Our research and observations focused on rural and revitalized areas of the Śląskie Voivodeship showed that there is a need for initiatives that include local citizens into decision-making processes about their local environment, as well as more intense and well-organized intergenerational cooperation and inclusion of the elders into the community’s life. Our projects up to this point have shown that inter-generational initiatives release energy and strengthen the motivation of individuals 60 years old and over to work for and help others, as well as create the necessary space for that inter-generational work and help combat social stereotypes.
Continuing that strategy, we have recruited and trained volunteers of all ages in volunteering ideology, grassroots initiatives, developing diagnoses of local needs, and civic engagement. Trained individuals created inter-generational teams and participated in workshops during which they developed a model and a plan for engaging their local communities around Śląskie Voivodeship in building inclusive courtyards in their neighborhoods. The participants developed their leadership skills necessary for leading projects and moved on to finalize “Neighborly benches” project – spaces for folks to gather and meet. Together, we have organized courtyard celebrations in five selected towns, involving and engaging local communities. We have also organized the volunteering forum that allowed those engaged in our projects to present and highlight their work, and discuss ideas and possibilities for including individuals from rural and revitalized areas into collaborations in their areas.
Our surveys conducted with the people from five towns involved revealed the projects have brought a positive change to the way these five communities self-organize. They helped tighten the relationships between neighbors and mobilized them to working together. As a result, each neighborhood managed to create an inclusive courtyard.