Description
The project eCitizen, aims to develop a model that encourages citizen participation and local volunteers providing answers to new social state needs resulting from the economic uncertainty. Based on the identified needs at the local level in Barakaldo (Bizkaia, Spain) and taking as a reference several successfully developed practices in other towns (Oslo, Norway), this new model will define a set of tools and innovative methodologies from two strategic principles: intervention within persons and intervention within the environment. Through this project we will be able to stimulate and promote citizenship, train them and provide them real contexts of social volunteering. In detail, the following actions will be undertaken: - Promoting citizen participation in identifying local needs and in the formulation of intervention proposals - Promoting the participation of key local actors - Providing appropriate training to key local actors (professionals and volunteers) based on our model of empowerment - Launch a successful volunteer experience in Barakaldo based on our model of empowerment - Developing a methodology for citizens’ empowerment
Summary of project results
This Project has allows to know the social need the Barakaldo population has, through a diagnosis with over 690 questionnaires to citizens on the one hand, and on the other interviews with local stakeholders (civil servants). Out of that diagnosis it was identified that the citizens were interested in giving solutions to those problems through volunteerism. 32 persons were trained so 2 pilot experiences were launched in the fields of childhood and youth consisting in a labour insertion itinerary. 105 youngsters were benefited by this programme and the educational tutoring has benefited 11 under age children. The work developed during the project was published in a manual where the methodological phases of the process are described so it can be useful to promote similar experiences in other towns.
Summary of bilateral results
The project eCitizen promoted by Siderurgia Integral Workers Foundation with Ideenbanken from Norway as one of the partners, has produced a Methodological Guide aiming at diagnosing and generating tools to empower the local population through volunteering.