Description
The project is about civic participation defined as the capacity of local community members to influence local policy through engagement in social dialogue. We plan to apply the participatory approach to develop the ‘Open Podlasie’ programme as a detailed input to the 2020 Podlasie Voivodeship Development Strategy. Openness is part of the vision (green, open, accessible and enterprising). We plan to define one of the Strategy areas: Open Podlasie. Openness is a response to peripheral geographic location. It is related to multiculturalism, collaboration and crossborder relations. This process will help people develop a better understanding of the Strategy. The project will include consultations, animation (human libraries), training, contest and online tools. We want to improve civic participation of community members and leaders and demonstrate that they can have a real influence on the creation and the implementation of regional development vision.
Summary of project results
"The Development Strategy for Podlaskie Voivodeship accepted in 2013 describes the region as accessible, open, green and entrepreneurial. But the area of openness was dealt with in the document very generally which indicated lack of knowledge and data in this field, and it has the lowest number of remarks presented during consultations. The main objective of the project was to develop detailed strategy for voivodeship in the area of openness, and in the long run to strengthen economic and social ties. A program ""Open Podlaskie"" was developed and accepted (10 meetings of intersectoral Steering Group; 7 subregional working meetings - 107 persons; 5 consultation meetings - 99 persons). Openness and participation were promoted (1 competition and gala, 3 films, 8 trainings); we also tried to change the image of and the level of knowledge on Podlaskie voivodeship (outdoor games, consultations) An Internet page podlaskieotwarte.pl was created and 14 outdoor games were organised. Under the competition ""Open Podlaskie"", 23 applications were submitted, almost 2000 voices were cast, and during the gala 10 persons and initiatives were awarded prizes. 132 persons participated in the eight trainings concerning participation, social activity and cooperation. 9000 copies of a paper ""We change Podlaskie"" were published, containing information and practices related to openness. Beneficiaries of the project were inhabitants, leaders, representatives of local government and organisations. They highlighted the importance of discussing on openness (so far the authorities focused on infrastructure and entrepreneurship). The project created an opportunity to notice and appreciate the existing activities, exchange knowledge, and plan specific activities. The leader's role in the projects consisted in local animation and educational activities; the partner - voivodeship local government was responsible for consistence of the program with the voivodeship Strategy and for the Internet page. Regional Development Department consulted on the ongoing basis with strategic experts the provisions of the Programme Open Podlaskie and forwarded information to the project team and the steering group."
Summary of bilateral results