The operators of the FIO-Mazowsze Lokalnie project invite you to participate in a meeting summarizing the three-year implementation of activities supporting grassroots initiatives and the development of young non-governmental organizations in the Masovian Voivodeship.
The event, titled “Social Detonator 2016,” will take place on November 7, 2016 (Monday), from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM in Warsaw. http://mazowszelokalnie.pl/detonator-spoleczny-2016 PLEASE CONFIRM YOUR PARTICIPATION BY REGISTERING USING THE FORM.
How can the enormous stones in Wólka Kamienna, the largest of which weighs 100 tons, be used to integrate residents and educate children? How many magnolia blossoms can the residents of Wołomin plant to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the granting of city rights? What do new associations and foundations need to develop and work for the common good? These are just some of the questions that will be answered during the meeting titled “Social Detonator 20016.” The meeting will be an opportunity to summarize three years of this unique program implemented with the support of the Civic Initiatives Fund.
“By launching the micro-grants program, we wanted to support those closest to local communities and their needs. We want the funds to truly contribute to social change and the development of the organizations themselves. Today, we can confidently say that we have achieved this,” says Jacek Ostrowski of the Cooperation Fund Foundation.
They share many similarities: they operate in various areas of social life, come from cities, towns, and villages, lead young non-governmental organizations or informal groups, and include local leaders, ordinary residents, conscious parents, seniors, photography and craft enthusiasts, and young people. They share even more common ground: they are people who actively work for their communities and unleash social energy. These are the beneficiaries of the “Civic Initiatives Fund – Local Mazowsze” program, who will be attending the “Social Detonator” conference, summarizing the three years of the Program’s implementation, as participants and special guests.
“For some time now, we have been observing a rapid increase in the number of initiatives from informal groups and grassroots social movements,” says Daniel Prędkopowicz, program coordinator. “During the discussion, we will seek confirmation of the thesis that microgrants transform communities and enable lasting social change, that they help unleash local potential,” he adds.
The program includes summaries, presentations of selected projects, a panel discussion, and a fun quiz about the project with all participants.
Below is the event program and a brief summary of the project results.
The FIO-Mazowsze Lokalnie program is a regional support program for local communities and young non-governmental organizations. Its goal was to increase citizen engagement in public life. It was aimed particularly at local communities, but also at small communities in large cities that have limited access to material resources, knowledge, and innovation. During the project, from June 2014 to November 2016, we held three competitions offering microgrants ranging from PLN 1,500 to PLN 5,000. Support was available to informal groups and non-governmental organizations from the Masovian Voivodeship, operating for no longer than 18 months.
The over 500 participants in the funded projects included scouts, representatives of rural associations, horseback riding enthusiasts, lovers of regional cuisine, conscious parents, photography and craft enthusiasts, active seniors, and many others.
A significant group of our beneficiaries were young associations, foundations, and clubs that had just begun their work for the local community.
Three types of activities were supported under the FIO-Mazowsze Lokalnie program:
projects that initiate cooperation among residents for the common good,
projects contributing to the institutional development of young non-governmental organizations, and
support for self-help groups.
The program included, among others:
– 496 projects, implemented by nearly 8,000 people, were co-financed,
– a total of 150,000 people participated in all offered activities,
– the value of micro-grants exceeded PLN 2.1 million,
– projects were implemented in 42 counties in the Masovian Voivodeship,
– a network of FIO Ambassadors was established, connecting 35 local leaders involved in activities for local communities,
– 4,500 partners (organizations, local governments, schools, media, businesses) were engaged,
– 19 webinars, 18 seminars, and 160 hours of specialist consultations were held, during which over 1,500 representatives of NGOs and local leaders expanded their knowledge on issues related to local activism.
More information can be found in the publication and on the website www.mazowszelokalnie.pl.
