Increasing Participation and Civic Engagement in Jelgava and Ozolnieki Regions

Description

The aim of the project “Increasing Participation and Civic Engagement in Jelgava and Ozolnieki Regions” is strengthening democracy culture and civic consciousness, implementing population participation activities and educational activities. Within the framework of the project, it is public information and communication activities will be implemented, and the project website will be created. For the purpose of promotion of democratic culture and civic consciousness, civic educational classes and a democracy festival will take place for the first time in Jelgava region. Activities for increasing citizen`s participation and will involve a survey of residents on various issues within communities. After the survey 16 communities idea workshops will take place, in each parish of Jelgava and Ozolnieki regions, and one joint forum for residents of both regions. 
Considering the new planning period and administrative territorial reform, we can see that higher involvement of residents, identification of needs and increasing participation by residents is required, so that residents would have a sense of belonging to their region, that they are heard, and would be willing to participate in economic, social, cultural and political processes in order to make positive contributions to their daily life.    
 

Summary of project results

Several challenges were identified before the acf project by the project promoter:

1. Low civic participation and education
   Civic participation was found to be low, with a lack of belief among citizens in their ability to influence democratic processes. Additionally, civic education was inadequate, and the importance of civil society’s role in a democratic state was poorly understood by both the public and public administration.

2. Decline in NGO activities
   The activity of NGOs in Jelgava and Ozolnieki regions had decreased significantly, with far fewer community-benefit projects being implemented compared to earlier periods.

3. Limited community engagement
   Citizens were observed to have a weak sense of belonging to their municipality, and opportunities for dialogue between residents and public administration were insufficient. Traditional methods of engagement failed to motivate citizens effectively.

4. Lack of innovative participation solutions
   New and innovative solutions to encourage citizens to take responsibility and participate in local and regional decision-making were absent.

5. Impact of administrative-territorial reform
   Upcoming reforms created a need for increased civic engagement, with efforts required to help residents understand their role and actively influence economic, social, cultural, and political processes within their community.

1. Study on civic participation
   A survey involving over 2,000 residents of Jelgava municipality was conducted to identify key issues, challenges, and the level of civic participation and understanding of democratic culture. Results revealed a significant lack of knowledge about terms like “democratic culture,” “civil society,” and “participation,” with only 9% engaged in NGO activities. The findings were used to inform local development strategies, future project activities, and training programs on civic education.

2. Civic participation games
   Innovative participation games were designed and implemented, engaging 258 residents in creating development ideas for their municipalities. One selected idea in each community was implemented, such as harvest festivals in Svētes parish, which became a tradition. The games fostered collaboration between residents, community leaders, and local administration, breaking myths about governance and strengthening community ties. The success of these games has inspired similar initiatives in other regions.

3. New traditions for dialogue
   New practices were introduced to improve dialogue between residents and politicians, including candidate debates before elections, "coffee with politicians" sessions, and a democracy festival. These events aimed to encourage discussions on civic and political topics, fostering a culture of open and respectful communication. The democracy festival also served as an innovative local celebration addressing current community issues and enhancing residents'' engagement.

4. Preparation for citizen councils
   Activities included a forum titled “To be or not to be: citizen councils in Jelgava municipality,” followed by meetings in each parish to explain the concept and gather opinions on citizen councils. These efforts laid the groundwork for the establishment of citizen councils, with the municipality subsequently approving their regulations. Several parishes have since submitted applications to participate, signaling growing community interest in formal civic engagement structures.

5. Experience exchange in Norway
   A knowledge-sharing trip to Norway allowed participants to learn about Levanger municipality’s inclusive governance practices, involving various interest groups like youth and senior councils. Inspired by this approach, participants initiated community surveys and projects, such as reimagining libraries as modern community centers. The visit reinforced the value of trust and collaboration, encouraging participants to apply these principles locally.

The project had a significant impact on community activation and the strengthening of organizational expertise in community work. It reached various beneficiaries, including local residents, community leaders, and the organization itself.

1. Impact on residents and communities

   • The project encouraged active participation among parish residents, leading to self-organized initiatives like the creation of WhatsApp groups and the establishment of a development association in Zaļenieki parish.
   • Improved communication with local administrators was observed, with parish managers reporting stronger support from organized community groups, which helped in defending local budgets and priorities.
   • Previously uninvolved individuals were engaged, broadening the scope of civic participation and fostering a sense of ownership among residents for their community’s development.
      

2. Impact on governance

   • New practices were introduced in local governance, such as ensuring parish managers met and connected with residents.
   • The project brought attention to the importance of citizen councils, resulting in municipal approval for their creation and growing interest from residents to participate actively in these councils.
      

3. Impact on the organization

   • The project enhanced the organization’s visibility and established its role as a key link between residents and local government.
   • The organization developed greater expertise in community engagement and integrated the "Kopdare" (collaborative work) approach into its strategy and branding. It created resources, such as a dedicated community section on its website, to support ongoing initiatives.
      

4. Broader societal impact

   • The project helped to clarify and promote the concept of civic participation within Jelgava municipality, making it more relatable and actionable for residents.
   • It contributed to bridging the trust gap between residents and local governance, fostering a culture of self-reliance and collective action among communities.
   • The project laid foundational changes in participatory governance, providing a model that can inspire broader societal transformations over time.

The main beneficiaries were the local residents, who gained tools and motivation to engage in community development; local administrators, who benefited from stronger community collaboration; and the organization itself, which expanded its capacity and influence in community work.