An integral element of the ECMI NGO Network's overall strategy and action plan is the concept of regional centers for NGOs. The Centres represent a physical manifestation of the spirit of cooperation engendered by the participating NGOs at a local level.
In the initial phase of this project, six such Centres are being established in areas where multi-ethnic cooperation is in particular need of encouragement. These are: Skopje, Tetovo, Gostivar, Kumanovo, Bitola and Shtip. These Regional Centres provide a small office that can be used by all participating NGOs, complete with Internet facilities, computing, etc. There is also a meeting space for regular consultations between NGOs and local citizens in order to establish priority project areas. Similarly, the Centres provide a forum for dialogue with local government. Thus far, all local governments in areas where Centres are being opened have offered such cooperation.The Centres also provide the point of delivery for NGO training, and staff from the ECMI Skopje office frequently visits them to support project development and project delivery.The membership of Centres is at present being built up to around 15. As in the national network, membership is fully representative of all communities in Macedonia. Particular attention is paid to the representation of smaller, often neglected groups. The Regional Centres engage in consultations with their local constituents about project priorities. Hence, it is ensured that the general public too has a sense of ownership in relation to the NGO work that is being performed in their region. A list of priorities for projects will be established in this way. Between 27 February and 24 April 2002 the opening of five "ECMI Regional NGO Centres" in the cities of Kumanovo, Tetovo, Bitola, Gostivar and Shtip was held. In January 2002, the Skopje Regional Centre was already opened with the aim to facilitate the interethnic work of the NGOs through the Network, and assist in project development and implementation. The Centres were launched in a high-profile way, to ensure that this form of openly inter-ethnic cooperation at a community level is fully visible.