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Description
Leśna Municipality (Lower Silesia Voivodeship) lacks a space where new initiatives could be developed and engage the local community. There are also very few active organizations, and those that are need support. There is a need for more pro-active initiatives for the young people, who often don’t believe they have any influence over the matters of their municipality. Responding to those needs, we will create a Civic Center serving Leśna Municipality. We will organize a series of trainings for the local NGOs that will increase competences of the leaders in our municipality and show them how to engage more members of the community. We will promote the new Civic Center through sporting events and arts and crafts workshops. We will also conduct “Do It Yourself” classes for the youth using recyclable materials. These classes will be merged with gardening classes for seniors, which will allow for an intergenerational integration. The Center will be a place for dialogue about the development of the municipality and the region. Questions such as “Is the attitude of „Don’t fix it if it isn’t broken” still good for the municipality and its people?” and “What does the climate change and the Green Order mean for Leśna and the region?” will be asked during the conference that will open up our debate on the “green transformation” of our region. The presence of the basalt mines in our area and coal mines in the neighboring Bogatynia, their future and impact on the community, are among the subjects our citizens are divided by. We will invite representatives from neighboring municipalities and districts, both from local governments and local NGOs, as well as experts on local development to participate in the debate. Leśna Municipality is our partner, and it will provide us with the space for the Center. Our second partner is the People’s and Students’ Sports Club “Kwisa” that will help with organizing sporting events, as well as running the Center and recruiting participants.
Summary of project results
In the municipality of Leśna (Lower Silesian Voivodeship), there was a lack of a place acting as a central meeting and integration point for residents, which hindered spontaneous social initiatives and limited interaction between different social groups. In addition, many people in the local community did not feel involved in the decision-making process concerning public life and lacked a platform for active participation and influence on local affairs.
We started the project with the creation of a Civic Centre - an open space for all residents of the Lesna municipality, where meetings, discussions and various cultural and educational activities took place.
We also conducted an Ecoconfrontation survey to find out what local people think about environmental protection and climate change adaptation, which allowed us to better tailor project activities to the needs of the community.
We then organised a variety of events, such as training of people interested in the social economy, sports and cultural events, as well as a Community Day, DIY and garden activities. The final event was a conference to conclude the project.
We also created a volunteer section that was actively involved in helping Ukrainian refugees and other local initiatives.
Another important aspect was to enable residents to participate in the decision-making process through the implementation of the Participatory Budget. It enabled them to decide on the spending of a portion of public funds on local investments and community initiatives.
First and foremost, a Civic Centre was established, which is now an important place on the social map of the Forest Municipality.
The project has also helped to increase community involvement in community life. Through a variety of activities, residents have felt more in control of local affairs and decisions, which has had a positive impact on community functioning.
The implementation of the Ekokonfrontacje study and initiatives promoting environmentally friendly activities has contributed to an increase in environmental and social awareness among residents.
The project has also provided support to local NGOs through training and the opportunity to use the resources of the Civic Centre. This has increased the capacity of these organisations to act and influence the local community.