Coat of Arms of the Historical Land of Selia

Description

The aim of the project is to ensure high-quality, inclusive development of this symbol and preparation of an application for the State Heraldry Commission, ensuring a full democratic process and professionally strong civil society, compensating for the voluntary and incorrect actions of local governments.
Activities:
Development of a semiotic substantiation for the coat of arms of the historical land of Selija;
Seven focus groups of the society in the territory of Sēlija;
Lolita Ozolina''s video lecture on the meaning of symbols and development and demonstration of territorial identity development for the project working group and 7 focus groups;
Preparation of applications to the State Heraldry Commission, local governments, the Council of Historical Lands, the Union of Local Governments;
Results:
Extensive and high-quality public participation in the development of the most important symbol of the historical land of Selija is ensured;
A full-fledged process in accordance with the standards of good governance and the culture of democracy is ensured, which compensates for the hasty and voluntary actions of local governments;
The activity and participation of civil society in shaping the identity of its historical land has increased;
The level of knowledge and awareness of civil society representatives on issues related to place symbols and identity has increased.
As a result of the project:
Extensive and high-quality public participation in the development of the most important symbol of the historical land of Selija is ensured;
A full-fledged process in accordance with the standards of good governance and the culture of democracy is ensured, which compensates for the hasty and voluntary actions of local governments;
The activity and participation of civil society in shaping the identity of its historical land has increased;
The level of knowledge awareness of civil society representatives on issues related to place symbols and identity has increased.

Summary of project results

The project sought to address several key issues related to the development of a coat of arms for the historical land of Sēlija, highlighting the following challenges:

1. Compensation for Local Government Missteps:

   • Correcting and compensating for the voluntary and hasty actions previously undertaken by local governments, which did not align with the standards of good governance or democratic culture.

2. Lack of Public Participation:

   • Ensuring high-quality and inclusive public involvement in the creation of an important territorial symbol, which had been inadequately addressed.

3. Strengthening Civil Society:

   • Enhancing the capacity of civil society to participate in identity-building processes and promoting active engagement in shaping the historical land’s representation.

4. Low Awareness of Symbolism and Identity:

   • Addressing a knowledge gap within civil society regarding the importance of place symbols, their semiotic meanings, and their role in fostering territorial identity.

5. Professional and Democratic Process:

   • Establishing a well-structured, democratic, and professionally sound process for creating the coat of arms, ensuring adherence to good governance practices.

1. Ensuring Public Participation:

   • Organized extensive public consultations with 102 participants from Sēlija, who actively contributed proposals and participated in discussions about the identity of the historical land.
   • Developed documents incorporating public suggestions, which were submitted to the State Heraldry Commission.

2. Strengthening Identity:

   • Connected Sēlijas residents with national institutions, enabling active participation in selecting symbols such as the historical coat of arms.

3. Public Awareness Campaign:

   • The project’s activities were widely publicized in the media, ensuring transparency and informing the public about advocacy efforts in the State Heraldry Commission and local events (e.g., the 10th Sēlijas Congress).

4. Facilitating Institutional Cooperation:

   • The association “Sēlijas Islands Community Cooperation Network” participated in a workshop at the President’s Chancellery, defending public opinions alongside municipalities and the Heraldry Commission.
   • Established informal collaboration with the Latvian Parliament, supporting future advocacy efforts for Sēlija.

Results:

1. Increased Public Involvement:

   • A significant rise in civic engagement and participation in decision-making processes.
   • More residents gained confidence in their ability to influence decisions.

2. Document Development and Influence:

   • Submitted legally robust documents reflecting public input to the State Heraldry Commission.
   • Contributed directly to drafting the forthcoming Historical Lands Coat of Arms Law.

3. Enhanced Organizational Prestige:

   • Project activities were recognized as a positive example of fostering democracy and collaboration, elevating the profile of Sēlijas communities.

Target Groups and Beneficiaries:

1. Residents of Sēlijas:

   • Actively involved in shaping identity and symbol design, fostering a sense of belonging and pride.
   • Empowered to voice opinions and influence decision-making processes.

2. Civil Society and NGOs:

   • Strengthened civil society, particularly the role of the “Sēlijas Islands” association in developing local identity and cultural heritage.

3. State and Municipal Institutions:

   • Gained evidence of active public participation, facilitating more democratic and transparent policy planning.