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Description
The aim of this project is: to lay a sustainable basis for the future development of the society by creating a common strategic vision, increasing and strengthening human resources, creating a strong public image and experience exchange platform
To achieve this in the project we have planned:
1. to develop a strategic development plan that will serve as a guarantor of the long-term development of the association and community and progress towards the achievement of specific goals.
2. to implement the M @ E approach in achieving the goals and the principles of management of a knowledgeable organization. Thus, starting from the project implementation, the management and organization of the association will be optimized.
3. to carry out an information campaign and a social survey of all the residents of the neighborhood, to identify in more detail the main human resources of the community, to activate and involve newmembers in the activities of the society. Thus, the basis for cooperation and involvement of community residents in the future activities of the society will be strengthened.
4. to promote recognizability and create a strategy for further promotion of recognizability, which will allow to optimize and purposefully manage the formation of the external image of the organization, which is essential for ensuring the recognizability of the society and achieving the mission - to set an example and inspire others.
5. diversification of funding; it is planned to acquire knowledge about attracting donations and implement one donation collection campaign. This will also enhance the financial capacity of the community.
6. Exchange of experience with other communities / smart villages and creation of a platform for further exchange of experience between territorial communities in order to learn from the experience of others. This activity will facilitate the adoption of examples of good practice and help to move more effectively towards the goal of the association.
Summary of project results
The organization had outgrown its current operational framework and was unable to further develop with existing principles and processes. To achieve functional daily management and engage the Mezinieki neighborhood residents more effectively, both new solutions and approaches were necessary.
To transition to the next level of development, moving from a "event-to-event" operation to a strategically planned organization, the following were essential:
- Clear Unified Vision: A strategic development plan based on proactive resident engagement was needed for the organization''s future growth.
- Management System: Establishing a knowledgeable governance system, including clear structure, responsibilities, processes, and daily operations, underpinned by M&E (Monitoring and Evaluation) and SMART principles, was critical.
- Community Unity and Sense of Belonging: New tools to stimulate community unity and belonging among Mezinieki residents had to be developed. This included optimizing member engagement and collaboration through an effective communication platform, as well as identifying and utilizing internal, untapped resources for achieving the organization’s goals.
- Identity and Recognition: Developing both internal and external recognition through branding, a website, a Facebook page, and a regular public information platform was vital.
- Financial Resource Enhancement and Diversification: Increasing and diversifying financial sources, including activating donations, attracting projects, and creating joint economic projects, was necessary for sustainable growth.
- Community Center Creation: Establishing a community center, either through new construction or adapting an existing building, would facilitate daily operations, meetings, working groups, and workshops for neighborhood residents.
Additionally, it was crucial to identify areas where member knowledge needed improvement and to learn from similar organizations to effectively achieve the set goals.
1. Development of Strategic Plan and Implementation of New Organizational Approaches
The ACF capacity project for the Mezinieki community began with the initiation of a strategic development plan. This plan was grounded in a thorough analysis of survey data to pinpoint community needs and preferences. Community meetings followed, during which the plan was discussed and refined through a SWOT analysis, facilitated by an external moderator. Valuable insights were also gained through a partnership with the Norwegian University''s College of Green Development, which provided expert guidance and sessions to enhance future strategies.
2. Optimization of Community Engagement and Exploration of Internal Resources
Efforts were then focused on optimizing community engagement and exploring its internal resources. Clear and concise information about the Mezinieki community, its goals, and upcoming activities was compiled into a booklet format. A methodology for social surveys was developed and implemented, gathering comprehensive feedback from community members. Survey results were analyzed to identify key needs and preferences, leading to the establishment of a platform to connect community offerings with demands. Communication channels such as WhatsApp and a closed Facebook group were expanded to foster collaboration, resulting in a significant increase in association membership.
3. Promotion of Mezinieki Community Visibility
To enhance community visibility, a distinct visual identity for the Mezinieki community was developed and approved. This included the creation of a brand and the launch of a dedicated website (www.mezinieki.lv). Regular updates were provided on both the website and Facebook page, ensuring community members remained informed about project activities and local news.
4. Enhancement of Organisation''s Financial Capacity through Fundraising
Fundraising initiatives were launched to strengthen the organisation’s financial capacity. A seminar led by external expert focused on effective donation collection strategies, providing practical insights and methods for successful fundraising campaigns. A comprehensive strategy was developed, supported by promotional materials and targeted communication efforts. These efforts culminated in successfully raising €1200 through various donation channels, meeting the project''s financial objectives.
5. Exchange of Experiences with Other Smart Communities and Establishment of an Exchange Platform
The project facilitated meaningful exchanges with neighboring smart communities including Skujene, Liepa, Ziemupīte, and Alsunga. These exchanges were instrumental in sharing best practices and experiences in community development. As a result, a closed Facebook collaboration platform titled "KOPIENA KOPIENAI" was established. This platform continues to serve as a vital hub for ongoing communication and collaboration among representatives from 30 communities nationwide, fostering continuous learning and mutual support.
ACF capacity project has successfully achieved all set tasks and sub-goals, significantly enhancing the capabilities of the organization. A solid foundation for sustainable development has been laid, marking a transition from ad-hoc activities to structured, goal-oriented operations aligned with a specific development plan.Reflecting on the project, the strategic development plan created during its implementation now serves as a roadmap for the organization''s long-term growth and goal achievement. The process of plan development fostered community unity and ownership, with valuable input from the Norwegian partner broadening perspectives on internal challenges and development prospects.
Cohesion and participation within the Mezinieki civic society have been fostered, allowing every resident to voice their opinions. Awareness of the organization''s mission and common goals has been promoted, thereby strengthening the community as a whole. By individually reaching out to all 150 households in the community, broader participation and trust among residents were ensured, ultimately achieving over 90% confidence in the organization''s representation of community interests. Furthermore, the insights gathered from residents have enabled the organization to better organize community activities, develop action plans based on active citizenry, and promote collaboration on various community issues. This collective effort has mapped out a clear path for the organization''s future development across different areas such as visibility, membership growth, heritage preservation, and local tourism initiatives.
Moreover, the organization has not only acted but also effectively communicated its initiatives to a wider audience. Establishing a new brand, website, and targeted positioning strategy has solidified its presence among rural communities in Latvia. Regular updates in local media and partner platforms ensure continuous outreach, while sharing project successes with other active residents has sparked a broader understanding of community roles and responsibilities.
At the project''s conclusion, experiences were shared online, and the "KOPIENA KOPIENAI" platform was established for ongoing collaboration among local community activists. This contribution extends beyond Mezinieki, benefiting the entire community movement in Latvia by fostering mutual support, knowledge exchange, and inspiration. The organization''s example has inspired residents from other localities to elevate their civic engagement, contributing to broader community movements across Latvia.
In summary, the ACF capacity project marks a significant milestone in the organization''s journey, transitioning from sporadic activities to a purposeful, community-driven strategy. It has created an environment conducive to collaborative citizen initiatives and partnerships, enhancing not only Mezinieki but also inspiring broader community engagement and empowerment across Latvia.
Summary of bilateral results
Two Zoom meetings with partner from Norway have been conducted. In the first meeting, discussions were held regarding the community''s development goals and activities, with commendation received from the partner for our achievements and valuable suggestions provided for enhancing our strategies. The partner''s extensive experience in community processes in Scandinavia and the UK was highlighted. In the second meeting, the results of a resident social survey were shared, which were highly valued by the partner. Additionally, an insightful lecture on community interaction and the social and economic benefits of community involvement was delivered by the partner, offering new perspectives on community development strategies.