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Description
This project is targeted at regions which are characterised by lower growth dynamics, lesser openness to innovativeness, less diverse social structure of citizens, lower ratios of civic activity vis-a-vis the rest of Poland. In order to increase them, we need competent, strong leaders who understand that the social capital is more important than the material one and solidarity is better than rivalry, that it is worth investing not in the equipment and objects but rather in relationships as they are the ones that in the end provide a true support. The ability to successfully deal with the burden of rapid changes becomes of key importance. The increased resilience may be achieved through leaders’ actions, such as building the sense of community, among others. Varied community becomes stronger as a result of interactions, mutual respect and showing care and is able to better adapt to crisis situations, calamities and anomalies time. This project aims at enhancing organisations and social movements in the Świętokrzyskie and Podlaskie voivodeships by transferring the methodology for training leaders and know-how of the Leaders’ School Foundation onto regional level as part of: leadership coach school and two leadership schools for leaders, networking and tutoring - an individual approach in the leadership development, including drawing up of development plans for 40 organisations/ movements. Those activities are going to be preceded by regional diagnoses of needs.The project is going to be beneficial for people with leadership potential and a concept for changing the status quo, for experienced leaders who will gain coaching competence and for NGOs (greater potential, improved quality of activities).The project is going to be implemented in cooperation with partners: Centre for Supporting Non-Governmental Organisations (Białystok) and the Regional Centre for Volunteering (Kielce) which will contribute their experience, experts’ resources and regional perspective.
Summary of project results
The Rise of Leaders project was initiated to address the lower levels of civic engagement in the Podlaskie and Świętokrzyskie Voivodeships compared to other regions in Poland. The primary goal was to strengthen non-governmental organizations (NGOs) by transferring the proven methodology of leadership training and the applicant''s know-how to the regional level. The project prioritized regional and thematic support for leaders (representatives of organizations, institutions, and movements).
Key activities implemented within the project included:
Regional research studies,
Leadership Trainers’ School,
Two Regional Leadership Schools,
Individualized leadership development support (tutoring and organizational development plans).
The project employed diverse methods, such as training sessions, lectures, meetings with inspirational leaders, tutoring, and networking.
Key Outputs:
Two regional reports identifying barriers to leaders'' activities and areas where they need support,
12 training scenarios,
Four training sessions as part of the Leadership Trainers’ School and eight training sessions within the Leadership Schools,
114 hours of individual tutoring,
37 organizational development plans,
Two podcasts,
Two regional leadership networks.
Key Outcomes:
Two regions with low civic engagement gained a cadre of leadership trainers,
38 individuals enhanced their leadership competencies through participation in developmental activities,
38 organizations strengthened their potential and activity levels by increasing leadership skills through participation in the Leadership Schools,
Two regional leadership networks were integrated into a national network,
14 tutors were prepared to work in the regions.
The project was implemented in partnership with regional support organizations (OWOP in Białystok and RCW in Kielce) to fully leverage local knowledge of needs and contexts. It concluded successfully, with most of the intended indicators being achieved. The combination of regional experience and perspective provided by the partners, along with the 28 years of know-how and innovative leadership development tools developed by the Leadership School, proved effective.
The changes achieved through the project have the potential to be long-term. The regions now benefit from retained know-how, established networks, trained leadership and tutoring personnel, and competent leaders prepared to drive social change and build social capital.