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Description
In this project we want to increase the engagement of residents of the Grunwaldzki Square housing estate in the City of Wrocław in shaping the appearance and functionality of their immediate surroundings. We will create a group of local leaders who will initiate and carry out activities in the field of ecology and sustainable development. The residents will take part in workshops and then map the public space of the estate, taking into account its infrastructure and the state of natural environment. On the basis of the collected data, a group of future leaders will develop and consult proposals for projects responding to the diagnosed needs. A selected project will be submitted to the participatory Wrocław Civic Budget and its promotional campaign will be carried out. Residents participating in the project will gain or expand knowledge about the needs and conditions of their surroundings, as well as about the process of reclamation of urban space and creating project proposals for participatory budgeting. The result of the project will be a social change that we want to achieve by engaging the local community in participatory mechanisms concerning their neighbourhood.
Summary of project results
The project "Civic studio - Green Grunwaldzki Square RENEWED" aimed to solve several key social and environmental problems in the Plac Grunwaldzki estate in Wrocław. The main challenges included:
- Low level of involvement of the local community: The project was intended to increase the participation of residents in decision-making processes regarding shaping their immediate surroundings.
- Insufficient education in the field of ecology and sustainable development: There was a need to increase ecological awareness and competences of residents, especially young people.
- Lack of space for integration and rest: The intersection of Ładna, Miła, Grunwaldzka, Benedyktyńska and Górnickiego streets required revitalization to make it more functional, aesthetic and safe.
- Neglected infrastructure: Problems with accessibility, safety and aesthetics of the surroundings were challenges that the project aimed to solve by improving the infrastructure.
The project included five key stages of activities:
- Initiation and Mapping (November 2021-May 2022): Creation of a working group, mapping of resources and needs of the local community.
- Consultations and Diagnosis (June 2022-January 2023): Conducting consultations with residents, creating a project for the Wrocław Participatory Budget (WBO).
- Promotional Campaign (February 2023-July 2023): Development and implementation of a campaign promoting the WBO project, improving the team''s competences in the field of promotion.
- Promotional campaign (August 2023-September 2023): Intensive promotion of the project and mobilization of the community to vote.
- Evaluation (September 2023): Comprehensive assessment of the project''s effects.
These activities included numerous workshops, educational meetings, mining sites, field research and expert consultations. Project products include: a project submitted as part of the WBO and its promotional campaign, educational materials, diagnoses and research reports, and project visualizations.
The project produced many positive results that impacted various groups of beneficiaries:
Residents of the Plac Grunwaldzki estate: Increased involvement in decision-making processes regarding their surroundings, increased ecological awareness and sense of community.
Students: Acquiring knowledge and skills in the field of ecology, sustainable development, social communication and project implementation. The participants highly appreciated the substantive value of the workshops and training.
Ładne Historie i Partners Foundation: Development of a network of contacts and cooperation with local institutions, strengthening its position as an organization actively supporting the local community.
Local Leaders: Strengthening leadership competences, involvement in community activities, gaining experience in implementing civic projects.
Although the project did not obtain funds from WBO, it brought lasting effects in the form of increased community involvement, strengthening the competences of participants and building the basis for further activities in the estate.