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Description
We would like to target our project at leaders of informal groups functioning in the Rybnicki district (Śląskie province). This is how we want to encourage such individuals to build their team-management competencies. According to results of a nationwide Klon/Jawor research conducted in April 2020, 48% of rural organisations face the problem of the lack of successors for current leaders. Our observations and exchange of experience with other organisations show that the problem is particularly noticeable in the Rybnicki district. Many local activists also point to such problems as the lack of motivation to act or professional burnout. For selected leaders, we will organise a cycle of leadership workshops and tutoring sessions tailored to their needs. We will make study tours giving participants an opportunity to exchange knowledge and work methods with members of other NGOs from the region. We will also support leaders in planning and implementing in their place of residence selected initiatives engaging other commune inhabitants. This will increase the level of members’ involvement in their ongoing work and in taking up new initiatives. We hope that with our support, their activities can become more effective and satisfactory.
Summary of project results
We targeted our project at male and female civic leaders in the Rybnik district (Silesian Voivodeship). We wanted to encourage all interested individuals to develop their team management competences. According to the nationwide Klon/Jawor survey carried out in April 2020, 48% of rural organisations face the problem of a lack of successors willing and ready to take over the organizations when the current leaders step down. From our observations and exchanges with other organisations, we knew that this problem was particularly noticeable in the Rybnik district. Many local activists also indicated a lack of motivation to act and professional burnout.
To tackle the problem, we organised a series of leadership training and workshops on topics such as fundraising for activities, communication management, and public speaking, leadership awareness, team building, implementing change or dealing with crisis. Participants were also offered tailored tutoring. Through these meetings, leaders were able to discuss their individual goals and challenges and receive practical tips and advice on the way forward.
We also organised 2 study visits, during which participants had the opportunity to exchange knowledge and working methods with members of other NGOs in the region.
We also supported the leaders in planning and implementing 4 initiatives in their local communities (including an EKOpicnic and a Christmas Fair, which involved other community residents.
The project was addressed primarily to leaders from public institutions and civil society organisations – they were the ones who directly benefited from training, workshops and other activities aimed at fostering their personal and professional development. Apart from the main target group, the project benefited also wider group of local citizens, who could participate and enjoy initiatives organized for them by the mentioned leaders.
From the evaluation questionnaires we know that project participants improved their leadership competences as well as their social skills. In addition, the leaders were able to learn new good practices and develop ideas for further activities.
We have also contributed to increased community involvement. By participating in local initiatives organised by the leaders, their local communities have (at least temporarily) become more active and involved in public life.