Description
Through the implementation of the Pro-democracy in local communities project, the Pro Democracy Association aims to systematize and disseminate the know-how developed in previous projects on public consultation tools and techniques for involving local NGOs in promoting good governance and quality of local democracy. The project will directly train 30 representatives of NGOs and improve the capacity in this area, organize 30 public information sessions and develop 30 Action plans. Furthermore, we aim to realize a country-level research in the area of interest, develop a legislative analysis and propose amendments to the legislative framework for improving the legal framework governing access to funding local NGOs in order to expand projects with the intent of improving the public consultation, promotion of good governance and the quality of local democracy project. Thus the process will help develop a favorable environment for the operation of NGOs in Romania, as well as increase the ability to raise funds for a better representation of the entire sector.
Summary of project results
The project was developed starting from the necessity to raise public awareness about the need to take action using the tools and methods of public consultation, as well as from the fact that there are two important tools for civil society that are not well known and used: Sunshine Law and Public Information Law. The project “Pro-democracy in local communities” aimed at raising public awareness about the need to take action by using tools and methods of public consultation. The main objective was to improve the capacity of local NGOs in small and medium communities in order to engage proactively in activities of promoting citizens' involvement in decision-making at the community level. This was achieved through training sessions organised for a total of 29 representatives from NGOs and afterwards through information sessions organised by them for a total of approximately 1,000 citizens. Beneficiaries were involved in activities like: training and information/awareness sessions, local planning, and briefings. A research report was finalised in the framework of the project: “Quality analysis of local NGOs' involvement in the public consultation process, promoting good governance and quality of local democracy”. One of the objectives of the advocacy campaign was completed as the newly installed Minister of Public Consultation and Civic Dialogue developed new regulations for the Public Information Law in 2016. The efforts to better regulation for the Sunshine Law are planned to be continued further by the promoter in the next period.
Summary of bilateral results