Strengthening of Local Communities’ Civic Engagement and Democratic Participation

About this project

<p>The main problem of the project focuses on the engagement of civic initiatives and local democracy at municipal and regional level, involving local community groups in the regional municipalities (Kaunas, Tauragė, Jurbarkas, Šilalė, Pagėgiai, Zarasai, Ignalina, Biržai, Klaipėda and Kaunas district municipalities and others).&nbsp;</p> <p>The proposed project is in line with the aims of the APF program to develop civil society and to promote the involvement of socially vulnerable groups, and is within the scope of Impact 1, promoting greater citizen participation in civic activities (Outcome 1). It is also consistent with the thematic priority of focusing on geographically remote regions and the implementation of partnerships and the promotion of bilateral partnerships.&nbsp;</p> <p>The project is based on the idea that inter-institutional partnerships between local government (municipality), local communities and civic groups and other stakeholders in the municipality allow to balance different interests, enhance local democracy, support civic initiatives and participate in local politics and strategic planning processes, contribute to wellbeing in remote municipalities. The main activities of the project include identification and assessment of the local democracy situation and community participation in municipal areas (activities 1.1 and 1.2), training of community representatives in local democracy and civic leadership, as well as Sustainable development issues (activities 2.1), cooperation with Norwegian partners (activities 3.1) and networking and communication activities (Actions 2.2, 4.1 and 4.2). Main results: study, 300 persons trained, 1 visit with Norwegian partners, networking and communication activities (digital tools testing, local needs seminars and discussions).</p>

Bilateral cooperation results

The project involved 2 Norwegian partners - the Hardanger Five Municipalities Regional Development Council and the Vestland County Administration. According to the activity plan, they organised a workshop meeting in Norway (28 June - 7 February 2022), contributed to the workshop discussions during the visit to Lithuania, shared experiences in the field, and at the same time, based on the experience of the Norwegian municipalities and the field trip, the activity No. 1.2 (Part II) was completed. The Norwegian partners also participated in the final conference of the project (18-05-19-2023). After the end of the project activities, the long-term partnership with the Norwegian partners will continue.

Project partners

• Regional Council of the five municipalities of Hardanger Donor project partner· Norway
• Vestland County Municipality Donor project partner· Norway
• Taurage Town Local Action Group Project partner· Lithuania
• The community „Skaudvilės kraštas“ Project partner· Lithuania
• Local Action Group „Pagėgių kraštas“ Project partner· Lithuania
• Veliuona branch of the society for decorating Lithuania Project partner· Lithuania
• Local action group of Kaunas district Project partner· Lithuania
• Zarasai District Community Association Project partner· Lithuania
• Local Action Group „Pajurio krastas“ Project partner· Lithuania
• Ignalina district local action group (Ignalina LAG) Project partner· Lithuania
• Village communities ,,Saulietekis‘‘ Project partner· Lithuania
• The union of Biržai region village communities Project partner· Lithuania