According to our observations, we are the only organization in the Śmigiel Municipality (Wielkopolskie Voivodeship) that brings together volunteers, coordinates civic initiatives and motivates the local community into action. However, we have a limited capacity, and this project will allow us to reach small towns and villages where the civic engagement is at its lowest. Our research and interviews point towards a need for engaging the citizens, including seniors, in civic initiatives. However, these individuals often point to a lack of courage, knowledge, and experience when it comes to civic engagement.

We would like to create a Center for the Civic Initiatives that would bring together a coalition of people and institutions that are eager to work on behalf of local communities. We will devise a Local Activism Program, create a volunteers and volunteering opportunities database and hire a mentor to organize the operations and support for the community in implementing their grassroots initiatives. We will also organize a series of workshops and trainings on civic engagement, including volunteering, participation, grassroots engagement and collaboration with the local communities. Together with institutions of a similar profile from our area we will conduct two additional workshops and learn from our collaborators’ knowledge and experience. As part of our Center’s operations, our volunteers put together a local diagnosis and implement five grassroots initiatives of their choosing. Finally, we will put together the Civic Organizers Gala, during which we will present the implemented projects and reward the most active individuals from Śmigiel Municipality.

Śmigiel Municipality is our partner and will support us financially. The project is also financially supported by the Community Bank in Śmigiel.