as a democratic state governed by the rule of law, legal certainty, academic freedom, civic participation, and the principles of good governance, as well as, within his constitutional powers, to promote respect for these values in the work of state institutions, strengthening public trust in democracy and state governance.

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