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On April 6, 2024, ALDA Secretary General, Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, delivered a presentation on the importance of the European elections 2024 to the Officina sociopolitica Altovicentino. The presentation included an explanation of the European Parliament, of the functions of the Members of the European Parliament and of ALDA’s campaign ‘Better Europe Together: Local Ideas, European Results‘.

The event, entitled ‘Progettazione Europea’ was also attended by Marco Boaria, Director of Programmes and Corporate Strategy of ALDA, who led a presentation on European projects tackling all the project cycle management.

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On April 5, 2024, ALDA delivered an interactive presentation concerning the upcoming European elections to 60 students of the Atheneum Royal Jean Absil in Brussels. The event was aimed at presenting to the students the role of the European Parliament, the number of MEPs that will be elected and their function, and the date for the elections in Belgium.

ALDA gratefully accepted the invitation extended by Stand up for Europe to introduce their simulation of a European Parliament vote. Within this engaging exercise, students assume roles advocating for propositions of law and endorsing amendments in adherence to specific political guidelines.

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Connecting experts and citizens from diverse backgrounds and regions through digital tools in order to shape policies and initiatives.

To actively shape the European Green Deal, online participation can serve as a powerful tool to engage and connect individuals, amplify their voices, and foster inclusive decision-making processes. For this reason, the partners of the REAL DEAL project are delighted to announce the launch of the project’s participatory platform for the European Green Deal – My Real Deal.

The REAL DEAL project sets out to stimulate a pan-European debate involving different stakeholder groups, with the aims of reshaping citizens’ and stakeholders’ active participation and deliberation in the green and just transition. It brings together excellent research with experienced practitioners of deliberative democracy from a wide range of disciplines including environmental rights and the law of public participation, ethics and responsible innovation, gender studies and ecofeminism, psychology, geography, urban planning and applied sustainability studies.

In a massive co-creating exercise, it will research, test and validate innovative tools, formats and processes for deliberative democracy. It involves the EU’s largest networks of civil society organisations active in the field of environment – European Environmental Bureau, climate – Climate Action Network, sustainable development – SDG Watch Europe, local democracy – ALDA and the European Movement International, linking to the youth climate – YEE/Generation Climate Europe and the social justice movement – SOLIDAR. These large networks will invite civil society from across the region to the European Civil Society Forum for the Green and Just Transition to serve as the hub for deliberation on the EDG – making full use of their networks of hundreds of CSOs and millions of citizens across the EU, as well as their established relationships with thousands of policymakers.

The REAL DEAL platform represents a significant step in the efforts to engage citizens in shaping environmental policies all over Europe. Through its multilingualism and multiculturalism, the platform contributes to removing the language and cultural barrier by fostering exchange among citizens from different countries. Each individual is therefore encouraged to write and read contributions in their own language.

My Real Deal provides a space for citizens to voice their opinions, share their concerns, and propose ideas related to the European Green Deal

The purpose of the platform is to serve as a hub for individuals across Europe who are eager to contribute to the transition towards a greener future. Individuals can contribute to the Green Deal discussions by subscribing and sharing the most pressing topic(s) as well as contribute to the debate by reacting to posts from other contributors.

By including citizens from different regions and countries through online participation, solutions and ideas are more actionable. Therefore, this platform fills in the need for a safe place where individuals can engage in discussions, share experiences, and collaborate on solutions regardless of their physical location. This way issues like climate change, which require coordinated efforts on a global scale, can be solved in an inclusive manner. 

These online discussions will be analysed by the REAL DEAL project team and incorporated into a report; which will be presented and submitted to the European Commission as part of the research project.

You will find the platform by clicking here.

DOCUMENTS

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A call for municipalities and organisations working with families affected by energy poverty to be part of a community of interest with various advantages!

According to statistics, in Europe, 9.1% of households are found to be “energy poor”, which means that they constantly live in a house that is not warm enough and/or they face energy bills that can be as high as 10% of their income or even higher. While this is a situation that dramatically affects the heavily populated regions of Northwest Europe; these numbers will probably get worse, all over Europe, because of geopolitical reasons at play since 2022. Therefore, reducing energy poverty is a major concern for European municipalities and the organisations that support municipal plans in reaching out to the households.

Measures and technologies that can alleviate energy poverty are available, but it is not always easy to implement them and replicate them in a local contest. It is especially hard to reach vulnerable households and the associations that represent them. These usually require a tailored approach bridging the gap between available solutions and households in need.

And this gap is the reason why the SCEPA Project, belonging to the NWE Interreg Programme, was written. SCEPA (Scaling up the energy poverty approach), as a project, aims at:

  • Reducing and alleviating energy poverty by engaging and alleviating the situation of vulnerable households;
  • Collecting proven measures and interventions and pilot their replicability and transferability;
  • Making the just transition a tangible reality.

The objectives of SCEPA are these ones and you can be part of it through the community of interest and you can be part of it!

  • Are you a Municipality or an organisation working with families affected by energy poverty?
  • Maybe you are an academic institution, a SME, a financial institution, a societal group, a national, regional or local body active in that sector?
  • Are you in need of finding collaborations for exploring alternative solutions or scaling up the ones you already realise?

Then SCEPA is for you and with the SCEPA community of interest you will be able to:

  • access a learning environment where universities and municipalities are exploring together effective measures and initiatives for fighting against energy poverty;
  • follow online or in-person meetings with these universities and municipalities, according to your budgetary availability;
  • get cost-free learning material produced on a monthly and 6-month basis (monthly newsletters and technical reports);
  • disseminate info and material, created together, to spread behavioural change on energy consumption or to create energy communities in vulnerable neighbours, in your local area;
  • be able to give valuable feedback on approaches and results from the SCEPA project.

SCEPA is a 4-year long project, running until June 2027, and it is funded by the NWE Interreg Programme of the European Commission. 

In order to be considered for the SCEPA Community of Interest, kindly fill up the following registration form, leave your contacts and tell us more about your local contest. You will eventually be contacted by:

ALDA Project Manager, Alice Grazio, alice.grazio@aldaingtranet.org | +39 392 3435281.

Register through the Google Form here.

For further information on the project click here or please contact:

SCEPA Lead Partner Municipality of Arnhem, Hans van Ammers, hans.van.ammers@arnhem.nl | +316 31114929

SCEPA Communication Manager, Erik van Cuijk, erik.van.cuijk@arnhem.nl | +316 1183 7272

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ALDA is deeply committed to supporting transgender individuals, especially on Trans Visibility Day. It’s crucial for everyone to educate themselves on being a supportive ally. Here are some valuable tips for allyship with transgender people :

Those TIPS were taken from GLAAD, a non profit organization focused on LGBTQ+ advocacy and cultural change, go check them out for more information. 

Don’t make assumptions about a transgender person’s sexual orientation.
Gender identity is different from sexual orientation. Sexual orientation is about who we’re attracted to. Gender identity is about our own personal sense of being a man or a woman, or neither of those binary genders. Transgender people can be gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight, or any other sexual orientation.

If you don’t know what pronouns to use, listen first.
If you’re unsure which pronoun a person uses, listen first to the pronouns other people use when referring to them. If you must ask which pronoun the person uses, start with your own. For example, “Hi, I’m Alex and I use the pronouns he and him. What about you?”. If you accidently use the wrong pronoun, apologize quickly and sincerely, correct your mistake, then move on. The bigger deal you make out of the situation, the more uncomfortable it is.

Be patient with a person who is questioning or exploring their gender identity.
A person who is questioning or exploring their gender identity may take some time to figure out what’s true for them. They might, for example, use a name or pronoun, and then decide at a later time to change the name or pronoun again. Do your best to be respectful and use the name and pronoun requested. 

Don’t ask a transgender person what their “real name” is.
If you happen to know the name someone was given at birth but no longer uses, don’t share it without the person’s explicit permission. Similarly, don’t share photos of someone from before their transition, unless you have their permission.

Be careful about confidentiality, disclosure, and “outing.”
Some transgender people feel comfortable disclosing their gender history, while others do not. A transgender person’s gender history is personal information and it is up to them to share it with others. Do not casually share this information, speculate, or gossip about a person you know or think is transgender. Not only is this an invasion of privacy, it also can have negative consequences in a world that is very intolerant of gender diversity. Transgender people can lose jobs, housing, friends, or even their lives when other people find out about their gender history.

Understand there is no “right” or “wrong” way to transition, and that it is different for every person.
Some transgender people access medical care like hormone replacement therapy and surgeries as part of their transition in order to align their bodies with their gender identity. Some transgender people want their authentic gender identity to be recognized without hormones or surgery. Some transgender people cannot access gender affirming healthcare due to a lack of financial resources or access to trained providers. A transgender person’s gender is not dependent on medical procedures or how they look. Accept that if someone tells you they are transgender, they are.

Don’t ask about a transgender person’s genitals, surgical status, or sex life.
It would be inappropriate to ask a cisgender (non-transgender) person about the appearance or status of their genitals. It is equally inappropriate to ask a transgender person those questions. Don’t ask if a transgender person has had “the surgery” or if they are “pre-op” or “post-op.” If a transgender person wants to talk to you about such matters, they will bring it up. Similarly, it wouldn’t be appropriate to ask a cisgender person about how they have sex, so the same courtesy should be extended to transgender people.

Avoid backhanded compliments and “helpful” tips.
While you may intend to be supportive, comments like the following can be hurtful or even insulting:

“I would have never known you were transgender. You look so pretty.”

“You look just like a real woman.”

“She’s so gorgeous, I would have never guessed she was transgender.”

“He’s so hot. I’d date him even though he’s transgender.”

“You’re so brave.”

“You’d pass so much better if you wore less/more make-up, had a better wig, etc.”

“Have you considered a voice coach?”

Challenge anti-transgender remarks or jokes in public spaces, including LGB spaces.
You may hear anti-transgender comments from anti-LGBTQ activists, but you may also hear them from LGB people. Someone may think that because they’re gay, it’s ok for them to use certain words or tell jokes about transgender people. It’s important to challenge anti-transgender remarks or jokes whenever they’re said and no matter who says them.

At meetings and events, set an inclusive tone.
In a group setting, identify people by articles of clothing instead of using gendered language. For example, the “person in the blue shirt,” instead of the “woman in the front.” Similarly, “Sir” and “Madam” are best avoided. If bathrooms in the space are not already all-gender, ask if it’s possible to put an all-gender sign on them. In some circumstances, where not everyone is known, consider asking people to introduce themselves with their names and pronouns. For example, “Hi, I’m Nick and I use he/him pronouns.” Start with yourself and use a serious tone that will discourage others from dismissing the activity with a joke. However, if you feel this practice will have the effect of singling out the trans people in the room or putting them on the spot, avoid it. Remember, it costs cisgender people nothing to share their pronouns, but for trans people it can mean they are sharing something very personal about their gender.

If you want to ensure a safe space from discrimination and create a gender equal work environment, check out ALDA’s gender equality and anti discrimination policy. 

Listen to transgender people.
The best way to be an ally is to listen with an open mind to transgender people speaking for themselves. Follow thought leaders in the transgender community. Check out books, films, YouTube channels, and trans blogs to find out more about transgender people and the issues people within the community face. We recommend watching the documentary “Disclosure” on Netflix. Directed by Sam Feder and executive produced by Laverne Cox, “Disclosure” surveys the history of trans representation in TV and film using archival footage and interviews with 30 trans advocates and artists working in the entertainment industry. The film reveals how the media has created and perpetuated stereotypes about transgender people.

Know your own limits as an ally.
Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something. It is better to admit you don’t know something than to make assumptions or say something that may be incorrect or hurtful. Seek out the appropriate resources that will help you learn more. Remember being an ally is a sustained and persistent pattern of action; not an idle or stable noun. 

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On March 23rd, the Secretary General of ALDA, Antonella Valmorbida, met with the students of the Paolo Lioy High School in Vicenza (Italy), to raise awareness about the upcoming European elections scheduled for June 6-9, 2024.

During the meeting, organised by the Volunteer Service Center of the Province of Vicenza (CSV) as part of the “Vote Volunteer Vision” campaign developed by the Centre for European Volunteering (CEV), Antonella Valmorbida spoke about the importance of European institutions, their role, and how elections have a huge impact on citizens’ daily lives.

Furthermore, before encouraging the students to vote, she presented ALDA’s campaign for the European elections ‘Better Europe Together: Local Ideas, European Results’. 🇪🇺

Discover it here: https://lnkd.in/d2btFKmx

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Article in 🇮🇹, 🇬🇧 below

Fino al 29 marzo sono aperte le candidature per la partecipazione all’assemblea deliberativa sulle riforme e sugli investimenti prioritari del governo italiano nell’ambito del Green Deal europeo. Un’iniziativa organizzata da ASviS, con gli altri partner del progetto di ricerca Real Deal promosso dall’Unione europea, per coinvolgere le cittadine e i cittadini nei processi decisionali e sollecitare la partecipazione attiva.

Perché partecipare:
  1. Per contribuire alla formulazione delle proposte politiche che ritieni necessario siano adottate dal nostro governo, attraverso un percorso aperto di partecipazione attiva.
  2. Per confrontare le tue idee con gli altri partecipanti e contribuire alla ricerca di soluzioni comuni per il cambiamento.
  3. Per collaborare con cittadini/e delle diverse realtà regionali, partecipando in qualunque posto ti trovi, in modo da confrontare differenti prospettive e bisogni.
Il processo

ASviS intende coinvolgere 100 cittadine e cittadini provenienti dal territorio italiano interessati a condividere idee di cambiamento e proposte per il futuro delle politiche nazionali. I partecipanti saranno coinvolti in una assemblea online (sulla piattaforma Zoom) che si terrà il 18 aprile 2024, dalle 15:30 alle 18.30. Il focus del confronto è “Investimenti e riforme del Documento di economia e finanza nazionale considerando gli indirizzi e le raccomandazioni all’Italia espresse dall’Ue”.

Gli argomenti che l’assemblea dovrà trattare riguardano:

  • la produttività;
  • l’ambiente;
  • l’equità;
  • la stabilità di bilancio.

I partecipanti riceveranno preventivamente un “Kit di benvenuto” introduttivo alle attività con elementi utili a comprendere il focus della discussione e che sarà presentato in un webinar il 9 aprile.

I 100 partecipanti, dopo un primo momento in plenaria, saranno coinvolti in diversi tavoli di approfondimento connessi alle quattro tematiche. I tavoli verranno organizzati tenendo conto delle preferenze espresse da ogni partecipante tramite un questionario preliminare. I gruppi di lavoro, coordinati da esperti ASviS e facilitatori, condivideranno bisogni, idee e suggerimenti utili ad aprire discussioni e predisporranno una serie di proposte connesse alla tematica di approfondimento. In chiusura dei lavori, ogni tavolo (nominando un portavoce) potrà esporre in plenaria le proprie proposte, che verranno discusse e deliberate con voto a maggioranza.

La presentazione dei risultati

Le proposte e le raccomandazioni della cittadinanza saranno presentate alle istituzioni di governo e ai media durante il prossimo Festival dello Sviluppo Sostenibile (7-23 maggio 2024).  L’output farà successivamente parte del Rapporto ASviS di maggio, quale sorta di Documento di economia e finanza della società civile italiana (Def+) che sarà elaborato da ASviS; ciò avverrà in parallelo all’attività del governo nell’ambito del processo del Semestre europeo, sulla base degli indirizzi espressi dalle istituzioni dell’Ue e delle raccomandazioni specifiche per l’Italia.

Il progetto Real Deal

Il progetto Real Deal mira a sviluppare modelli di partecipazione attiva e forme di democrazia deliberativa all’interno dell’Ue. L’obiettivo finale è definire un “protocollo Real Deal” per coinvolgere in maniera strutturata la società civile e la cittadinanza nei processi decisionali delle politiche a livello dell’Ue e nei diversi Stati membri. Il progetto realizzerà una piattaforma paneuropea per la democrazia deliberativa, applicabile anche alla scala nazionale.

Per registrarsi, troverete qui sotto il link: https://it.surveymonkey.com/r/M8G6NHD

Real Deal: join the citizens’ assembly of ASviS, let’s design policies together!

Until the 29th of March, applications are open for participation in the deliberative assembly on the Italian government’s priority reforms and investments within the European Green Deal. An initiative organised by ASVIS, together with the other partners of the Real Deal research project promoted by the European Union, to involve citizens in decision-making processes and encourage active participation.

Why participate:
  1. To contribute to the formulation of policy proposals that you believe should be adopted by our government, through an open path of active participation.
  2. To compare your ideas with other participants and contribute to the search for common solutions for change.
  3. To collaborate with citizens from different regions, participating wherever you are, to compare different perspectives and needs.
The process

ASviS aims to involve 100 Italian citizens interested in sharing ideas for change and proposals for the future of national policies. Participants will be involved in an online assembly (on the Zoom platform) to be held on 18 April 2024, from 15:30 to 18:30. The focus of the discussion is ‘Investments and reforms in the National Economic and Financial Document considering the guidelines and recommendations to Italy expressed by the EU’.

The topics to be addressed by the assembly include:

  • productivity.
  • the environment.
  • equity.
  • budgetary stability.

Participants will receive in advance an introductory “Welcome Kit” to the activities with useful elements for understanding the focus of the discussion, which will be presented in a webinar on 9th April.

The 100 participants, after an initial plenary session, will be involved in several in-depth tables related to the four themes. The tables will be organised considering the preferences expressed by each participant through a preliminary questionnaire. The working groups, coordinated by ASviS experts and facilitators, will share needs, ideas, and suggestions useful for opening discussions and will prepare a series of proposals related to the topic of in-depth study. At the end of the work, each table (appointing a spokesperson) will be able to present its proposals in plenary, which will be discussed and decided by majority vote.

The presentation of results

Citizens’ proposals and recommendations will be presented to government institutions and the media during the next Festival of Sustainable Development (7-23 May 2024).  The output will subsequently be part of the May ASviS Report, as a sort of Economic and Financial Document of Italian Civil Society (Def+) to be drawn up by ASviS; this will be done in parallel with the government’s activities within the European Semester process, on the basis of the guidelines expressed by the EU institutions and the specific recommendations for Italy.

The Real Deal project

The Real Deal project aims to develop models of active participation and forms of deliberative democracy within the EU. The goal is to define a ‘Real Deal protocol’ to involve civil society and citizenship in a structured way in policy-making processes at the EU level and in the different member states. The project will create a pan-European platform for deliberative democracy, also applicable at the national scale.

To register, please find below the link: https://it.surveymonkey.com/r/M8G6NHD

The project UP2YOU aims to develop new training paths for University students focusing on SDGs and Community organizing – promoting the creation of new managerial figures who can act as agents of change.

  • Period:

    01/09/2023 - 31/08/2025

  • Countries involved:

    Cyprus
    European Union
    France
    Italy
    North Macedonia
    Spain
    Turkey

  • Donor:

    European Commission

  • SDG:

  • Lead partner:

    Universidad de Vigo

  • All partners:

  • Contacts:

    Andrea Michelini
    projects@alda-europe.eu

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AT A GLANCE

The project UP2YOU aims to develop new training paths for University students focusing on SDGs and Community organising – promoting the creation of new managerial figures who can act as agents of change.

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO IMPLEMENT?
After an initial analysis of target groups’ needs & challenges, exchange of practices & identification of needs, OERs, LCL & CBS will be co-developed & tested in all participating countries including partners’ staff, HE students & teachers, CSOs professionals & other local stakeholders. OERs & digital tools will be used for training target groups, to establish 5 Living Communities Labs (co-developed & tested with local stakeholders and supported by a co-designed Community Balance Scorecard)

OBJECTIVES

To promote quadruple helix model improvement & uptake as means to promote sustainable & inclusive development of local communities through participatory, multidisciplinary approaches

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ALDA warmly welcomed the historic decision of the European Council to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, which marks a further step on the road of EU integration. An encouraging move that underlines the impressive progresses implemented by the country in the last years, revitalising the prospect of a deeper and prone European enlargement process.

Following the previous conclusions taken by the EU Council in December 2023 on opening accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova and granting candidate status to Georgia, the current decision on Bosnia and Herzegovina reinforces the idea of a more democratic and inclusive European society.

The whole ALDA community, engaged to promote good governance and citizens participation, stands active in supporting the ongoing efforts of these countries to implement the essential reforms and improvements needed. Moreover, as mentioned during the international conference “A Wider European Community: The Importance of Local Governance – Roadmap for the Western Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine on the Path to EU Accession”, we heartily emphasise the crucial role of local authorities and civil society cooperation in this European journey. 

ALDA contributes to a stronger and united society, promoting democratic values worldwide and fostering the European aspirations of the countries involved 

The outstanding progress made by the Bosnian authorities in promoting good governance, demonstrated also by the awarding of the European Label of Excellence in Governance to a number of its municipalities, inspires pride and optimism in the country’s reform and European integration path.

We are extremely glad of the positive results achieved, and we call on the European institutions and government authorities to push ahead with collaboration and local support.

ALDA contributes to a stronger and united society, promoting democratic values worldwide and fostering the European aspirations of the countries involved.

We know that the European journey is not yet over and we stand ready to foster candidate countries, local authorities and citizens in the pursuit of positive developments and initiatives for a better Europe.

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On March 15, 2024, within the framework of the ALDA Governing Board which took place in Labin (Croatia), the ALDA delegation met some high-school students to discuss the importance of the upcoming European Elections 2024 and to present ALDA’s campaign “Better Europe Together: Local Ideas, European Results”.

The meeting, led by ALDA Secretary General, Antonella Valmorbida, focused on the importance of the European elections and how the European institutions affect the daily lives of every citizen.

The students, despite not yet having reached the age of majority, showed interest and participation and made it clear that they would definitely like to participate in the elections in five years’ time, so that they could shape the future of Europe by expressing their vote.

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In the city of Mons, Belgium, from 18th to 19th March 2024, the 10th European Summit of Regions and Cities unfolded as a pivotal gathering, drawing leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Europe. Organised by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), the summit served as a platform for critical discussions on democracy, governance, and the future of Europe.

Mr. Margritris Schinas, European Commission Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, in his keynote address, emphasised the need to reinforce Europe’s centrality and resilience. Ensuring the integrity of the electoral process emerged as a priority, particularly in the face of ongoing challenges and attacks against EU regions and cities. Schinas highlighted the importance of readiness for upcoming elections, noting Europe’s demonstrated capacity for progress when met with determination and willpower.

Within the program, particular attention was directed towards Ukraine, underscoring the imperative of bolstering democratic values and resilience in the midst of ongoing crises. This resonates with ALDA’s commitment to supporting local democracy in Ukraine, where it collaborates closely with partners through the Flagship Initiative in Ukraine.

ALDA’s stand, a prominent fixture throughout the summit, served as a hub for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing

Notably, the Italian Delegation of the European Committee of the Regions visited ALDA’s stand. This institutional encounter saw the presence of key figures including Ms. Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General; Ms. Nataša Vučković, Vice-President of ALDA, and Mrs. Maddalena Alberti, President of ADL Zavidovići Association, with her delegation. This engagement underscored ALDA’s pivotal role in shaping the local context and advancing social inclusion, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration at the heart of European governance.

Right at the end of the summit, the Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award Ceremony emerged as a poignant moment of recognition. The ADL Zavidovići Association, an ALDA member, was honoured with the esteemed award for its exceptional contributions to local and regional governance. Originating amidst the turmoil of the Bosnian War, the association’s evolution into a dynamic force exemplified the transformative power of grassroots initiatives in driving positive change.

ALDA Secretary General, Ms. Antonella Valmorbida, hailed the ADL Zavidovići Association’s achievement as a testament to its unwavering commitment to strengthening local communities. The award ceremony, scheduled on the fifth anniversary of Mayor Paweł Adamowicz’s tragic assassination, served as a solemn tribute to his enduring legacy of inclusivity, solidarity, and diversity in local governance.

As the summit concluded, the resonance of its discussions echoed beyond the confines of Mons, reverberating across Europe and beyond. ALDA, at the forefront of these deliberations, remained steadfast in its mission to promote good governance, citizen participation, and social cohesion at the local level. As Europe navigates the complexities of a rapidly changing world, ALDA stands poised to continue its vital work, fostering local democracy.

As the summit wrapped up, its discussions rippled far beyond Mons, leaving food for thought to the participants, coming from all over Europe and beyond. ALDA’s presence with the stand played a central role throughout, staying true to its core mission of promoting good governance, citizen participation, and social cohesion at the local level. As Europe confronts ongoing changes, ALDA stands ready to continue its crucial work, supporting and strengthening local democracy.

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On March 19 2024, a significant step towards fostering intercultural dialogue and collaboration in North Macedonia was taken with the meeting for the creation of the Network of the Anna Lindh Foundation. Hosted by ALDA in Skopje (North Macedonia), the event brought together representatives from 13 Macedonian Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) working across various fields.

The meeting started with a presentation about the history, objectives, and activities of the Foundation. Participants were provided with insights into the diverse programs, funding opportunities, and collaborative initiatives. ALDA’s representatives also shared technical insights into the process of establishing the network and outlined a timeline for its development, paving the way for an open discussion. This collective endorsement underscores the commitment of the Macedonian civil society towards promoting cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.

Beyond the formal agenda, the meeting provided a platform for informal networking, where representatives shared insights about their ongoing work, future aims, and potential synergies

Discussions revolved around identifying common objectives and exploring possibilities for collaborative projects within the framework of the Anna Lindh Foundation network. The establishment of the network not only signifies a milestone in fostering cultural exchange and understanding but also opens the way for different collaborative initiatives that will enrich the social fabric of North Macedonia.

Moving forward, the Macedonian civil society remains determined to embrace the opportunities afforded by the Anna Lindh Foundation network, as they embark on a journey of collective action towards a more inclusive and interconnected future. The meeting for the creation of the Network of the Foundation in North Macedonia shows the power of dialogue and collaboration in advancing shared aspirations of peace, understanding, and solidarity across borders.

Established in 2004, the Anna Lindh Foundation has emerged as a platform for intercultural exchange, bringing together over 4000 civil society organisations from diverse backgrounds. With a focus on various fields including intercultural relations, human rights, education, and sustainable development, the Foundation’s impact resonates across borders.

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Comincia ufficialmente il progetto “Villa Fabris Bene Comune”, con la sua presentazione durante gli Open Day(s) del 16 e 17 marzo 2024, segnando un punto di svolta significativo per la comunità locale ed il suo sviluppo. 

Presso la meravigliosa location di Villa Fabris a Thiene (Vicenza), l’apertura eccezionale del complesso comunale è stata resa possibile grazie alla collaborazione con il comune di Thiene e agli sforzi congiunti del partenariato promotore del progetto, guidato da Fondazione ENGIM (Formazione Orientamento Cooperazione Lavoro) ed implementato da Megahub – Samarcanda Cooperativa Sociale Onlus, assieme ad ALDA+ Srl.

Le due giornate hanno visto alternarsi numerosi eventi, laboratori interattivi, visite guidate, performance artistiche ed altre attività inclusive, all’insegna della cura, dell’equità, della bellezza e del fare, in quanto elementi fondamentali dell’iniziativa di riqualificazione e sviluppo della Villa. 

Un’occasione per celebrare la nuova gestione della villa e per presentare al pubblico gli ampi spazi interni disponibili, che offrono opportunità per l’organizzazione di eventi, fiere, mostre, corsi di formazione, attività di co-working, condivisione di ambienti e molto altro ancora. 

ALDA+ Srl ha contribuito attivamente alla riqualificazione della villa e, durante la due giorni di eventi, è stata protagonista attraverso laboratori animati e quiz interattivi sulla partecipazione cittadina e sulle elezioni europee che si terranno il prossimo giugno, coinvolgendo i numerosi visitatori presenti.

L’impegno e la gestione condivisa sono parte integrante della nostra comunità per rafforzare la democrazia e la partecipazione attiva dei cittadini a livello locale

In particolare, il primo laboratorio organizzato da ALDA+ ha raccolto e dato voce alle diverse esigenze locali presenti, mentre il laboratorio “Shape Your Future” dedicato alle elezioni europee, ha permesso di sensibilizzare i partecipanti sul tema e presentare il progetto TALE “Take the Lead in EU Elections” che mira a favorire la partecipazione degli elettori e il loro coinvolgimento diretto.

L’impegno e la gestione condivisa sono parte integrante della nostra comunità per rafforzare la democrazia e la partecipazione attiva dei cittadini a livello locale.

Villa Fabris rappresenta un patrimonio storico, culturale, sociale ed ambientale profondo, un luogo di incontro, inclusione, crescita e apprendimento identificativo per l’intera comunità.

Attraverso le sue iniziative e la sua vasta rete di cooperazione, ALDA continua nel suo percorso di sostegno e difesa della crescita locale e del buon governo, ponendo al centro la voce e i bisogni dei cittadini.

Inclusion and local empowerment: a new beginning for Villa Fabris!

The ‘Villa Fabris Bene Comune‘ project officially begins with its presentation during the Open Day(s) of 16 and 17 March 2024, marking a significant turning point for the local community and its development. 

At the magnificent location of Villa Fabris in Thiene (Vicenza), the extraordinary opening of the municipal complex was made possible thanks to the collaboration with the municipality of Thiene and the joint efforts of the project’s promoting partnership, led by Fondazione ENGIM (Formazione Orientamento Cooperazione Lavoro) and implemented by Megahub – Samarcanda Cooperativa Sociale Onlus, together with ALDA+ Srl.

During the two days, several events, interactive workshops, guided tours, artistic performances and other inclusive activities took place, focusing on care, fairness, beauty and doing, as fundamental elements of the Villa’s rehabilitation and development initiative. 

It was an occasion to celebrate the new management of the villa and to present to the public the wide interior spaces available, which offer opportunities for the organisation of events, fairs, exhibitions, training courses, co-working activities, sharing environments, and many more. 

ALDA+ Srl actively contributed to the regeneration of the villa and, during the two-day event, played a leading role through animated workshops and interactive quiz on citizen participation and the upcoming European elections in June, involving the multitude of visitors who attended.

Commitment and co-management are an integral part of our community to strengthen democracy and active participation of citizens at the local level

In particular, the first workshop organised by ALDA+ collected and provided a voice for the different local needs involved, while the “Shape Your Future” workshop dedicated to the European elections raised awareness and presented the TALE project “Take the Lead in EU Elections”, which aims to foster voter participation and direct engagement.

Commitment and co-management are an integral part of our community to strengthen democracy and active participation of citizens at the local level.

Villa Fabris represents a deep historical, cultural, social and environmental heritage, a place of encounter, inclusion, growth and learning that is identifiable for the entire community.

Through its initiatives and its wide network of cooperation, ALDA pursues its path of supporting and defending local growth and good governance, focusing on the voice and needs of citizens.

DOCUMENTS

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The ALDA Governing Board met on March 15, 2024, in Labin (Croatia) to discuss and extend a heartfelt welcome to new members, charting a course for enhanced cooperation and impactful initiatives.

The session opened with warm institutional greetings by ALDA’s President, Mr. Oriano Otočan, the Vice President of the Istria Region, Mrs. Jessica Acquavita, and the Mayor Labin, Mr. Valter Glavicic. 

The agenda then focused on discussions on advancing ALDA’s strategic framework for 2024-2028. Oriano Otočan outlined the strategic vision, emphasising the need for member engagement in shaping policy and action agendas. Notably, there were deliberations on strengthening partnerships with the Eastern and Southern European regions, with a focus on fostering socio-economic development and enhancing regional integration. The session also featured updates on ALDA’s upcoming programmes and the ALDA General Assembly agenda for 2024. Discussions centred on key milestones, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Committee of the Regions, highlighting ALDA’s commitment to fostering inter-institutional cooperation and advocacy.

Approval of labels for Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs) underscored ALDA’s commitment to supporting grassroots initiatives across diverse regions. Despite challenges related to funding and operational capacity, the Governing Board reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining and nurturing LDAs, recognising their vital role in promoting participatory democracy and community engagement. The Governing Board meeting was also attended online by the newly elected representative of the Local Democracy Agencies within the Board, Mr. Kerim Medjedovic, delegate of LDA Montenegro, who will have a one-year mandate. 

The spotlight then turned to the introduction of new members, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to ALDA’s dynamic community

Through a blend of online interviews and in-person presentations, several organisations were welcomed into the fold:

  • Association of Cities of the Republic of Croatia is a national, non-partisan and impartial community of cities founded in 2002 with the aim of encouraging the cooperation of local self-government units and promoting the common interests of cities in the Republic of Croatia;

These new additions underscore ALDA’s commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, enriching the Association’s capacity to address pressing challenges and seize emerging opportunities on both local and global scales. Looking ahead, these new partnerships will bring innovative projects, amplify advocacy efforts, and focus on greater citizen engagement, ultimately driving positive change in communities across Europe and its neighbouring regions. As ALDA continues to evolve and adapt to emerging challenges, the addition of new members stands as a testament to the Association’s enduring commitment to democracy, solidarity, and collaboration.

For further updates on ALDA’s inspiring initiatives and membership opportunities, stay tuned to our platforms or contact us at membership@alda-europe.eu.

DOCUMENTS

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ALDA reaffirmed its dedication to decentralised cooperation and territorial approaches for local development during its participation in the second global meeting of the ‘Partnerships for Sustainable Cities’ programme held from March 12-14, 2024, in Barcelona (Spain). Building on the success of the 2023 meeting in Brussels (Belgium), this year’s event was an unique opportunity for cities to take stock and showcase the results of the partnerships, and come up with recommendations on how to foster the sustainability of decentralised cooperation processes through the efforts of the cities themselves and support from the EU. All this, within the framework of the contribution for the SDGs localisation and taking into account important news in the EU development policy such as the “geographisation” of EU aid and the launch of the Global Gateway Strategy.

The event, organised by the European Union’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), provided a platform for municipalities from across Europe and partner countries to share insights, successes, and challenges in fostering sustainable urban development. Mrs. Rita Biconne, Head of ALDA’s Project Management Department, and expert on territorial development, represented the organisation alongside Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA’s Secretary General. Their presence underscored ALDA’s ongoing commitment to leveraging its experience and expertise to advance decentralised cooperation initiatives aimed at fostering democratic and sustainable territories.

The ‘Partnerships for Sustainable Cities’ programme, contributes to the achievement  of  the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11, cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable as well as SDG 17, revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development

It seeks to promote collaboration and innovative solutions in areas such as urban planning, good governance, social inclusion and environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on resilience and fragility. Through this initiative, cities can address shared challenges and capitalise on valuable experiences through peer-to-peer activities, exchange of good practices and favouring a cross-fertilisation as a key opportunity of decentralised cooperation. By working together, local authorities from Europe and partner countries can contribute to achieving this goal and creating more liveable, sustainable, and resilient cities.

ALDA’s participation in the Barcelona meeting underscores its ongoing commitment to promoting TALD approach and a stronger collaboration between local authorities and civil society organisations for a coherent and integrated territorial development and democratic governance

For more information about the event and the ‘Partnerships for Sustainable Cities’ programme, please visit the website.

Please have a look at our website section of the thematic hub on territorial and local development.

DOCUMENTS

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ALDA is thrilled to announce its recent selection as one of the ten prominent European organisations by the European Commission, alongside the NHC – Netherlands Helsinki Committee, ERIM – Equal Rights and Independent Media, Kvinna till Kvinna, People in Need, Civil Rights Defenders, Prague Civil Society Center, AFEW International, Human Rights House Foundation, and the German Marshall Fund of the United States. The FPA underlines ALDA’s substantial responsibility in advancing the capacity and financial sustainability of CSOs in the Eastern Partnership (EaP) region. This marks the beginning of a new cycle of Framework Partnership Agreements, spanning from 2024 to 2028, aiming to foster inclusive, resilient, gender-equal, and democratic societies within the EaP.

Within this partnership framework, ALDA has outlined key objectives. These include enhancing the capacities of EaP CSOs and Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs), which serve as vital instruments for cooperation, community cohesion, and development. ALDA also aims to expand its network by involving new members and empowering existing ones in Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. This will be accomplished by strengthening CSOs’ capacities, representativeness, and amplifying their voices at the EU level. Additionally, ALDA seeks to promote networking and cooperation between EU and EaP CSOs through joint projects and initiatives.

Given ALDA’s pivotal role in promoting citizen participation and participatory democracy throughout the EaP, particularly in strengthening good governance, we are committed to establishing stronger ties with other organisations operating in the region

Through collaborative efforts, we aspire to further empower civil society and collectively advance our shared goals. The second cycle of Framework Partnership Agreements builds upon the insights gained from the preceding four-year cycle. This approach has proven effective even in challenging contexts, such as the unprovoked aggression against Ukraine and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing flexible and timely assistance, affected communities have experienced improved resilience and livelihoods, while grassroots organisations have enhanced their advocacy capacity.

On March 15, representatives from ALDA, including Marco Boaria, Adrien Licha, and Irakli Jgharkava, joined counterparts from other partner organisations at the FPA kick-off event in Brussels (Belgium). This gathering served as a platform to discuss ongoing initiatives and challenges within the EaP region. Looking ahead, partners exchanged perspectives on the FPA and identified potential areas for collaboration, reaffirming their commitment to driving positive change in the region.

DOCUMENTS

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The recent E-VOICE project‘s 5th transnational event on March 14th and 15th, facilitated online by UBBSLA, marked a significant milestone in addressing the persistent challenge of youth unemployment. This event, supported by the CERV programme, is spearheaded by the Municipality of Gazzo in Italy, with a diverse consortium of partners from Province of Padua (Italy), Sibenik (Croatia), Mioveni (Romania), UBBSLA (Bulgaria), ACR+ (Belgium), ALDA (France), and FAMSI.

The event started with insightful presentations by the Municipality of Gazzo and the Province of Padova, presenting the preliminary findings from the E-VOICE survey. This survey showed the  multifaceted impacts of the pandemic on young individuals across the consortium’s diverse geographical landscape. Over the course of two engaging days, consortium partners embarked on a collaborative journey, sharing their diverse experiences and innovative approaches aimed at bolstering the integration of young people into the labour market. Central to the discussions were pragmatic solutions, ranging from targeted training initiatives to fostering professional growth opportunities. Additionally, the importance of forging robust partnerships with local employment agencies and educational institutions emerged as one of the topics. These partnerships serve as a channelling resources and support towards youth empowerment and employability enhancement.

A notable highlight of the event was Stefania Bertazzo’s, cooperative manager of the Eleison Cooperative, which supports and integrates international asylum seekers. Bertazzo shed light on the challenges encountered in bridging the gap between asylum seekers and local communities amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her insights underscored the imperative of fostering inclusive frameworks that amplify the voices of marginalised youth cohorts, including migrants and refugees.

Moreover, ALDA, as the partner responsible for communication and dissemination, outlined the project’s strategy on how to better engage young people and citizens through social media as well as offline dissemination tools

With the help of social media platforms and deploying targeted offline dissemination tools, ALDA is able to engage young people and citizens at large in meaningful dialogues around youth empowerment.

The last part of the event witnessed an enriching dialogue featuring young individuals and students, who shared their lived experiences and navigational challenges encountered during the COVID-19 era. The exchange demonstrated that despite facing difficulties, communities can come together, confront adversities, reinvent themselves, and emerge even more resilient. It served as a crucible for forging meaningful partnerships, amplifying marginalised voices, and charting actionable pathways towards youth empowerment and inclusive economic prosperity. By prioritising the development and well-being of young people, the project endeavours to catalyse transformative change that could spread across communities, fostering a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

DOCUMENTS

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Are you passionate about democratic participation and eager to explore innovative methods to engage youth voices in the upcoming European Parliament (EP) elections? Would you like to discuss how to engage young people in elections and in EU and member states in the upcoming years? What tools prove most effective? What lessons have we learned about what works and what doesn’t? 

If so, mark your calendars for April 12th, 2024, 14:00-16:00, for a digital interactive seminar  on relevant methods for youth involvement in European democracy. Hosted by the Erasmus+, funded project Eye of the Voter, together with ALDA and other project partners, such as FABEL, Odpowiedzialna Polityka, and UNISER, aims to explore potential methods that can leverage work that aims to engage first and second time voters in democratic practice and to inspire action among civil society activists interested in democratic participation and the EP elections.

During the event, representatives of several projects and organisations will showcase their initiatives that successfully engage young people in democratic activism:

  • “Domestic” Election Observation: Hear firsthand experiences from two participants who observed elections in Poland in 2023. Gain valuable insights into engaging young individuals in election processes.
  • Explore the innovative use of youth-led citizen journalism with Orientuj się, a Polish new media platform. Learn how they garnered over 5 million likes on TikTok, reaching a vast audience and amplifying youth voices.
  • Discover inspiring examples of local activism linking the local and European levels, such as the TALE project, where you will be able to hear the journey of a “changemaker” spreading awareness about the EU elections.

The seminar, planned as part of the European Youth Week activities, will feature a dynamic format, including short presentations, followed by interactive discussions in breakout groups.

Join us for an enriching discussion on methods for youth involvement in European democracy. Whether you’re an experienced activist, a representative of an organisation empowering youth, a civil servant within a municipality, or new to the cause, there’s something for everyone in this seminar!

Registration:

To secure your spot at this seminar, please register here. 

To find out more about the Eye of the voter project, check here!

Engage, inspire, and empower – let’s make a difference together in shaping the future of European democracy!