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Description
The problem addressed by the project is that decision-makers in the regions do not reliably use data and confirmed evidence to analyze the problems that exist on municipal level. Hence regional policy decisions are rarely evidence-based. Also active citizens and their organizations or communities lack skills and tools and access to influence policy decisions through evidence-based arguments. This project will help local communities and individual interested citizens to represent the interests by proactively using openly available data to identify key issues in their respective regions. The project will strengthen the capacity of local organizations to identify problems in municipalities, strengthen government oversight in specific areas, and develop recommendations for appropriate solutions, advocacy plans and communication strategies. The project will also help local organizations and communities to acquire the necessary skills and experience and strengthen the role of local citizens'' organizations in the regions.
Summary of project results
The problem addressed by the project is that both NGOs and decision-makers in the regions do not reliably use data and confirmed evidence to analyse the problems that exist on municipal level. Hence, regional policy decisions are rarely evidence-based. Also active citizens and their organizations or communities lack skills, tools, and access to influence policy decisions through evidence-based arguments
The Vilnius Institute for Policy Analysis'' index (from 2015 to 2019) collects relevant indicators for the 2020 target municipalities. Based on the revised Index, a list of the weakest, most problematic indicators for each target municipality is compiled, to be subsequently revised in consultation with local partners and the active citizens they bring together. The collected data was presented to 7 TG groups through zoom webinars. In parallel, consultations with partners and their local TG representatives on locally relevant issues and data and TG needs were carried out to refine the Index data and its regional interpretations. Developing solutions to problems in target municipalities. Strategies (analytical briefs) for overcoming the problems identified during monitoring and consultations and workshops are developed together with partners and representatives of the target groups - solutions are developed by groups in each municipality.
Advocacy and communication campaigns were carried out in the target municipalities using local NGOs, NGO councils, municipal staff and politicians, local media and social media.
Presentation of the monitoring of municipal problems and the 2021 Municipal Well-being Index at national level. Presentation of the Index 2021 data at national level with partners to stakeholders and the public.
This project helped local communities and individual interested citizens to represent their interests by proactively using openly available data and media to identify key issues in their respective regions. The project strengthened the capacity of local organizations to identify problems in municipalities of Varėna, Kupiškis, Biržai, Zarasai, Kelmė, Kėdainiai and Panevėžys, strengthen government oversight in specific areas, and develop recommendations for appropriate solutions, advocacy plans and communication strategies. The project also helped local organizations and communities to acquire the necessary skills, experience, and strengthen the role of local citizens'' organizations in the regions.