Description
The project addresses the gap between the local authorities, the NGOs and the public in Stambolyiski Municipality, Plovdiv, and the need to develop some form of civic participation to make the voice of the citizens heard. The project aims at greater involvement of the citizens and civil society organizations in local policy and decision-making and improved dialogue between the local authorities and the civic society. First, key local issues and needs related to good governance will be studied and identified. Second, training on "Forms of civic participation in local decision-making” will be carried out. Good practices of public councils in Bulgaria and the EU will be studied and presented at a round table. Finally, a guide on the work of public councils will be published for the public. The main target group is local decision-makers and NGOs. However, the local community will also benefit from the project as it will bridge the gap between citizens and the local authorities.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the gap between the local authorities, the NGOs and the public in Stambolyiski Municipality, Plovdiv, and the need to develop some form of civic participation to make the voice of the citizens heard. The project provoked greater involvement of the citizens and civil society organizations in local policy and decision-making and improved dialogue between the local authorities and the civic society. In this respect it achieved its general objective through the involvement of active civic organizations and citizens. The project had a positive impact both on improving the performance of decision makers at the local level and on the civil society representatives, whose voice was heard, as well as on the civic energy directed towards building better communities. Increased was also the capacity of the local authorities and CSOs. The residents in the five local communities received information through surveys, questionnaires, training, presentation of best practices, roundtables, and an information brochure about the need and the ways to participate in the formulation of local policies, so as to improve the lifestyle in the area.
Summary of bilateral results