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Description
The aim of the project is to test various democracy building tools in Liepaja that would help to involve Liepaja citizens in creating qualitative and democratic living conditions.
Citizens of Liepaja who are the main target group of the project are often not involved in improving city life, it is evidenced by visits to public consultation, the results of municipal elections, etc.
The project includes tools that are available and understandable for various types and generations of people, such as conversation evenings, discussions with experts in the field, events with aim to explore social problems of Liepaja city and look for possible solutions, creation of community garden, public meeting times, bike rides with aim to find "painful" spots of the city, democracy education workshops, human libraries, swap-shop, online platform for discussing topics relevant to the development of Liepaja as well as creating an advocacy of the interests of citizens in Liepaja municipality and other.
Besides the activities a regular, interactive communication with the society through different media - online blog, public radio, press releases, social media, and online platform created during the project will be implemented.
The most important expected results are greater involvement of Liepaja residents in the city''s processes, planning, public consultations and greater interest in topics that affect the life of Liepaja and the well-being of the residents themselves. During the project, it is planned to promote the confidence of the citizens of Liepaja in their own strengths, the importance of their voice and ideas, promote the faith that every person is important and that the changes in the life of Liepaja are in the hands of the people.
Summary of project results
Latvian society does not have a long tradition of democracy, which is probably why only a small proportion of the population participates in public activities. This is also due to the widespread belief in society that it is impossible to influence decision-making processes anyway. Also, people in Latvia still lack information about opportunities to get involved and participate in decision-making processes at national and local level. There is not only a lack of information, but also a lack of understanding and confidence in their ability to influence these processes.
*Community urban garden as a subject for civic engagement established;
*Themed conversation evenings and themed "living libraries" events` series;
*Public discussion series with experts;
*Cycling tours series highlighting problem areas in the city;
*Live problem registration receptions and online platform for registering problems in Liepaja;
*Art workshop for promoting public participation;
*Promotion of civic participation in the project promoter` organization - promoting volunteering;
*Establishment of representation in public meetings and commissions of the Liepaja City Council.
Nine different types of activities were regularly and intensively tested to understand what appeals to, engages and attracts people in the long term.
The Community Garden has become a place where people from all groups get involved, serving as a platform for civic participation.
As a result not only has the number of visitors and active participants in Project Promoter`s activities increased, but also the participation in events of people who were previously unknown to the Project Promoter.
As a result of the project, several people are using the Project Promoter as a platform to implement their ideas, support solidarity causes or get involved in issues. These observations confirm that people''s confidence in their own power to influence various processes in Liepaja has increased, as well as their involvement in civic activities and decision-making processes.