Description
"The idea of the project is to initiate discussion between councillors, citizens and non-governmental organisations. Local councilliors don't see the need to include participatory approach. On the other side, citizens haven't been very active. One of the activities will be to create a model of ideal “supercouncillor"", serving as a benchmark. Also educational activities for councillors are planned, helping them to practice their abilities to cooperate with inhabitants. At least 60 citizens will be included in the decision-making process concerning the district “space"" under 6 participation plans developed and implemented together with councillors. A coalition will direct the process of implementation of a coherent, long-term social and civic activation policy for the inhabitants of various districts of Cracow. A “Civic Priority"" (implementation of participatory mechanisms) will be developed in a participatory manner, being a set of recommendations from different groups to launch a campaign of activation of districts. Partner, Laboratory of the Civic Association has the experience in the cooperation with district councils."
Summary of project results
"The project partners identified three key problems. The first concerned the role of local councillors and their insufficient competence to involve residents in the affairs of Kraków districts. Another concerned the residents - their lack of knowledge about the councillors and the possibility to get involved in local affairs. The third was the unused potential of districts as the city's auxiliary units. The main objective was to initiate a debate between different communities about reinforcing the role of districts as the city's auxiliary units. As a result of the project, the Chairman of the City Council initiated the Forum on the Future of Districts. The Forum continues to work on the recommendations for strengthening the districts, and organises regular meetings concerning district development, with participation of members of local authorities, activists, scientists and politicians. A “Super councillor"" campaign was conducted, drawing attention to district council elections, and presenting the candidates. Six participatory initiatives were conducted in the districts (e.g. consultations, workshops, designing a green area) with participation of 400 residents. District councillors took part in a course on increasing the residents' involvement. Six inter-district forums were held, aimed at diagnosing the problems of Kraków districts and producing recommendations for their strengthening. The discussion topics included the role of a councillor, participatory budgeting, acceptance of construction projects, and urban planning. The forums were attended by 184 people - councillors, residents, and civil servants. A coalition of three NGOs was created, which for several years had acted for their districts (encouraging residents and councillors to conduct watchdog activities). The coalition continues its advocacy as a part of the Forum on the Future of Districts. The beneficiaries of the project were residents of Kraków, city and district councillors, civil servants, urban activists and NGOs. Pracownia Obywatelska, the project partner, was responsible for the information campaign, coordinating advocacy as part of the Forum on the Future of Districts, and planning the topics for the forums."
Summary of bilateral results