LDA SISAK Project on volunteering presented to public in Vrginmost, Ozalj, Laktaši and Gradiška
Projekt “Cross-border Volunteers’ Networking for Local Community Development”, implemented by the LDA Sisak and OKC Banja Luka, is publicly presented in Vrginmost and Ozalj (Croatia) and Laktaši and Gradiška (Bosnia and Herzegovina). The presentations gathered local authorities, public institutions and all interested citizens.
According to the project activities, opening of local volunteer services (LVS) are to be opened in April 2013 in these towns. The purpose of these public presentations was to present future role of LVSs in community to their potential beneficiaries and establishes partnerships for future cooperation with social partners. The objectives and activities were presented to be implemented within this cross-border project, especially highlighting activities planed in each town.
Public presentation in Vrginmost was organised on 20 February 2013 by the project partner association Sunflower-centre for community development in cabinet of Municipality Gvozd Mayor. LDA Sisak project coordinator Mrs Paula Raužan presented the project itself and Mr Jugoslav Jevdjić from OKC Banja Luka concept of LVS work, its advantages and benefits for local community, same as concrete examples of cooperation between public institutions and LVS.
In town hall of Ozalj, public presentation was held on 22 February 2013, organised by partner Local action group Vallis Colapis. The meeting opened Mrs Mirjana Vidiček, Head of department for finances and economy, expressing her great pleasure for upcoming project activities since they will include all citizens living in the area of Local action group. Coordinator of LVS Vallis Colapis Mrs Maja Vinski, presented upcoming project activities in their geographical area, followed by presentations of project coordinators, Mrs Paula Raužan and Mrs Vanja Kukrika.
Public presentation of the project held in Laktaši town hall opened Mayor Mr. Milovan Topalović on 20 March 2013, and organised by Centre for children, youth and family. LVS Laktaši Coordinator Mrs Milana Milanović, informed present public that LVS if formally to be open on April 17, and said is hoping to establish excellent cooperation wit both public institutions and civil society organisations. Project coordinators on behalf of project leaders, LDA Sisak and OKC Banja Luka, presented the project objectives and LVS working concept and system of organised work with volunteers.
Association Most organised the public presentation on 22 March in Gradiška opened by Head of development department of Municipality of Gradiška, Mrs Brankica Brkić. Mrs Brkić said she is pleased that LVS will be functioning in her town since she is convinced that is a right tool to involved young people in community work, but in its social and public work as well. In this way, public will grow on positive attitude towards volunteering.
LVS Coordinator, Mr Predrag Borojević, is convinced that good voluntary programs will increase life quality in the town. Project coordinators, Mrs. Paula Raužan and Mrs. Vanja Kukrika, highlighted positive experiences and good practice from previous similar activities that led to great awareness rising in communities where LVSs are functioning. As they singled out, by building capacities of public institutions and civil organisations and good cooperation, the objective will be met – setting up qualitative and efficient system of volunteer’s management.
Participants of these public presentations had opportunity to get answers to their many questions, mostly on concrete good practices of placing volunteers in public institutions through LVS services.
Projekt “Cross-border Volunteers’ Networking for Local Community Development”, implemented by the LDA Sisak and OKC Banja Luka, is publicly presented in Vrginmost and Ozalj (Croatia) and Laktaši and Gradiška (Bosnia and Herzegovina). The presentations gathered local authorities, public institutions and all interested citizens.
According to the project activities, opening of local volunteer services (LVS) are to be opened in April 2013 in these towns. The purpose of these public presentations was to present future role of LVSs in community to their potential beneficiaries and establishes partnerships for future cooperation with social partners. The objectives and activities were presented to be implemented within this cross-border project, especially highlighting activities planed in each town.
Public presentation in Vrginmost was organised on 20 February 2013 by the project partner association Sunflower-centre for community development in cabinet of Municipality Gvozd Mayor. LDA Sisak project coordinator Mrs Paula Raužan presented the project itself and Mr Jugoslav Jevdjić from OKC Banja Luka concept of LVS work, its advantages and benefits for local community, same as concrete examples of cooperation between public institutions and LVS.
In town hall of Ozalj, public presentation was held on 22 February 2013, organised by partner Local action group Vallis Colapis. The meeting opened Mrs Mirjana Vidiček, Head of department for finances and economy, expressing her great pleasure for upcoming project activities since they will include all citizens living in the area of Local action group. Coordinator of LVS Vallis Colapis Mrs Maja Vinski, presented upcoming project activities in their geographical area, followed by presentations of project coordinators, Mrs Paula Raužan and Mrs Vanja Kukrika.
Public presentation of the project held in Laktaši town hall opened Mayor Mr. Milovan Topalović on 20 March 2013, and organised by Centre for children, youth and family. LVS Laktaši Coordinator Mrs Milana Milanović, informed present public that LVS if formally to be open on April 17, and said is hoping to establish excellent cooperation wit both public institutions and civil society organisations. Project coordinators on behalf of project leaders, LDA Sisak and OKC Banja Luka, presented the project objectives and LVS working concept and system of organised work with volunteers.
Association Most organised the public presentation on 22 March in Gradiška opened by Head of development department of Municipality of Gradiška, Mrs Brankica Brkić. Mrs Brkić said she is pleased that LVS will be functioning in her town since she is convinced that is a right tool to involved young people in community work, but in its social and public work as well. In this way, public will grow on positive attitude towards volunteering.
LVS Coordinator, Mr Predrag Borojević, is convinced that good voluntary programs will increase life quality in the town. Project coordinators, Mrs. Paula Raužan and Mrs. Vanja Kukrika, highlighted positive experiences and good practice from previous similar activities that led to great awareness rising in communities where LVSs are functioning. As they singled out, by building capacities of public institutions and civil organisations and good cooperation, the objective will be met – setting up qualitative and efficient system of volunteer’s management.
Participants of these public presentations had opportunity to get answers to their many questions, mostly on concrete good practices of placing volunteers in public institutions through LVS services.
AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR IN BIH VISITED ZAVIDOVICI
Local Democracy Agency Zavidovići organized the visit of the Ambassador of Austria in BiH to Zavidovici on Thursday April 11th 2013, within the project “European and Our Affairs”, which is funded by the EU.
H.E. Donatus Köck arrived in Zavidovici in the afternoon, and upon arrival the reception was held in the office of Municipality Mayor, Suad Omerasevic. Representatives of the Municipality took this pleasant conversation as an opportunity to inform Ambassador about important facts related to Zavidovici, it’s economic and social situation, and to express willingness to cooperate in every way.
Next there was the signing of the Memorandum of European partnership between the Municipality Zavidovići and European Movement in BiH, by which Zavidovići have become the 36th party to this Memorandum in BiH.
The most massive and the most interesting part of the event was the visit of entire delegation, which was, besides the Ambassador, composed by the Mayor Suad Omerasevic and Chairman of the Municipal Council Radoslav Petrovic, to the High school Rizah Odžečkić, where students have appropriately welcomed the Ambassador and organized representation of their school in German language, for which they were adequately prepared by their language teachers. Then H.E. Donatus Köck lectured the students on various aspects of accession to the EU and how it can be beneficial to them. Also in the session of questions and answers they discussed the possibilities of studying in Austria for students from BiH, which are huge thanks to friendly relations of the country towards students from BiH.
After meeting with the students, the delegation went to the grounds of IP „Krivaja“, where there are many buildings built in the Austro-Hungarian period. The Ambassador there visited the famous Villa of Zavidovici, now an office building for the management of „Krivaja“, and the museum which includes old machines originating from the time of birth of the town and the industry in this region. This was also an opportunity to extensively discuss the future of industrial plants, many of which are now unused.
After “Krivaja”, the whole delegation, headed by Ambassador, visited the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Zavidovici. To the Ambassador it was was interesting to see that the church, which was built in 1914 in neo-Gothic style, looks like many religious buildings constructed during this period in Austria.
After a pleasant conversation with Reverend Miro Beslic, followed a dinner at Kristal Hotel, which also marked the end of this short but rich and enjoyable visit.
However, after dinner, the Ambassador expressed his interest and briefly visited the park in the center of Zavidovici where the famous stone sphere is, while a tour of stone sphere discovery site, as well as Natural Monument Tajan, is left for the next visit.
Local Democracy Agency Zavidovići organized the visit of the Ambassador of Austria in BiH to Zavidovici on Thursday April 11th 2013, within the project “European and Our Affairs”, which is funded by the EU.
H.E. Donatus Köck arrived in Zavidovici in the afternoon, and upon arrival the reception was held in the office of Municipality Mayor, Suad Omerasevic. Representatives of the Municipality took this pleasant conversation as an opportunity to inform Ambassador about important facts related to Zavidovici, it’s economic and social situation, and to express willingness to cooperate in every way.
Next there was the signing of the Memorandum of European partnership between the Municipality Zavidovići and European Movement in BiH, by which Zavidovići have become the 36th party to this Memorandum in BiH.
The most massive and the most interesting part of the event was the visit of entire delegation, which was, besides the Ambassador, composed by the Mayor Suad Omerasevic and Chairman of the Municipal Council Radoslav Petrovic, to the High school Rizah Odžečkić, where students have appropriately welcomed the Ambassador and organized representation of their school in German language, for which they were adequately prepared by their language teachers. Then H.E. Donatus Köck lectured the students on various aspects of accession to the EU and how it can be beneficial to them. Also in the session of questions and answers they discussed the possibilities of studying in Austria for students from BiH, which are huge thanks to friendly relations of the country towards students from BiH.
After meeting with the students, the delegation went to the grounds of IP „Krivaja“, where there are many buildings built in the Austro-Hungarian period. The Ambassador there visited the famous Villa of Zavidovici, now an office building for the management of „Krivaja“, and the museum which includes old machines originating from the time of birth of the town and the industry in this region. This was also an opportunity to extensively discuss the future of industrial plants, many of which are now unused.
After “Krivaja”, the whole delegation, headed by Ambassador, visited the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Zavidovici. To the Ambassador it was was interesting to see that the church, which was built in 1914 in neo-Gothic style, looks like many religious buildings constructed during this period in Austria.
After a pleasant conversation with Reverend Miro Beslic, followed a dinner at Kristal Hotel, which also marked the end of this short but rich and enjoyable visit.
However, after dinner, the Ambassador expressed his interest and briefly visited the park in the center of Zavidovici where the famous stone sphere is, while a tour of stone sphere discovery site, as well as Natural Monument Tajan, is left for the next visit.
ALDA to the 3rd Assises of Decentralised cooperation
ALDA contributed actively to the 3rd Assises of Decentralised Cooperation organised by the Committee of the Regions (link a http://cor.europa.eu/en/Pages/home.aspx) on the 9th-10th of April. ALDA is one of the contributors to the realisation of the event.
ALDA President, Mr Oriano Otočan, was one of the speakers of the associated seminar on “Decentralised Cooperation: toward a multi-stakeholder a multi-level approach organized by ALDA, UNDP ART and the Basque agency for development cooperation. ALDA Vice-president, Mr Alessandro Perelli, gave his contribution, as one of the speakers, to the associated seminar on “The Western Balkans joining the EU: the contribution of decentralised cooperation” organized jointly by ALDA, Region Lower Normandie, Region Istria, Canton Sarajevo and EPA.
Moreover, ALDA was present at the Assises with a thematic stand, presenting the “France/Balkans multilateral decentralised cooperation programme on good local governance in South-East Europe”.
The Assises represented a unique opportunity to bring together local and regional authorities’ representatives from the EU and developing countries to exchange their views and hold a political dialogue with the European institutions on development cooperation.
In addition, on the 9th of April, ALDA, in close cooperation with the Association Pays Vichy-Auvergne organized the preview of the film “Sur les pas d’Albert Londres dans les Balkans” ALDA has given a strong contribution to the realisation of the film that will be soon distributed and projected in many relevant events.
Last but not least, a 3-days Study Visit in Brussels has been organized within the framework of the WTD – Working Together for Development programme from the 8 to the 11 April, which included meetings with Mr Andris Gobins, Member of the REX Committee of the EESC and with the Secretariat of CoR CIVEX Committee; also a meeting with CONCORD and TRIALOG.
For more information on the activities listed above please contact Mr Alfonso Aliberti, Project Manager of ALDA, at alfonso.aliberti@aldaintranet.org.
ALDA contributed actively to the 3rd Assises of Decentralised Cooperation organised by the Committee of the Regions (link a http://cor.europa.eu/en/Pages/home.aspx) on the 9th-10th of April. ALDA is one of the contributors to the realisation of the event.
ALDA President, Mr Oriano Otočan, was one of the speakers of the associated seminar on “Decentralised Cooperation: toward a multi-stakeholder a multi-level approach organized by ALDA, UNDP ART and the Basque agency for development cooperation. ALDA Vice-president, Mr Alessandro Perelli, gave his contribution, as one of the speakers, to the associated seminar on “The Western Balkans joining the EU: the contribution of decentralised cooperation” organized jointly by ALDA, Region Lower Normandie, Region Istria, Canton Sarajevo and EPA.
Moreover, ALDA was present at the Assises with a thematic stand, presenting the “France/Balkans multilateral decentralised cooperation programme on good local governance in South-East Europe”.
The Assises represented a unique opportunity to bring together local and regional authorities’ representatives from the EU and developing countries to exchange their views and hold a political dialogue with the European institutions on development cooperation.
In addition, on the 9th of April, ALDA, in close cooperation with the Association Pays Vichy-Auvergne organized the preview of the film “Sur les pas d’Albert Londres dans les Balkans” ALDA has given a strong contribution to the realisation of the film that will be soon distributed and projected in many relevant events.
Last but not least, a 3-days Study Visit in Brussels has been organized within the framework of the WTD – Working Together for Development programme from the 8 to the 11 April, which included meetings with Mr Andris Gobins, Member of the REX Committee of the EESC and with the Secretariat of CoR CIVEX Committee; also a meeting with CONCORD and TRIALOG.
For more information on the activities listed above please contact Mr Alfonso Aliberti, Project Manager of ALDA, at alfonso.aliberti@aldaintranet.org.
ALDA at the Board meeting of Civicus!
Antonella Valmorbida, Director of ALDA, took part in the Board meeting of Civicus in New York. ALDA joined Civicus – the world alliance for Citizens Participation in 2011 and in 2012, it became part of the Board.
The strategic plan were adopted and it is now time to put it in place to support Civic space for civil society around the world. The Association of the Local Democracy Agencies is bringing its added value in terms of local governance and dialogue between local authorities and civil society.
The new Secretary General, Danny Sriskandarajah, confirmed the interest of Civicus to work with ALDA on this topics.
This week, the Director of Outreach of ALDA, M. Henri Valot, will be key speaker at the workshop of ALDA at the Assises of International Decentralised Cooperation in Brussels.
For Civicus : www.civicus.org
Antonella Valmorbida, Director of ALDA, took part in the Board meeting of Civicus in New York. ALDA joined Civicus – the world alliance for Citizens Participation in 2011 and in 2012, it became part of the Board.
The strategic plan were adopted and it is now time to put it in place to support Civic space for civil society around the world. The Association of the Local Democracy Agencies is bringing its added value in terms of local governance and dialogue between local authorities and civil society.
The new Secretary General, Danny Sriskandarajah, confirmed the interest of Civicus to work with ALDA on this topics.
This week, the Director of Outreach of ALDA, M. Henri Valot, will be key speaker at the workshop of ALDA at the Assises of International Decentralised Cooperation in Brussels.
For Civicus : www.civicus.org
LDA Sisak partner in the project ESM 2
LDA Sisak is partner in the organisation and the implementation of the project ESM2, on strengthening local capacities for the implementation of the European social model and access to European social networks.
The project, financed by the National Foundation for Civil Society Development, foresees several activities, aiming at the strengthening the capacities of local stakeholders to better understand and apply the concepts advocated and promoted by the European social model that will be implemented into designing and development of their local social agendas.
The project involves CSOs and it foresees different thematic workshops about achievements and good practices of welfare mix policy, the practice of OMC in the preparation, adoption and implementation of social programs, the European social model, social cohesion, and social innovation, which will be held in five Croatian cities: Pula, Split, Osijek,Sisak and Zagreb.
LDA Sisak is partner in the organisation and the implementation of the project ESM2, on strengthening local capacities for the implementation of the European social model and access to European social networks.
The project, financed by the National Foundation for Civil Society Development, foresees several activities, aiming at the strengthening the capacities of local stakeholders to better understand and apply the concepts advocated and promoted by the European social model that will be implemented into designing and development of their local social agendas.
The project involves CSOs and it foresees different thematic workshops about achievements and good practices of welfare mix policy, the practice of OMC in the preparation, adoption and implementation of social programs, the European social model, social cohesion, and social innovation, which will be held in five Croatian cities: Pula, Split, Osijek,Sisak and Zagreb.
Support for networking and twinning at European level SNET. EU Opening of the Resource centre for cross-border cooperation in Subotica, 5th April 2013
Subotica Resource Centre is one of two centers that are established for the implementation of the main activities of the project “Support to networking and cooperation at European level,” funded by the European Union, and the focus will improve the level of knowledge and skills of local authorities in the EU integration by promoting models of good local practices, and the development of local civil society.
Resource Centre, which will be managed by LDA Subotica aims at enabling the border region to take the full share of responsibility for developing the cooperation that will be a key factor in the process of European integration in the future. Given the lack of information exchange and cooperation in a cross-border region, the approach is to create networking opportunities for economic development and strengthening relations between Croatian and Serbian local authorities.
Achieving these goals will be possible by training personnel and developing the administrative capacity of local communities to become more efficient and better equipped to cooperate with the European Union, as well as to introduce the instruments of EU financial support. Successful cross-border cooperation is very important to improve the management and leadership potential of existing human and other resources available for the implementation of IPA projects and establishing twinning, and also for the promotion of networking as a significant means for fostering active citizenship and building of common European identity. One of the tasks of the Resource Centre will be providing consulting services to local authorities and civil society organizations to develop a network of partnerships, twinning, and even influencing the policies, plans, and accessing EU funds. In addition, the Resource Centre will promote the European concept of active citizenship and will organize meetings in order to promote cooperation and exchange of experiences between local governments of Croatia and Serbia.
Resource Centre will be managed by twinning advisers who will coordinate the establishment of new partnerships, initiatives and proposals within the border region and with EU partners.
Subotica Resource Centre is one of two centers that are established for the implementation of the main activities of the project “Support to networking and cooperation at European level,” funded by the European Union, and the focus will improve the level of knowledge and skills of local authorities in the EU integration by promoting models of good local practices, and the development of local civil society.
Resource Centre, which will be managed by LDA Subotica aims at enabling the border region to take the full share of responsibility for developing the cooperation that will be a key factor in the process of European integration in the future. Given the lack of information exchange and cooperation in a cross-border region, the approach is to create networking opportunities for economic development and strengthening relations between Croatian and Serbian local authorities.
Achieving these goals will be possible by training personnel and developing the administrative capacity of local communities to become more efficient and better equipped to cooperate with the European Union, as well as to introduce the instruments of EU financial support. Successful cross-border cooperation is very important to improve the management and leadership potential of existing human and other resources available for the implementation of IPA projects and establishing twinning, and also for the promotion of networking as a significant means for fostering active citizenship and building of common European identity. One of the tasks of the Resource Centre will be providing consulting services to local authorities and civil society organizations to develop a network of partnerships, twinning, and even influencing the policies, plans, and accessing EU funds. In addition, the Resource Centre will promote the European concept of active citizenship and will organize meetings in order to promote cooperation and exchange of experiences between local governments of Croatia and Serbia.
Resource Centre will be managed by twinning advisers who will coordinate the establishment of new partnerships, initiatives and proposals within the border region and with EU partners.
ALDA at the conference: “Which future for the European democracy?” at Sapienza university of Rome
ALDA intervene in the conference “Which future for the European democracy?” organized by La Sapienza University in Rome on the 4th April 2013. The conference aimed to analyse and debate the future of the European democracy, on the basis of the current contingencies.
The event was promoted by the organisation LabSus and the Department of Political Science of the University “La Sapienza” of Rome, and the conference belonged to the initiatives organised by the Italian Alliance for the European Year of Citizens 2013 in the framework of the EYC.
Mr Fulco Lanchester, Director of the Department of political science, opened the conference and Mrs Maria Cristina Marchetti, Associated Professor of Sociology of Political Phenomenon chaired the meeting.
To the conference ALDA Director, Mrs Antonella Valmorbida, CIME President, Mr Pier Virgilio Dastoli, and FONDACA President, Mr Giovanni Moro intervened as speakers.
ALDA intervene in the conference “Which future for the European democracy?” organized by La Sapienza University in Rome on the 4th April 2013. The conference aimed to analyse and debate the future of the European democracy, on the basis of the current contingencies.
The event was promoted by the organisation LabSus and the Department of Political Science of the University “La Sapienza” of Rome, and the conference belonged to the initiatives organised by the Italian Alliance for the European Year of Citizens 2013 in the framework of the EYC.
Mr Fulco Lanchester, Director of the Department of political science, opened the conference and Mrs Maria Cristina Marchetti, Associated Professor of Sociology of Political Phenomenon chaired the meeting.
To the conference ALDA Director, Mrs Antonella Valmorbida, CIME President, Mr Pier Virgilio Dastoli, and FONDACA President, Mr Giovanni Moro intervened as speakers.