New project to help residents engage in their communities

Engaging residents in making important decisions is a key element of successful community recovery and development. Residents know best what needs are priorities, which decisions will be most effective, and how to make the community comfortable and safe for everyone. It is especially important to consider the needs of veterans, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and vulnerable groups of citizens.

Currently, communities continue to update their development strategies until 2027, adapting them to the challenges of the war and aligning them with the updated State Regional Development Strategy. To involve citizens in this important process, We Build Ukraine is launching the 'Vplyvai' project.

The project aims to raise awareness among Ukrainians about the instruments of democracy and to involve local residents in the process of developing territorial community development strategies.

1. At the first stage of the project, the selection of territorial communities that will be assisted in developing/updating development strategies will begin. Representatives of the selected communities will receive individual expert consultations, necessary materials, assistance in organizing a communication campaign, and will participate in public events of the project. They will gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources for effective participation in local self-government processes and the preparation of relevant strategic documents.

   
   

Local public organizations, initiative groups, and other civil society organizations interested in the development of their community are invited to participate. Special attention will be paid to CSOs that represent the interests of vulnerable groups of citizens, such as IDPs, people with disabilities, veterans, youth, and others.

The selection of territorial communities for participation in the project will be based on a number of criteria:

• availability or need to update the community development strategy until 2027 (priority to communities without an approved strategy or with the need to update it);

• active participation of CSOs in the life of the community;

• interest and readiness for cooperation with the project from local self-government bodies (LSGBs);

• level of socio-economic development of the community;

• geographical representation of different regions of Ukraine.

The approach to the selection and involvement of CSOs will be based on the principles of openness and transparency, equal opportunities for all interested CSOs, regardless of their size or experience.

Applications are collected from June 9 to July 31 inclusive at the link: https://forms.gle/QWCAhYDgsinGoxrv5. The list of selected communities will be published after the completion of the selection.

1. As part of the project, we will launch an online platform that will become a platform for constant dialogue and cooperation between civil society organizations. The platform will disseminate useful information about opportunities, formats, and tools for participation in the life of communities.

   
   

This information and communication platform will facilitate the exchange of experience and the establishment of partnerships between active residents, CSOs, local self-government bodies, local businesses, and other stakeholders.

1. At the next stage of the project, we will conduct a series of online training sessions, workshops on strategic planning, advocacy, the use of instruments of democracy and participatory democracy, urban planning, local economic development and transport modeling, and also organize online discussions to exchange experiences between communities.

   
   

Representatives of civil society organizations, local self-government bodies, active residents of communities, and all interested parties are invited to participate by prior registration. The program and details of the events will be announced later.

1. A separate important direction of the project is working with local self-government bodies and CSOs that will receive comprehensive expert support in the formation of effective local policies. Local businesses, which are ready to join the cooperation, providing resources, knowledge, and experience for joint work on community development, play an important role in this process.

   
   

Project experts will help communities develop and implement policies in the following areas:

• Urban planning and improvement of the urban environment: Creating comfortable and modern public spaces, developing green areas, and optimizing infrastructure for the needs of residents.

• Local economic development: This direction is closely related to the strategic vision of We Build Ukraine regarding the economic recovery of Ukraine. It includes the implementation of reforms, stimulation of priority sectors of the economy, and attraction of investment at the subnational and local levels.

• Transport modeling: Development of effective transport networks, optimization of public transport routes, creation of conditions for the development of bicycle infrastructure and pedestrian zones.

This component of the project is aimed at strengthening the capacity of local self-government and the public in the development and implementation of balanced and progressive policies that will contribute to the sustainable development of communities and improve the quality of life of residents.

Project 'Vplyvai' ('Increasing the participation of civil society in local governance') is implemented by the think tank We build Ukraine within the framework of the EU Unity4Community project, implemented by ISAR Ednannia, funded by the European Union.