Civic Expertise Incubator

Description

The aim of the project "Incubator for Democratic Competences" is to promote civic competences of representatives of vulnerable groups of Kurzeme and Zemgale (from 18 y.o) in the following issues: democracy / politics; media literacy; the rule of law; national economy. Within the framework of the project, 5 activities will be implemented in Kandava, Ventspils, Liepaja and Dobele for 3 years: non-formal education cycle "Civic Competence Brewery", "Silent Voices Are Voices", "Pop-up" Taste of Democracy"", "Social Memory Online Tool for Young People "Good that those times are over" and "If there are wishes, then  participate in elections".
Within the framework of various activities vulnerable groups will look for answers to questions: "Why are good ideas not implemented quickly in politics? Is what I read on portals a reflection or distortion? What is the tangible benefit of Constitutional Court judgments? How much would it cost to promises to increase pensions and benefits?"

The target group of the project in four cities will be constantly, interactively charged with unique initiatives, which in practice will promote permanent involvement in the understanding and impact of local, regional and national issues. The project will promote the growth of long-term civic competences in the population of Latvia (about 400 people), as well as understanding, critical thinking and the ability to engage in meaningful, goal-oriented civic society activities and initiatives.

The expected changes are: the local communities strengthened, and a core of new activists from vulnerable groups are formed. Participants will independently continue the activities started in the project, they will implement their civic initiatives. The "know-how" developed within the project will be preserved (the video tool "It is good that those times are over", as well as the "Election tree" will be available for the future). 

Summary of project results

• Civic engagement challenges:

  • Only a small portion of society is civically active, with many NGOs remaining isolated within their familiar networks. Public events are often poorly attended by individuals who are not personally invited, limiting broader participation.
  • The growing volume and speed of information, especially through the internet and social media, makes it difficult for less active individuals to engage in and understand national and regional processes. This results in a lack of critical thinking and the ability to form informed opinions.
     

• Social and economic barriers:

  • Vulnerable individuals face significant social barriers such as inadequate environments for engagement, geographical challenges (transportation issues), and lack of caregivers, preventing their participation in activities outside work and family life.
  • Financial constraints hinder socialization and participation in activities that involve costs or time for further education. This results in isolation, passivity, and a lack of interest in global or national issues, often due to limited competencies and focus on immediate survival.
     

• Involvement of marginalized groups:

  • Engaging individuals who are not involved in associations, do not attend seminars, and lack knowledge about political and state processes is a major challenge. These groups often feel disconnected and uninformed, limiting their participation in decision-making or civic activities.
  • Encouragement is needed to help vulnerable individuals, including those with special needs or young people, to perceive themselves as equal partners in dialogue, and to foster their understanding of state processes and democratic engagement.
     

• Sustained civic engagement:

  • Long-term cooperation and continuous feedback are necessary to ensure that vulnerable groups are consistently supported in their civic development. There is a need for sustained, ongoing engagement rather than one-time events or lectures.
  • Ensuring the full participation of vulnerable individuals in civic activities requires dedicated support, including social workers or caregivers, to enable their involvement in all aspects of the project.
     

• Barriers to participation in decision-making:

  • Many vulnerable individuals lack the practical skills to engage in decision-making processes. There is a need for improved civic competencies, including critical thinking and the ability to express opinions logically.
  • Financial limitations often prevent individuals from participating in public debates, volunteering, or taking part in initiatives that require resources. This leads to reduced participation in both local and national decision-making processes.
     

• Overcoming Isolation and Encouraging Civic Identity:

  • Individuals, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, often live in information or "rumor bubbles," disconnected from broader societal discussions. There is a need to break this cycle and enable them to feel connected to their community and the country as a whole.
  • The lack of self-perception as a legitimate participant in societal dialogue limits these individuals’ involvement in shaping national or local policies, preventing them from having a stake in societal developments.

1. Civic skills workshop series
   The "Civics skills workshop" took place in Kandava, Ventspils, Liepāja, and Dobele, providing a comprehensive, long-term program over three years, covering topics such as democracy/politics, media literacy, rule of law, and national economics. Participants engaged in expert-led discussions, such as those with the president of the Latvian Traders’ Association on the cost of living and with a lawyer-economist about key economic decisions in Latvia. They also worked with a university lecturer on improving their skills to write formal submissions to state institutions. This series fostered greater awareness of political processes and encouraged participants to express their views on legislative matters.

2. Small voices matter
   This activity aimed to unite vulnerable individuals in the same cities to express their civic opinions. Participants were given personal tasks to complete within a set timeframe, contributing to the creation of action plans that voiced their positions on local issues. Examples of proposals included requests to improve cycling infrastructure, provide housing for those affected by fires, and suggest accessible theater tickets for people with disabilities. A notable outcome was the Dailes Theatre’s collaboration with the project to organize accessible theater visits. In addition, some participants became more engaged in democratic processes, such as joining local election committees.

3. Pop-up picnic discussions on democracy
   This activity brought together participants, mainly seniors, in Ventspils and Kandava to discuss local democracy and the lack of opposition voices in certain regions. It sparked conversations about generational divides in civic engagement, with seniors sharing their experiences of involvement in societal issues and offering examples of positive civic action, including aid to Ukraine. These informal discussions encouraged greater awareness of the role of individuals in community development.

4. Online social memory tool for youth
   Aimed at involving youth in preserving national social memory, this activity encouraged young participants to record personal stories about the Soviet era by engaging with seniors. The project involved activities such as walking with seniors, visiting museums, or accompanying them to appointments. Participants produced short (3-minute) videos about these memories, helping to document the experiences and create valuable content for the community’s social heritage.

5. Campaign "If you want to vote, you must participate in elections" campaign
   In light of significant local elections following regional reforms, this campaign encouraged civic participation. It included a helpline, where experts answered questions about local government functions and responsibilities. Participants also created a virtual "wish tree" to voice their concerns and suggest solutions to local issues. The initiative led to approximately 150 phone consultations and allowed citizens to interact directly with incoming local representatives. This engagement marked the first time for many to express their suggestions for local governance, fostering a greater sense of involvement in democratic processes.

Short-term impact:

• Many participants signed petitions for the first time, contributing opinions and suggestions to local government, the Saeima, and ministries. Some of these ideas were accepted or are now being used as arguments for further policies. The number of residents interested in local and national affairs significantly increased, especially in Kandava.
• Participants gained insight into the work of German cultural NGOs in the city and became less skeptical about the activities of non-governmental organizations.
• The project’s activities before the Saeima elections increased voter turnout in specific cities.
• Young people benefited from practical history lessons provided by their relatives, learned how to select information, and improved their knowledge about Latvia.
• Residents learned to appreciate and present their contribution to community life as a value, particularly through Pop-up events. They were encouraged to speak out and received recognition for their work.

Long-term impact:

• Once residents signed initiatives, they developed curiosity and interest in tracking the progress of their proposals. This motivated them to stay engaged and demand answers, even seeking publication in local newspapers or portals about the progress of their ideas.
• Several event attendees became regular members of associations and collaborative partners, contributing as volunteers. Some participants are likely to join the association (German culture or others) as members in the future.
• Participation in the association proved to be an important step for disadvantaged individuals in personal development (e.g., CV entry), gradually improving their lives and helping them become active members of the local community.
• The project influenced some individuals who had been clients of social services to no longer require these services in the future.
• A lasting impact would be when each participant learns how to address government institutions properly and seek help when needed.

Indirect long-term impact:

• The cooperation between LVS and the German Cultural Association in Riga with the State Social Care Center “Riga” (the Blind House in Jugla) has been long-term. They have actively engaged in initiatives to involve unemployed people in employment promotion activities. They assisted 6 people with disabilities (2 wheelchair users, 4 blind youth) and 11 unemployed young people by offering volunteer legal and administrative support.
• Through these proactive efforts, several young people with disabilities were able to socialize and received their first paid opportunity (a stipend of about 300 euros per month for six months), which was a major improvement over their disability benefits. This experience helped demonstrate the association’s eligibility for further funding to support such employment initiatives for disadvantaged individuals in Latvia, enhancing their belief in their value to society.

Impact on marginalized individuals:

• The project had a profound impact on the most marginalized members of society, especially those who typically avoid events with entry fees, such as concerts or theater performances. Significant individual work was done with this challenging target group, including individuals who are antisocial, lack opinions, have disabilities, or focus only on survival and everyday needs. Engaging them in new activities and shifting their life rhythm proved to be a major challenge.
• The most tangible benefits for disadvantaged people were related to democracy, politics, and the rule of law. The annual "Civic Competence Workshops" and ongoing "Small Voices" initiatives allowed participants to make real decisions—whether to agree, disagree, sign, or propose new initiatives.

Overall results:

• In total, 326 unique disadvantaged participants were involved across four cities. Half of these participants significantly improved their skills and competencies, enabling them to defend their opinions and needs independently. Many participants, with low educational backgrounds and social skills, faced physical and technical barriers. Overcoming these challenges required gradual engagement, as many marginalized individuals are focused on survival and are less engaged with societal issues unless given consistent support.

Summary of bilateral results

The partner from Norway shared experience/expertise on the importance of audience engagement and methodology for the success of the project, delivered a presentation/lecture to the project participants (online via the Zoom platform) as part of the activity "Civics Skills Workshop Series," sharing experiences from Norway and Scandinavian countries on the seminar''s topics and provided materials for the activity "If You Want to Vote, You Must Participate in Elections," including content support, proposed solutions, and collaboration. All in all, the partnership provided valuable insight into the work of Norwegian organizations with vulnerable groups.