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Description
The project aims to (i) strengthen the availability, credibility & value of information as well as citizens’ capacity for critical analysis and evaluation, (ii) install and popularize a model of joint knowledge creation through participatory interactive formats: discussions & debates (iii) foster local dialogue in every possible form (conversations, meetings) in safe environment, (iv) develop core information literacy competencies (communication culture, critical thinking, conflict management), especially among civically passive or withdrawn participants as crucial for their involvement.
The main outputs are:
• CSOs educate citizens in community or civil society activities and media literacy;
• 60 public and educational institutions/organisations partner with CSOs on civic education;
• 1500 people are educated about civic rights, participation and media literacy;
• 30 initiatives for improved/expanded civic and media literacy education are developed.
The main activities are:
• Needs analysis in selected places, survey and development of intervention model.
• Meetings with local leaders, collection of topics relevant on the local level and outreach strategies towards selected target groups.
• Identification and recruitment of Facilitators of Information Clubs as informal leaders of the local community
• Series of citizens’ meetings in local communities to increase information literacy
• Event for participating towns facilitating exchange of experience, sharing practices and initiating cross-regional partnerships
• Cooperation within professional groups.
Summary of project results
The Project was created in response to growing disinformation in Poland and the low level of information literacy. Modern society is struggling with a decreasing number of opportunities for dialogue between people with different views. As a result, people increasingly lock themselves in their "information bubbles" and have difficulty finding and verifying the information they need. This leads to reduced involvement in public affairs and less participation in social life.
As FRSI, we believe that dialogue allows us to get to know each other, understand each other better and learn from each other. This is the first step to getting involved in common matters and taking actions that take into account the needs of others.
The long-term goal of the project was to create a space for developing information competences and dialogue skills, especially among people in smaller towns and among people who have not been involved so far. The project aimed to improve the quality of communication, reduce social polarization and build social trust. By supporting local dialogue, the project aimed to engage people in common issues and take actions that take into account the needs of others.
The project was implemented in four stages
Stage 1 - Research and model creation (April - November 2021):
Qualitative research was conducted on the way of talking about important issues in Poland, summarized in a published report. As a result of this research, the "Step-by-Step Dialogue Building Model" was created - an eleven-step guide for people preparing to become a dialogue guide and organize dialogue meetings.
Stage 2 – Pilot (December 2021 - August 2022):
Five teams of dialogue guides tested the model by organizing and implementing at least two dialogue meetings for their communities, supported by workshops and tutoring.
Stage 3 – Implementation (September 2022 - November 2023):
The model was supplemented with experiences from the pilot stage. Another 24 teams, supported by workshops and tutors, organized and conducted at least six dialogue meetings for their communities.
Stage 4 – Consolidation (September 2023 – April 2024):
The project results were recorded during conferences, dialogue meetings and study visits to Norway. Three action scenarios were prepared to encourage the organization of meetings on topics such as democracy, social inclusion and climate change.
Project products:
- Website: www.jakrozowanic.org.pl
- Report on field research in seven Polish cities,
- A step-by-step model of building a dialogue in a printed version (350 copies),
- Evaluation report: "Between personal experience and changes in the community",
- Project summary (PL-EN) for the conference,
- 3 scenarios for conversations about democracy, inclusion and climate,
- Recordings of 9 webinars with presentations.
The project''s activities and products resulted in changes both among the people participating in the project and in their local communities, e.g.:
• development of participating teams, thanks to each participant completing over 90 hours. training,
• many people began to become more involved in public life and organize further dialogue meetings,
• participants learned to listen and understand different points of view, which contributed to reducing polarization,
• cooperation between local organizations and institutions was strengthened, which contributed to more integrated action for the community.
Changes were identified based on:
• evaluation surveys conducted after workshops and dialogue meetings,
• summary and evaluation meetings,
• field research and evaluation reports
• feedback from people involved in the project implementation.
Some of the identified issues were resolved:
• spaces for dialogue were created in 28 locations in Poland, enabling the organization of over 170 dialogue meetings,
• participants learned to critically evaluate information and check fake news, which contributed to reducing disinformation,
• residents'' involvement in public life increased.
Long-term benefits and opportunities:
• participants acquired skills that will be useful in future social and professional activities.
• The step-by-step dialogue building model can be adapted and used in other regions and projects, which opens up opportunities for further development and cooperation.
• increasing awareness of the importance of dialogue tools and information competences.
Summary of bilateral results
The methods of the Nansen Center for Peace and Dialogue (NCPD) were the inspiration in creating the "Step by Step Dialogue Building Model". The cooperation included regular consultations, two webinars and intensive workshops in Palczew conducted by a trainer from NCPD, Christiane Seehausen. Additionally, Seehausen participated in the conference summarizing the project. Two study visits to Norway were also organized, which enabled the exchange of experiences and learning about local practices. Despite some difficulties with the partner''s resources, cooperation with NCPD opened up the possibility of further cooperation and developing the facilitation competences of the participants. We are open to further cooperation, but this depends on obtaining financial resources for continuation.