Seminar cycle on "Civic Participation"

NGO "EVALUTION" in framework of project "Grow and DO bigger things" on March 20 and 21st year 2014 organized seminar cycle on "Civic Participation". Opportunity to attend seminar cycle led by a experienced high class lecturer A. Pastore and improve their knowledge was given to 26 participants from Kraslava district.

Workshop started with joint circle where each participant introduced to himself. The main goal of this seminar was to promote understanding of the civil society concept and its functions. Put simply, as a lecturer, said: "In these two days, we will make complicated things and concepts simpler!"

During discussions, it was deduced and agreed that the civil society is formed in a given environment - groups, societies where people are self-organized to deal with a problem, to serve not only their own, but also the needs of society.

Working individually, in pairs and groups, participants were constantly motivated to think and express their ideas, because every little while, each was asked about the some of the issues raised. Participants learned how to plan and organize forums, holding shares of the main tasks, action steps, and how to engage the public to participate. Within these two days, using a variety of activities and learning methods not only the cycle of themes were learned, but also it gave an opportunity to meet and to work together with some familiar colleagues, as well as to meet new, creative people. These joint activities, lecturer guidance, being together, listening to each other, discussions on common interests, needs and sighting resulted in project- sketches to improve life in the city and rural areas. Desires everywhere are the same - environmental improvement, attracting volunteers, meaningful leisure activities etc.

Each workshop participant received not just handouts, but also answers to their questions. Does the proposed workshop achieve its goal? We believe id did, also it can be seen by reading the feedback from participants, mainly members were grateful for this opportunity to look at things from a different perspective. A large proportion of the participants would like to attend the seminar cycle if it would continue into the future.

Significantly success of the seminar can be understood from J.Tukāns words: "Usually after lunch to the most participants "the last bus leaves", but it is a night now and all 100% of the participants are here in the seminar. This shows that the topic is of the interest and work methods are captivating, and we are all ready for change."

Closing of the workshop was exactly the same as the start of seminar - with joint circle, where everyone spoke out, reflected on what is heard; new ideas gained and hopefully felt inner desire to become more involved in public life in his native place.

We organizers are happy for the positive feedback, offers of cooperation and keen interest received from various parties after the seminar. This provides an incentive to work more actively and on the broader scale.

The program is funded by the EEZ Grants and Latvian State.
Supported by a grant from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Association „EVOLUTION” responsible for the content of information. 

More information: phone: +371 29646677; email: nvo_attistibai@inbox.lv