WE TRAIN COMMUNITY ACTIVATORS!

The training was based on the concept of learning by doing. According to this approach, the most effective way to learn is to actively participate in the learning process through practical activities and experiences. Rather than passively acquiring knowledge, participants engage in practical tasks, experiment, take action and learn from their experiences. Therefore, attending the local training pathways, the selected activators managed to acquire competences and knowledge in order to:

• inspire people and share a vision
• identify local interests and moderating potential conflicts
• stimulate communities towards sustainable development
• explain to the community the benefits that are expected from the green transition
• engage experts, who can guide the community on the important green issues
• collect the views and experiences of the community in relation to the local green issues
• discuss and prioritise the identified needs for green transition with the community
• place the needs for green transition within the “vision for the future” of the community
• suggest the necessary actions to put in place measures that promote green issues
• recruit “allies” in this effort: local government, NGOs active in the area, local development agencies etc.
• cooperate with these “allies” and bring about the expected results

Dates:

• Poland: 23/01 and 20/02/2024 (Górno); 26/01/2024 (Elbląg); 22/03/2024 and 12/04/2024 (Starachowice)
• Italy: 31/01 and 12/02/2024 (Cosenza); 02/02 and 16/02/2024 (Magione)
• Greece: 18/01, 23/01, 01/03, 07/03, 12/03, 02/04, 11/04, 12/04, 15/04, 19/04/2024 (Karditsa)
• Croatia: 01/02, 26/02, 02/03, 13/03, 23/03, 10/04, 11/04, 13/04, 25/04/2024, (Opatija); 14/03, 21/03, 18/04/2024 (Drenova, Rijeka); 16/03/2024 (Kastav); 19/03, 15/04, 16/04, 24/04 (Rijeka); 09/04/2024 (Kijavac (Cvjetni trg 8, Njivice); 12/04/2024 (Lovran); 15/04/2024 (Ika)

Participants:

• Altogether 315 participants took parts in this event: 94 from Poland, 125 from Italy, 77 from Croatia and 19 from Greece.

In Greece:

The participatory sessions in Karditsa involved diverse discussions and practical exercises to address local environmental challenges. Participants engaged in a multifaceted approach, beginning with a presentation of key green issues identified through prior consultations. These ranged from disaster prevention to water resource management, reflecting the community’s concerns.

Working groups were then tasked with selecting and developing interventions for their chosen issues. They crafted targeted proposals, outlining areas for improvement, necessary changes, and actionable steps. Subsequent meetings focused on sharing and refining these proposals, fostering dialogue and collaboration.

Training sessions for green activators further equipped them with essential skills and knowledge. They learned the importance of effective public engagement, project management, and communication strategies. Through interactive workshops and real-world examples, they honed their abilities to mobilize communities and drive sustainable initiatives forward.

As the sessions progressed, working groups delved deeper into their projects, guided by project management principles and templates. They identified green issues, set clear objectives, and devised action plans with participatory methods and awareness campaigns in mind. Ongoing support from the project team ensured their efforts were well-informed and effectively executed.

Overall, the participatory sessions in Karditsa demonstrated a proactive approach to environmental stewardship. By fostering collaboration, equipping activists with essential skills, and empowering communities, they laid a foundation for meaningful change and sustainable development.