We responded to the problem of the lack of functioning meeting and integration places, which affects nearly half of the villages in the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship. The presence of such places is crucial for fostering and stimulating social life in rural areas. According to our research, the activities of most of the existing community centers were limited to occasional events. These places often lacked a coordinator to ensure regular activities and offerings.

As part of our project, we recruited five community centers in Ostróda County, which we supported to become vibrant animation centers. The selected community centers were tasked with engaging the local residents and local governments in the project. We conducted training on the role of community centers, local environmental diagnostics, and sources of funding for such centers. Workshops on animation and development activities, as well as handicraft techniques for children and adults, were organized. Together with the selected community centers, we created long-term plans for their development, including expanding their offerings, seeking funding, and involving the local community. As part of the project, we also financed the implementation of projects devised with the support of each community center.

The community centers chosen for the project changed their operating model to a participatory one and prepared long-term action plans. Additionally, their management approach changed – decisions concerning these meeting places for all residents are now consulted and made collectively.