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Description
The project responds to the problem of low public engagement among residents of Szafranki – a rural area in the Ostróda Municipality, in the Warmian-Masurian Province. In this project we want to change this. Our goal is to increase the residents’ public participation and to involve the community in the process of separating a new village in the municipality. As part of the project, we are implementing the procedure, elaborated by the residents, for the creation of the Szafranki Village. We are developing the necessary documentation and conducting public consultations. Finally, we will submit a draft resolution to the Municipal Council. This process is coordinated by the 10-people initiative group that has been set up for this purpose. As part of the project, we are conducting training for members of the group, and supporting them in developing their civic competence. The result of the project will be a resolution to separate a new auxiliary unit of the municipality: the Szafranki Village. All residents of Szafranki (currently 480 people) will benefit from this project. The project will also increase the involvement of Szafranki residents in solving problems of their neighbourhood.
Summary of project results
The project was intended to respond to the problem of low participation in public life among the inhabitants of the village of Szafranki. It was supposed to motivate them to act. Give them a sense of agency and increase their participation in decisions that concern them.
As part of the project, documents were prepared regarding the establishment of a new village of Szafranki. The civic competences of Szafranki residents have been increased. An information and promotion campaign was carried out. A neighborhood picnic was organized. At the end, a summary conference was organized.
There is no doubt that the project brought concrete results. The initiated procedure of establishing a village association was a complete success. The Ostróda Commune Council agreed to the initiative and adopted a resolution on the establishment of 42 village councils in the Ostróda Commune - the Szafranki village from January 1, 2024. Elections for the village head and village council were held. From January 1, 2025, we will have a village fund. In order to continue the activities, the project participants founded the "Nasze Szafranki!" association. Together with two other associations, we submitted an application to the NIW in the competition under the NOWEFIO Program and obtained funding for the project titled: "The POWER of collaborative participation!"