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Description
The main problem of the project focuses on the engagement of civic initiatives and local democracy at municipal and regional level, involving local community groups in the regional municipalities (Kaunas, Tauragė, Jurbarkas, Šilalė, Pagėgiai, Zarasai, Ignalina, Biržai, Klaipėda and Kaunas district municipalities and others).
The proposed project is in line with the aims of the APF program to develop civil society and to promote the involvement of socially vulnerable groups, and is within the scope of Impact 1, promoting greater citizen participation in civic activities (Outcome 1). It is also consistent with the thematic priority of focusing on geographically remote regions and the implementation of partnerships and the promotion of bilateral partnerships.
The project is based on the idea that inter-institutional partnerships between local government (municipality), local communities and civic groups and other stakeholders in the municipality allow to balance different interests, enhance local democracy, support civic initiatives and participate in local politics and strategic planning processes, contribute to wellbeing in remote municipalities. The main activities of the project include identification and assessment of the local democracy situation and community participation in municipal areas (activities 1.1 and 1.2), training of community representatives in local democracy and civic leadership, as well as Sustainable development issues (activities 2.1), cooperation with Norwegian partners (activities 3.1) and networking and communication activities (Actions 2.2, 4.1 and 4.2). Main results: study, 300 persons trained, 1 visit with Norwegian partners, networking and communication activities (digital tools testing, local needs seminars and discussions).
Summary of project results
The main problem of the project emphasized the engagement of civic initiatives and local democracy at municipal and regional level, involving local community groups in the regional municipalities (Kaunas, Tauragė, Jurbarkas, Šilalė, Pagėgiai, Zarasai, Ignalina, Biržai, Klaipėda and Kaunas district municipalities and others).
The main activities of the project included the identification and assessment of the local democracy situation and community participation in municipal areas (activities 1.1 and 1.2), training of community representatives in local democracy and civic leadership, as well as sustainable development issues (activities 2.1), cooperation with Norwegian partners (activities 3.1) and networking and communication activities (Actions 2.2, 4.1 and 4.2).
Main results and outcomes of the project:
- One study report prepared (presenting the situation of local democracy and citizens'' civic life, and identifying the needs of individual municipalities to foster civic engagement of local citizens;
- 313 persons trained (during Training and capacity building activities for local community members and leaders on local democracy and civic engagement, strategic planning and sustainable development);
- 1 visit with Norwegian partners (knowledge sharing and good practice gain from various organs of Norwegian government (central, regional, local organs));
- networking of local communities (Public debates and/or focus groups and citizens'' participation in consultations with decision-making public authorities (10 debates/focus groups) in target municipalities);
- Pilot operations of the electronic platforms for local democracy and citizen participation ( 5 electronic platforms tested for raising and discussing civic initiatives, participatory budgeting and citizens'' proposals)
Impact for local communities and project partners gained - Increased involvement of the citizens and increased capacity to identify local needs, Using the acquired competences to develop local communities and local democracy; increased political and civic representation at local level; Promoting civic awareness and the ability to organise and implement initiatives that can improve people''s living conditions.
Impact for non-governmental sector - the NGO sector encouraged to become more active and influential in local policy-making; Enabled cooperation with municipalities and other interested groups to achieve common goals and to effectively implement projects and initiatives.
Impact for municipalities (of partner organizations) - Openness and transparency in local governance was promoted, contributing to greater trust between citizens and public authorities; using/testing electronic platforms as democracy tools for citizen participation.
Summary of bilateral results
The project involved 2 Norwegian partners - the Hardanger Five Municipalities Regional Development Council and the Vestland County Administration. According to the activity plan, they organised a workshop meeting in Norway (28 June - 7 February 2022), contributed to the workshop discussions during the visit to Lithuania, shared experiences in the field, and at the same time, based on the experience of the Norwegian municipalities and the field trip, the activity No. 1.2 (Part II) was completed. The Norwegian partners also participated in the final conference of the project (18-05-19-2023). After the end of the project activities, the long-term partnership with the Norwegian partners will continue.