To grow by learning and doing

Description

The goal of the project:
To improve the competencies of volunteers of different ages in Latvia about participation as a form of democracy by organizing trainings and developing a set of tools for promoting activities of democracy.
The following activities will be implemented:
1. Training “Butterfly Effect - Young People for an Inclusive Society” and follow-up activities;
2. Support person program and volunteering activities;
3. Representation of the interests of people at risk of discrimination and social exclusion;
4. Training of LSK committees and Youth departments;
5. Video on participation opportunities;
6. LatRC Youth Humanism Conference;
7. LatRC "Summer Academy" in the summer of 2023 and follow-up activities.
The involvement of the inhabitants in civic and social participation activities for more than 100 years  has been one of the seven basic principles of the RedCross - "Voluntary service". Although the world''s population is growing rapidly, the number of volunteers is declining worldwide as well. People`s habits are changing and their well-being is becoming more and more a priority for themselves. People are less likely to volunteer and donate their time to the unpaid movement, mostly engaging in short-term volunteering, helping to do specific work for a short period of time. Citizens lack an emotional need to belong to a particular organization or community, and general public distrust of organizations increases. In order to attract citizens today, especially those who have not volunteered before, it is necessary to find a special way to address and motivate citizens to be co-responsible by participating in society. The "To grow, by learning and doing" project will contribute to the involvement of people of all ages in volunteering, skills development and promotion of volunteering in the regions, the involvement of people in the provision of various services, decision-making, thus promoting the development of democratic and civil society.

Summary of project results

In Latvia, socially disadvantaged residents often did not engage in decision-making processes and civic activities due to a lack of self-confidence and a need for additional support. Data from municipal social services indicated a critical needed for assistants or mentors to provide support and represent the interests of these residents. It was supposed that involvement of these support persons would help reduce social exclusion and risks of discrimination, as well as promote more active participation in public processes.

In summary, the project was intended to contribute to addressing the following challenges in society:
- discrimination on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity;
- social justice and inclusion of vulnerable groups;
- low civic participation, lack of confidence in one''s own ability to influence democratic processes and high intolerance towards others;
- promotion of social justice and inclusion of vulnerable groups.

• Training "The Butterfly Effect - Youth FOR an Inclusive Society":
  Training sessions were organized to educate 20 young people on social inclusion and preventing discrimination and violence. These sessions enhanced their understanding of civic engagement in a democratic society. The program motivated them to become active participants in promoting social inclusion.

• Support Person Program and Volunteering Activities:
  Support persons were trained to assist individuals at risk of social exclusion, offering practical help and advocacy. They supported people with mobility impairments or families raising children with disabilities in navigating social and administrative challenges. These efforts aimed to ensure the rights and interests of vulnerable groups were represented.

• Advocacy for At-Risk Individuals:
  Regular participation in local government and state working groups ensured the needs of vulnerable populations were addressed. Activities included advocacy, submission preparation, and consultations with legal experts. This strengthened the voices of those facing discrimination or social exclusion.

• Training for Latvian Red Cross Committees and Youth Sections:
  Training in five regions strengthened participants’ understanding of volunteering as a democratic participation tool. Sessions developed practical skills for civic engagement. This encouraged broader participation in community activities.

• Videos on Participation Opportunities:
  Ten videos showcased inspiring stories of support programs, volunteers of different ages, and examples of inclusive volunteering. These materials highlighted how people from diverse backgrounds can contribute meaningfully. They served as motivation for wider civic participation.

• Latvian Red Cross Youth Humanitarian Conference:
  The conference focused on humanitarianism as the core principle of the Red Cross. Participants explored ways to uphold this value in civic activities. It fostered a sense of responsibility and action among attendees.

• Latvian Red Cross Youth Summer Academy and Follow-Up Activities:
  The academy focused on participation, advocacy, and decision-making. Young participants developed and implemented regional projects to address community challenges. These activities empowered them to actively shape civil society.

1. During the project, over 200 individuals became civically active, participated in public processes, and implemented their own or group initiatives.
2. A total of 161 individuals engaged in decision-making processes during the project.
3. Two policy initiatives were supported, and cooperation agreements were signed to launch new services for groups at risk of social discrimination.
4. The trained support persons will be a vital resource for vulnerable groups, equipped with skills and knowledge to provide assistance and advocate for improved quality of life.
5. The video materials developed within the project will serve as a valuable resource for promoting the work of the Latvian Red Cross for years to come.