The project was directed at the citizens of three districts of the city of Łódź: Polesie, Śródmieście, and Widzew. According to a study from 2016, these three communities face many social problems and are characterized by a low civic engagement. Our experience suggested the lack of engagement is related to low self-esteem, lack of lasting relationship building skills, and a lack of the sense of agency within their environment.
We addressed these problems by completing a series of workshops focused on self-development and civic education. The classes were conducted according to the tenants of Nonviolent Communication. We have also invited other NGOs working in Łódź. Recruited citizens presented their own ideas for civic initiatives and received our support in implementing them in their local communities. The project finished with a presentation and evaluation of the completed initiatives.
The project managed to activate 48 citizens of Łódź. Post-project surveys and conversations suggest that the participants became more engaged, tolerant, and open towards others. They are also more attuned to the needs of their immediate environment. The participants also learned how to counteract the burnout effect and increase the morale and motivate other participants in local initiatives.