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In today’s world, where information flows rapidly and opinions are formed instantly, it’s crucial for every voice to be heard, especially those of young people. However, while the youth possess a plethora of ideas and perspectives, they often lack the equal opportunity to make them heard in decision-making processes. Recognising this gap, the ADD Something Meaningful project aims to provide young individuals with a platform to express themselves, shape policies, and actively participate in society. 

By addressing local challenges and amplifying the voices of young individuals, the project aims to empower them to influence decision-making processes and contribute meaningfully to their communities. At its core, the project aims to validate the importance of youth work and inspire a sense of initiative among young citizens. This is why, created as part of the project ADD Something Meaningful, we present to you the IDEATHON guide.

To further disseminate the IDEATHON method, the project has developed a comprehensive guide for youth workers and institutions working with young people

This guide serves as a valuable resource for educators, community leaders, and anyone who recognises the potential of young people as agents of positive change. Packed with practical steps and insightful explanations, it empowers individuals to organise successful IDEATHONs, dynamic initiatives designed to cultivate active citizenship, democratic engagement, and youth empowerment.

The guide delves into the foundational importance of youth participation, highlighting its multifaceted benefits for individuals, communities, and society as a whole. It underscores the value of active citizenship and democratic engagement, demonstrating how IDEATHONs can effectively cultivate these values in young minds.

The core of the guide lies in its structured approach to organising IDEATHONs. Divided into clear and sequential phases – preparation, promotion, execution, and evaluation – it provides detailed steps for each stage, ensuring a smooth and impactful experience for all participants. It champions the empowerment of young people, equipping them with the tools and confidence to actively participate in shaping their communities. By fostering collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, IDEATHONs have the potential to unlock a wave of positive change, driven by the boundless energy and innovative spirit of young minds.

Firstly, emphasising the importance of thorough preparation, it outlines crucial aspects such as identifying local challenges, establishing clear goals, and assembling a qualified team. It also offers valuable advice on selecting suitable venues, materials, and activities that effectively spark creative thinking and collaborative problem-solving. The guide additionally explores various methods for reaching the target audience, ensuring that a wide range of voices and perspectives are represented in the IDEATHON.

The ADD Something Meaningful project serves as a platform for change, empowering young people to become active agents of social transformation. By providing them with the guide and the opportunity to voice their ideas and shape policies,the project not only strengthens democracy but also nurtures a generation of engaged and responsible citizens. Through initiatives like the IDEATHON method, the project paves the way for a more inclusive and participatory society, where every voice matters.

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AT A GLANCE

The ERICA project will synergise action on local environmental problems with climate change issues through citizen science educating, informing and engaging citizens in addressing environmental issues engendered by fossil fuels. ERICA’s main objective is to improve citizens’ environmental awareness and civic engagement through the evelopment of a new educational methodology on citizen science for environmental monitoring. Citizens will gain the capacity to initiate and manage citizen science initiatives, collect and assess environmental information, and convert such data into “actionable knowledge” that is perceived as useful and immediately applicable by citizens, local authorities, academic institutions, and NGOs

OBJECTIVES

  1. An e-booklet of best practices (R1) of citizen science initiatives related to environmental monitoring in the EU. It will provide new learning opportunities on the benefits of bottom-up research initiatives that allow us to bridge the gap between research and civil society.
  2. the ERICA training methodology (R2), constituted by a module on environmental monitoring practices, one on the technologies for citizen sensing, one on data advocacy and further content material
  3. for actionable knowledge. R2 will provide the necessary knowledge to adult citizens on how to play an active role in the fight against climate change through civic engagement.
  4. The ERICA e-learning platform (R3), the digital tool to provide the ERICA methodology, thus available to share project results and facilitate peer-to-peer teaching and learning, knowledge transfer and exchange of information.
  5. The Pilot evaluation plan (R4) that will summarise the results achieved through pilot actions, directly experiencing environmental monitoring practices on fossil fuels industry’s activities.

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È con grande entusiasmo che annunciamo il consolidamento della collaborazione tra ALDA – l’Associazione Europea per la Democrazia Locale – e il territorio vicentino. Il 9 febbraio 2024, il Consiglio Direttivo di ALDA ha ufficialmente accolto il Comune di Vicenza e il Centro Servizi al Volontariato della Provincia di Vicenza (CSV) nella sua rete di soci. Questo importante passo apre le porte a nuove sinergie e partnership volte a rafforzare la democrazia e il buon governo a livello locale.

ALDA, con il suo presidio italiano proprio nella vibrante città di Vicenza, ha instaurato da tempo un legame profondo con la comunità locale. Attraverso una vasta gamma di progetti e iniziative, ALDA ha lavorato su temi cruciali come la democrazia, la partecipazione dei cittadini, lo sviluppo sostenibile e la rigenerazione urbana, contribuendo attivamente al progresso della città.

Un connubio, quello con la città di Vicenza, che è cresciuto nel corso degli anni anche grazie alla costituzione di ALDA Italia APS (Associazione di Promozione Sociale), sorta per stabilire legami più profondi e avere un impatto maggiore all’interno della società civile.

Tra le attività principali svolte in collaborazione con il Comune di Vicenza, vi è stata anche l’organizzazione della Conferenza Internazionale sul sostegno decentrato alle comunità ucraine tenutasi nel capoluogo vicentino nel novembre scorso. 

L’approvazione dei nuovi membri rappresenta un ulteriore passo verso lo sviluppo di comunità locali più resilienti e partecipative in Europa, nei Paesi del vicinato e oltre

Il Consiglio Amministrativo di ALDA ha deliberato inoltre l’ingresso nella rete di soci del Centro Servizi al Volontariato della Provincia di Vicenza, ampliando l’attenzione verso il volontariato e le associazioni territoriali impegnate nella solidarietà collettiva.

La partnership con il CSV per una società inclusiva si è consolidata durante il primo Festival del Volontariato Europeo svoltosi nella suggestiva Loggia del Capitaniato in Piazza dei Signori a Vicenza (Italia) il 3 ottobre 2023, e a cui ALDA ha avuto il piacere di poter partecipare attivamente.

In un mondo sempre più interconnesso e complesso, la cooperazione è la chiave per affrontare le sfide che ci attendono. L’ingresso del Comune di Vicenza e del Centro Servizi al Volontariato della Provincia di Vicenza nella rete di soci di ALDA rappresenta un importante passo avanti verso la costruzione di comunità locali più resilienti e partecipative non solo in Italia, ma anche in Europa, nei Paesi del vicinato e oltre. Siamo convinti che insieme possiamo fare la differenza, promuovendo la democrazia, l’inclusione e lo sviluppo sostenibile. Il nostro impegno per una collaborazione sempre più stretta con i nuovi membri è saldo e non vediamo l’ora di lavorare insieme per creare un futuro migliore per tutti.

Scoprite di più sull’iscrizione alla nostra membership ed i sui suoi vantaggi consultando l’apposito pacchetto informativo e/o contattaci a membership@alda-europe.eu

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AT A GLANCE

Within the project “The eye of the voter”, 30 volunteer election observers will travel from Sweden and Italy to support the domestic election observation carried out during the Polish parliamentary elections held in October/November 2023. The project is as a pilot preparing for a larger-scale, pan-European exchange of election observers during the European Parliament elections in May/June 2024. Even though the aim of the project goes beyond election observation, framing it as such will not only help participants gain specific skills, including critical thinking, which they can apply in their respective countries, but help achieve the project’s objectives of strengthening common values, fostering civic engagement and participation through several ways. Overall, domestic election observation is essential for promoting democracy, inclusive democratic participation, European identity and citizenship, human rights, and the rule of law. By ensuring free and fair elections and promoting transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights, election observation can help build public trust in the democratic process and encourage citizens to participate in their governance.

OBJECTIVES

“The eye of the voter” is promoting civic engagement and at specific – election observation – among groups of voters with traditionally lower turnout rates. Building cross-border trust and understanding of cultural backgrounds is one of the main objectives of the project. The aim is also supporting the domestic observers in strengthening free, fair and democratic elections in Poland.

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To ensure sustainability and promote good governance and citizen participation at the local level in Europe and beyond, in February 2023 ALDA launched the call “Respond locally to Global Issues”, supporting members in achieving their goals in several fields, including European integration, decentralisation, human rights, social inclusion, sustainable development and civic initiatives.

In the framework of the Operating Grant of the CERV – Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme – ALDA led a wide range of actions aimed at empowering organisations to develop their own projects, involving citizens and targeting groups and increasing public knowledge, awareness and interest in key EU policies and strategies. 

Each beneficiary of the regranting programme focused on one or more Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as good health and well being, quality education, gender equality, affordable and clean energy, climate action. These topic areas are closely intertwined with ALDA Thematic Hubs.

ALDA assists and cooperates with local communities to address challenges related to democratic, environmental, social and economic development, encouraging a multilateral decentralised collaboration and empowering citizens and local actors. 

By supporting these projects, ALDA remains committed to its objective of fostering partnerships between local authorities and civil society organisations, working to realise meaningful change

The actions funded include:

The organisations implemented a multifaceted approach with different local strategies. This involved a combination of formal activities such as training, workshops and public events, and informal practices such as street actions, art installations or botanical experiences.

These initiatives collectively contributed to increasing the knowledge and skills of the target groups, ultimately fostering greater participation and promoting the principles of good governance.

By supporting these projects, ALDA remains committed to its objective of fostering partnerships between local authorities and civil society organisations, working to realise meaningful change.

Discover more about the actions funded in 2023 by clicking here.

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We are thrilled to announce that ALDA has officially begun operating from Kyiv (Ukraine)! For two weeks now, our ALDA Country Representative in Ukraine, Khrystyna Kvartsiana, has been working from the city of Kyiv. This long-awaited step follows the remarkable growth of our membership base in Ukraine, now totalling an impressive number: 20 members! This expansion reflects the growing interest and dedication of Ukrainian municipalities and organisations to promote democratic values and foster collaboration with the European Union.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the program U-LEAD with Europe for hosting ALDA Representative in the Decentralisation House in Kyiv. This collaborative effort provides a dynamic and supportive environment to advance our mission and initiatives in Ukraine. ALDA is particularly glad to cooperate with U-LEAD with Europe in the implementation of projects such as the “Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs): An Instrument for Cooperation, Community Cohesion, and Development in Ukraine”, adopted within the framework of the Bridges of Trust initiative.

ALDA’s primary objective in Kyiv is to further engage Ukrainian members in the Association’s projects and promote the ALDA Flagship Initiative in Ukraine on opening new Local Democracy Agencies across the country, adding them to the already existing ones in Dnipropetrovsk region, Mariupol and Odesa. 

We believe that by working closely together, we can amplify our impact and create positive change in communities across Ukraine

Additionally, our presence in Kyiv strengthens our advocacy efforts on behalf of Ukraine, amplifying the voice of local authorities and advocating for their needs on the international stage.

Under the leadership of Khrystyna Kvartsiana, we are confident that ALDA’s presence in Kyiv will serve as a hub for collaboration, innovation, and progress. Together, we will continue to work tirelessly to promote democracy, foster sustainable development, and support the people of Ukraine on their journey towards a brighter future.

Stay tuned for updates on our exciting projects and vacancies from Kyiv! 

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In today’s dynamic societal landscape, the significance of inclusivity in sports cannot be overstated. Recognised across various sectors, the “SPORTS 4 ALL” initiative emerges as a source of innovation and inspiration. Supported by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ Sport program, this extensive project underscores the transformative potential of sports in fostering diversity and inclusion.

The initiative aims to integrate children affected by educational poverty into sports activities, emphasising the profound role of sports in personal and social development. 

ALDA, as a key partner in this consortium, contributes invaluable expertise in promoting good governance and citizen participation.

“SPORTS 4 ALL” signifies a movement towards creating a more inclusive society through the universal language of sports. By empowering educators, coaches, and trainers with innovative methodologies and activities, the initiative not only enhances the physical well-being of children but also instils vital values such as teamwork, respect, and perseverance.

Through meticulously designed exercises and strategies, “SPORTS 4 ALL” endeavours to dismantle barriers, foster mutual understanding, and lay the groundwork for a more inclusive future. This initiative serves as a poignant reminder of sports’ potential in addressing educational disparities and promoting social inclusion.

As we disseminate the insights and methodologies of “SPORTS 4 ALL,” we extend an open invitation to communities, schools, and sports organisations to join the collective action of making sports accessible and enjoyable for all. This document serves as a resounding call to action – a commitment to embedding inclusivity as a cornerstone of youth sports programs worldwide.

With “SPORTS 4 ALL,” we are going towards a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive, learn, and flourish within a supportive and inclusive sporting environment.

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AT A GLANCE

This project aims to aid Ukraine’s reconstruction by fostering collaborative municipal partnerships between Ukrainian and EU medium-sized municipalities. It focuses on empowering regional strategies in Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv, partnering with municipalities in Spain, France, and Italy. Additionally, the project promotes local decentralized cooperation between Ukraine and the EU through partnerships with ALDA and U-LEAD.

OBJECTIVES

The overarching objective of this project is to contribute to the reconstruction of Ukraine by facilitating collaborative municipal partnerships between Ukrainian and EU municipalities, particularly those of medium size. The first specific objective of this initiative is to promote engagement and cooperation among medium-sized local authorities in Europe and Ukraine through two distinct approaches, each directed at supporting two processes within the framework of this pilot exercise:

  1. Empowering the LDA Dnipropetrovsk region and implementing a regional strategy involving medium-sized municipalities, potentially including Novomoskovsk in Dnipropetrovsk oblast, with collaboration with Bilbao in the Basque Country. The entity is now referred to as the LDA Dnipropetrovsk region.
  2. Establishing a new LDA Kharkiv region process that involves medium-sized municipalities, including Merefa in Kharkiv oblast, with collaboration initiated with Buscate in Lombardia, Italy.

The second specific objective of this project is to promote local decentralised cooperation between Ukraine and the EU. This will be achieved by energising existing partnerships with ALDA and U-LEAD and facilitating the creation of new connections, aligning the paths and flagship initiatives of ALDA and LDAs with potential partners emerging from the Bridges of Trust initiative.

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AT A GLANCE

BlueLightS aims at strengthening blue education in Europe to set the right conditions for the cost-effective implementation of the next Mission upscaling phase. BlueLightS will work on four axes that are central to the project’s legacy: the number of blue challenges implemented in schools as well as the number of accredited blue schools, the diversification of blue schools, the quality and ambition of blue education projects, and bringing the blue education concept and vision into the (national) education system of EU Member States. To deliver its ambitions, BlueLightS builds on: the development and facilitation of an active blue education community of practice; the application of a strong participatory philosophy; the establishment of synergies with both Mission Ocean and EU4Ocean coalition/ Network of Blue Schools processes; the integration of the blue education concept into the activities, events and communication of “others” at different scales; the development of well targeted communication, dissemination and exploitation activities; the priority given to activities implemented in 9 “experimentation” countries representing diverse blue education maturity levels, complemented by the sharing of experiences at the lighthouse scale and support to blue schools in all EU countries.

OBJECTIVES

(1) Significantly increasing the number of blue challenges implemented in schools as well as the number of accredited blue schools joining the European Blue school network;
(2) In coherence with the inclusiveness principles of the EU Green Deal, contributing to the diversification of blue schools, including schools from inland territories, vocational schools, schools for children and youth with disabilities…;
(3) Contributing to enhancing the quality and ambition of blue education projects by applying open schooling and citizenship education principles that are key to (future) citizens’ engagement into blue sustainability;
(4) Bringing the blue education concept and vision into the (national) education system of EU Member States, mobilising education stakeholders into the co-design and experimentation of a blue education framework, as well as the development of road maps for strengthening blue education.

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In a significant stride towards inclusivity and empowerment, the consortium of partners of the project EXTRA-C convened for a pivotal Training of Trainers event from January 23 to 26 in Porto, Portugal. Hosted by APROXIMAR, the training aimed to equip participants with the necessary tools and methodologies to promote the democratic participation of young people with intellectual disabilities.

Throughout the training, partners showcased the outcomes of the training modules developed within Work Package 3 (WP3) and received comprehensive training in the methodologies outlined in these modules. These modules, now ready for national implementation, are tailored to engage young people with intellectual disabilities in meaningful ways.

This gathering not only facilitated the sharing of results but also provided a platform for valuable feedback and potential revisions to enhance the effectiveness of the activities

Central to the training was the exploration of various topics pertinent to political participation. The training manual, aptly titled “Promoting the Democratic Participation of Young People with Disabilities,” delves into critical areas including:

  • Human and civil rights of people with disabilities
  • Democracy and democratic participation of people with disabilities
  • The main European values
  • A voice in the decision-making process
  • Relationships and socio-emotional learning
  • Participatory actions of people with disabilities

One notable session during the training was led by ALDA, who spearheaded Module 2. ALDA introduced an activity from the Compass: Manual for Human Rights Education with Young People, titled “On the Ladder.” This activity aimed to illustrate the various levels of youth participation within the democratic decision-making process, emphasising the importance of inclusivity and accessibility at every level.

Recognising the significance of firsthand experience in understanding the challenges faced by young people with disabilities, the training program also included a study visit. Hosted by the Centro de Inclusão Social, this visit offered valuable insights into the daily lives of individuals with disabilities and highlighted the supportive structures in place to facilitate their autonomy.

During the visit, participants witnessed firsthand how individuals with disabilities engage in a wide array of activities catered to their interests and passions. From kitchen labs to art labs, theatre labs, computer labs, and more, the activities offered at Centro de Inclusão Social exemplified a holistic approach to empowerment through engagement and inclusion.

The training concluded on a high note, with participants equipped with newfound knowledge and methodologies to drive positive change in their respective communities. By fostering an inclusive environment and promoting the active participation of young people with disabilities, initiatives like EXTRA-C are paving the way for a more democratic and equitable society.

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We are delighted to announce that the city of Trento (Italy), #ALDAmember, is this year’s European Volunteering Capital. An important milestone that certifies the commitment of the entire community of Trento in promoting volunteering, European values and active citizenship.

The proclamation of this status took place on 5 December during the World Volunteer Day, with Trento taking over from Trondheim (Norway) and becoming the second Italian city to hold this role after Padua in 2020.

The nomination of the European Volunteer Capital, launched in 2013 by the European Volunteer Centre (CEV) in Brussels (Belgium) aims to promote and strengthen local volunteering, making communities more resilient and improving the quality of life of citizens. Any European city can participate and the winner is selected by an international jury composed of representatives from the world of volunteering, the non-profit sector, civil society, the private sector and European institutions.

The opening ceremony of Trento European Volunteering Capital 2024 was held on Saturday 3 February, 2024, with the extraordinary participation of the President of the Republic, Mr. Sergio Mattarella, the President of the Trentino Alto Adige Region, Mr. Maurizio Fugatti, the Mayor of Trento, Mr. Franco Ianeselli, the CEV director Mrs. Gabriella Civico and other national and international guests who made the event unique. 

Supporting voluntary activities, the promotion of European values and the active participation of citizens are fundamental elements for the strengthening and survival of local communities

Among the guests of the ceremony, Mr. Andrij Sadovyj, Mr. Andriy Moshkalenko and Mr. Serhiy Kiral, respectively mayor and deputy mayor of Lviv (Ukraine), the city that concurred together with Trento for the title of European Volunteering Capital 2024. 

Representing ALDA, Mr. Maurizio Camin, ALDA Governing Board member and Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of the Association, participated in the event. Following the inauguration ceremony, the presence of the highest authorities of Lviv at the event represented an essential opportunity to discuss, together with the Mayor of Trento Mr. Ianeselli, in the presence of  Mr. Camin and Mrs. Valmorbida, the opening of a new Local Democracy Agency in the Ukrainian city of Lviv. The establishment of this LDA in the country is included in the ambitious strategy developed by ALDA in 2022: the flagship initiative in Ukraine.

Ukraine has been at the centre of ALDA’s strategy since 2014, with the opening of the first Local Democracy Agencies in Dnipropetrovsk region in 2015 and Mariupol in 2017, aimed at actively fostering the decentralisation of local communities and the sustainable reconstruction of the country. Moreover, 2023, coinciding with the celebration of 30 years of Local Democracy Agencies in the Balkans, marked the opening of the new LDA in Odesa, a symbol of hope for local communities and a brighter future for Ukraine.

Over the years, ALDA has worked to promote the role of LDAs on the ground, involving them in transnational cooperation projects focused on good governance, citizen participation, training and capacity building of local authorities.

Supporting voluntary activities, the promotion of European values and the active participation of citizens are key elements for the strengthening and survival of local communities. 

Congratulating once again the city of Trento for its prestigious award, ALDA looks forward to working together to further stimulate local action and strengthen democracy.

Trento Capitale Europea del Volontariato 2024: creare una comunità attiva a favore della solidarietà, della partecipazione e dell’impegno civico

Siamo lieti di annunciare che la città di Trento (Italia), #socioALDA, è quest’anno la Capitale europea del Volontariato. Un traguardo importante che certifica l’impegno di tutta la comunità trentina nella promozione del volontariato, dei valori europei e della cittadinanza attiva.

L’annuncio di tale riconoscimento è avvenuto lo scorso 5 dicembre durante la Giornata mondiale del volontariato, con Trento che prende il testimone di Trondheim (Norvegia) e diventa la seconda città italiana ad assumere tale incarico dopo Padova nel 2020.

La designazione della Capitale europea del Volontariato, lanciata nel 2013 dal Centro Europeo del Volontariato (CEV) di Bruxelles (Belgio), mira a promuovere e rafforzare il volontariato locale, rendendo le comunità più resilienti e migliorando la qualità della vita dei cittadini. Ogni città europea può partecipare e il vincitore viene selezionato da una giuria internazionale composta da rappresentanti del mondo del volontariato, del settore non-profit, della società civile, del settore privato e delle istituzioni europee.

La cerimonia inaugurale di Trento Capitale europea del Volontariato 2024 si è tenuta sabato 3 febbraio con la presenza straordinaria del Presidente della Repubblica Sergio Mattarella, del Presidente della Regione Trentino Alto Adige, Maurizio Fugatti, del sindaco di Trento Franco Ianeselli, della direttrice del CEV Gabriella Civico e di altri ospiti nazionali ed internazionali che hanno reso l’evento unico nel suo genere. 

Sostenere le attività di volontariato, la promozione dei valori europei e la partecipazione attiva dei cittadini sono elementi fondamentali per il rafforzamento e la sopravvivenza delle comunità locali

Tra gli ospiti della cerimonia, Andrij Sadovyj, Andriy Moshkalenko e Serhiy Kiral, rispettivamente sindaco e vice sindaci di Leopoli (Ucraina), città che ha concorso insieme a Trento per il titolo di Capitale europea del volontariato 2024. 

In rappresentanza di ALDA, hanno partecipato all’evento Maurizio Camin, membro del Consiglio direttivo di ALDA, e Antonella Valmorbida, Segretario Generale dell’Associazione. Dopo la cerimonia di inaugurazione, la presenza delle massime autorità di Leopoli all’evento ha rappresentato un’occasione fondamentale per discutere, insieme al sindaco di Trento Ianeselli, alla presenza di Camin e Valmorbida, dell’apertura di una nuova Agenzia della Democrazia Locale nella città ucraina di Leopoli. L’istituzione di questa ADL nel Paese rientra nell’ambiziosa strategia sviluppata da ALDA nel 2022: l’iniziativa faro in Ucraina.

L’Ucraina è al centro della strategia di ALDA dal 2014, con l’apertura delle prime Agenzie della Democrazia Locale a Dnipropetrovsk nel 2015 e a Mariupol nel 2017, con l’obiettivo di favorire attivamente il decentramento delle comunità locali e la ricostruzione sostenibile del Paese. Inoltre, il 2023, in concomitanza con la celebrazione dei 30 anni delle Agenzie della Democrazia Locale nei Balcani, ha segnato l’apertura della nuova ADL di Odessa, simbolo di speranza per le comunità locali e di un futuro più luminoso per l’Ucraina.

Nel corso degli anni, ALDA ha lavorato per promuovere il ruolo delle ADL sul territorio, coinvolgendole in progetti di cooperazione transnazionale incentrati sulla buona governance, la partecipazione dei cittadini, la formazione e il rafforzamento delle capacità delle autorità locali.

Sostenere le attività di volontariato, la promozione dei valori europei e la partecipazione attiva dei cittadini sono elementi fondamentali per il rafforzamento e la sopravvivenza delle comunità locali. 

Nel complimentarsi nuovamente con la città di Trento per il prestigioso riconoscimento ottenuto, ALDA non vede l’ora di collaborare per incentivare ulteriormente l’azione locale e rafforzare la democrazia.

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As a key actor of local democracy and civil society development, we are proud to announce that ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy – signed the open letter #EUCivilDialogueNow from the EESC’s Civil Society Group and Civil Society Europe, calling on the European Institutions to take concrete measures to implement the provisions of the Treaty on European Union for an open, transparent and regular dialogue with civil society in all policy areas. 

The letter received the immediate support of a total of 156 signatories from across 26 Member States, and ALDA is committed to spreading the message in order to build a democratic society based on fundamental rights and open dialogue by creating direct channels to engage in the EU policy-making process.

Indeed, according to Article 11 of the Treaty, the EU Institutions should already maintain an “open, transparent and regular dialogue with representative associations and civil society” as a main principle of our democracy. Nevertheless, civil dialogue is still patchy and unstructured across the EU and therefore needs considerable progress, beginning with the recommendations arisen by the Conference on the Future of Europe. 

The European institutions must follow up on these recommendations and implement them with all the necessary tools to commit themselves and make substantial progress ahead of the upcoming European elections.

As initiator and member of Civil Society Europe, ALDA shares the vision of a vibrant and active democracy for Europe, where citizens participate in decision-making processes and have trust in their institutions

Through an ambitious approach, the signatories of the open letter request the EU Institutions to: 

  • Initiate an inter-institutional agreement on civil dialogue, harmonising standards and providing spaces to tighten up the quality of local engagement.
  • Create within each institution leadership positions in charge of relations with civil society (i.e. the mandate of the Vice President of both the European Parliament and the European Commission responsible for that relationship), and ensure the establishment of permanent civil dialogue structures in each Member State and relevant EU institution, including the European Council.
  • Promote and strengthen the cooperation between civil and social actors, extending knowledge, expertise and networks in communities and existing societies.   

All of this beginning with the recommendations of the 2024 EU Elections Manifesto for a better civic space and civil dialogue. 

As initiator and member of Civil Society Europe, ALDA shares the vision of a vibrant and active democracy for Europe, where citizens participate in decision-making processes and have trust in their institutions.

Fostering civil dialogue and cooperation with policy-makers ensures greater legitimacy and better implementation of policies related to each area of citizens’ lives, addressing the multiple challenges that our communities and societies face nowadays.

Discover the open letter by clicking here. 

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ALDA is delighted to announce its recent success in securing two grants, furthering its commitment to community development and resilience in Ukraine. These grants mark a significant step in ALDA’s mission to address pressing social needs and support new Ukrainian members.

The first grant has been awarded for the City of Poltava, an esteemed member of ALDA. This funding will pave the way for the creation of a Veterans Center, dedicated to supporting the social integration of individuals returning from the front. ALDA recognises the significance of addressing the needs of those directly affected by the war, underlining its dedication to fostering community resilience.

The second grant, provided by Engagement Global, has been awarded to LDA Dnipropetrovsk in collaboration with the NGO Blue Yellow Cross from North Rhine-Westphalia region in Germany. This funding will be instrumental in the renovation and equipment of a shelter in the basement of a multi-level block in the city of Dnipro.

ALDA expresses its gratitude to the Council of Europe for awarding this financial support.

These achievements reaffirm ALDA’s standing commitment to fostering positive change and creating impactful projects that address the diverse needs of communities.

We look forward to the successful implementation of these projects and their lasting impact on the lives of those they aim to serve.

Since the war’s inception, ALDA has actively engaged in programs for local authorities in Ukraine, with LDAs in Mariupol and Dnipropetrovsk Region playing a pivotal role. The objective is to establish new LDAs in the near future, as outlined in the Flagship Initiative in Ukraine.

ALDA’s role in Ukraine is not just about responding to immediate challenges but also about laying the foundation for long-term resilience, recovery, and collaboration.

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AT A GLANCE

Extraordinary Citizens (Extra-C) is a project that aims to raise awareness and improve inclusive participatory democracy by promoting the active participation of young people with intellectual, psychosocial and developmental disabilities in the democratic life of their (local/regional/national) environment and at a EU Level. In order to achieve this goal, the project will carry out the following activities:

  1. A study on the situation of the democratic rights and the participatory spaces of young people with ID in the partnership countries;
  2. The development and implementation of training modules so that people with ID and their trainers acquire the tools and competencies necessary to actively participate in the democratic life;
  3. Structure dialogue activities where these young people transmit their concerns and political proposals to public representatives and public organisms of young representation. At this point a Good Practices Manual will be created;
  4. A mobility to Strasbourg where young people with ID and youth workers will get to know the EU institutions and come into contact with public representatives. Moreover the mobility will enable over 50participants to be involved in intercultural and EU Citizenship trainingwhile having the opportunity to meet peers from other countries;
  5. National Events will give a platform for stakeholders to reflect and disseminate the project’s results and for the young people with ID, to share their experience and learning processes;

In order to carry out this work plan, the partnership involved includes organisations from Spain, Portugal, Lithuania, Greece and France with a wide range of expertise in the fields of youth, research, training and active participation. The French partner has also offices in BE, IT, RS, MK, MD and TN; so we expect the impact of the project to reach far over the partnership countries. The Project will ensure open access and dissemination of the project results and training materials.

OBJECTIVES

Extraordinary Citizens aims at encouraging and facilitating the inclusive participation of young people with intellectual and physical disabilities in the society, especially in the democratic processes that affect them directly, that means in the socioeconomic, cultural and political factor.
This project aims to address the protection and promotion of human rights among ID people by promoting the needed tools to develop critical thinking based on respect, dignity and inclusion.

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DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

AT A GLANCE

The project aims to empower young women in developing cohesive, inclusive, and sustainable communities, through: multi- stakeholder roundtables, mentorship, and action plans to develop skills, knowledge, and confidence.

The project is expected to increase leadership and community project development, network building, communication skills, personal branding, fundraising, and cross-cultural exchange. It will culminate in a final outreach event and policy brief to provide further recommendations.

OBJECTIVES

Empower young women to drive change in their communities, by providing them with a supportive intercultural, inclusive, and sustainable learning environment.

This entails promoting active citizenship, youth entrepreneurship, and reinforcing links between policy, research, and
practice. The specific objectives are: to acquire knowledge of approaches and tools; to involve policy-makers in promoting gender equality; and to challenge gender stereotypes through offline and online campaigns.

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DOCUMENTS

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AT A GLANCE

K-CCRI is a project that was born to enlarge the impact of the existing Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI). Its goal, at large, is to promote and make the concept of “Circular Economy” a tangible reality in Eu cities and regions, particularly for those who are starting to get on this path.


For reaching such an objective, K.CCRI will act as the “Knowledge Hub” of the CCRI, bringing together already existing knowledge and critical mass and fostering an even larger adoption. This, in turn, will be achieved via:

  • Easy-to-access and systematized body of knowledge;
  • Tailored mentoring for city-users;
  • Effective awareness which builds upon public engagement, innovation and technology, business and financial modelling, impact evaluation.

A multidisciplinary journey of 12 partners in 6 European Countries, K-CCRI will rely on complementary skills and competences to give a boost to circular economy in Europe.

OBJECTIVES

  • To bring together relevant knowledge and initiatives fostering circular economy among regions and cities;
  • To build and make accessible and user-friendly material to facilitate learning and exchange of knowledge and best-practices;
  • To bring together a pool of experts (inside and outside the project consortium) and implement a specific programme to provide mentoring and tailored support;
  • To provide capacity-building activities;
  • To develop guidelines and policy recommendations for local and regional authorities;
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DOCUMENTS

AT A GLANCE

The SPUR project sees a collaboration between 6 local authorities of 5 European Countries which are the bearer of significant expertise in supporting marginalised youth and elders and are often working with people coming from a migratory background or marginalised gender. These are citizens whose socialisation suffered the most during the Covid19 pandemic, however episodes of urban solidarity spurred amid restrictions and lockdown.

While the consequences of the pandemic are still harshly felt by some of these subjects, the SPUR project will be the occasion thanks to which their municipalities of residence will map their needs of these citizens, exchange best practices and pilot further initiatives to strengthen neighbour socialisation.

OBJECTIVES

  • Reflecting on the impact of COVID-19 in local communities for elderly and the youth;
  • Social reintegration of migrants and women;
  • Establishing transnational cooperation of communities on a European level for peer learning and the exchange of best practices;
  • Finding sustainable, long-term solutions for building a resilient community;
  • Creating a network among citizens, associations and local authorities within the local territories

The SPUR project is financed by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme of the European Union.

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DOCUMENTS

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AT A GLANCE

The SCEPA project has the ambition to impact on energy poverty in the North West Regions of Europe, by pursuing the following objectives:

  • It aims to have a Joint Action Strategy and Local Action Plans in the area that will allow for a transnational cooperation that will benefit energy-poor households;
  • It will pilot some existing energy-saving Tools so to accelerate their efficiency and strengthen local strategies and action plans for energy;
  • It will focus on a large outreach, by constantly communicating project results that come from sound monitoring and evaluation processes and spreading them to a newly created Community of Interests via communication or capacity-building initiatives

By defying the current state of little international cooperation, SCEPA will try to create Energy Communities across NW Europe (FR, IRL, BE, UK, DE and NL), which will reduce the monthly energy bills of 105,000+ households, will increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases emissions, as a results.

OBJECTIVES

  • Develop a Join Action Strategy (JAS) + Local Action Plans (LAPs) on reducing energy poverty, integrating state of the art knowledge/practices. Findings from the JAS + LAPs are translated into a data platform and toolbox for partners and target groups;
  • Enhancing common and target group specific energy poverty tools for vulnerable households, including hard to get target groups;
  • Enlarge SCEPA’s outreach to energy poor vulnerable households in NEW, by providing insights in project results + transfer of results to stakeholders and a Community of Interest

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