ALDA: concrete steps toward democracy

“Believe and invest in every single citizen” – with these words ALDA Secretary General – Antonella Valmorbida commented on the key role that democracy plays in our society. Yet, since its very beginning, the Association has been committed to spread democracy as a shared value, as well as a living condition. In light of that, on the occasion of Democracy Week 2021, ALDA is happy to celebrate this anniversary inviting everyone to play an active role!

Yet, how to, and how is ALDA turning this complex idea into concrete actions? Check out these three examples on how the Association is making democracy a real fact!

1) Democracy is Choice, Freedom, Participation.

Building conditions that allow people to live freely, to choose freely are among the milestones of Europe, as well as ALDA’s mission. Yet, making this possible is a daily exercise that requires the participation of different actors, and players. Having that in mind, it comes with itself that ALDA not only stimulates civic engagement, and citizens’ involvement; but it is also a crucial player in creating bridges between people and institutions. Thus, since the beginning of the 2021, ALDA is fully engaged in the Civil Society Convention on the Conference on the Future of Europe, having Ms. Valmorbida as elected member of the Steering Committee. Furthermore, the Association is actively promoting several events on the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE) platform, and it will be glad to see many of its members, partners and friends online too, shaping the Future of Europe together.

2)Democracy is Synergy and Dialogue.

Based on these two aspects as well as a multi-stakeholder approach, ALDA is committed to reach common goals together with its great network. Counting on more than 350 members, be they Local Authorities, Civil Society Organisations, and thanks to the 15 Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs), the Association is still investing in the development of a network composed of actors and representatives coming from the different components of communities. Thus, the idea is to support the development of democracy in Europe and beyond, as clearly explained within the ALDA flagship initiative ”European Support to Local Democracy” a valuable manual with concrete examples and tools on how to make democracy a reality.

3)Democracy is Glocal.
By supporting local democracy and citizens engagement in Europe, the Neighbourhood and beyond, ALDA is a strategic partner when it comes to localising Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hence, when developing its projects, ALDA has the 17 SDGs in mind and designs its activities in order to not only raise awareness on them, but also to stimulate a change and promote concrete actions for their success. As testified by its projects, ALDA is able to turn international goals into a daily and local attitude, which calls on every citizen to join.

Finally, democracy, as the origin of the word suggests [demos = people], is integral to the society and to its people. Hence, ALDA is very much committed, as demonstrated in more than 20 years of activities, to support citizens, organisations and bodies that are willing to make the difference and work for the implementation of it in Europe and beyond.

ALDA: concrete steps toward democracy

Happy Democracy Week 2021 from ALDA!

Strasbourg

Brussels

Vicenza

Skopje

Chișinău

Tunis