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ON-GOING PROJECTS

Local Forums For Developing
Participatory Democracy

Project Partners

City Mine(d) - UK

City Mine(d) is an international network of individuals and collectives involved with city and local action. City Mine(d) is a non-profit organisation that creates interventions in public spaces and supports other people or initiatives who have a similar vision of the city. City Mine(d) has developed over 70 urban interventions in European cities, focussing on issues of citizenship, democracy and the city. We create projects with and for the people who use the city for their work, to play or in their daily life. A professional staff of 7 people form the core of a larger group of temporary workers, volunteers and a network of organizations who use the infrastructure to develop own projects. City Mine(d) has its head office in Brussels, with registered offices in Barcelona and London.

City Mine(d) is a production house for urban interventions, committed to the development of new forms of urban citizenship. The initially Belgian NGO now has agencies in Brussels, Barcelona and London.

City Mine(d)'s goals are to

• re-appropriate public space and make it the arena for social, cultural and artistic encounters; contribute to new forms of urban citizenship by combining the empowering qualities of culture with dynamic alliances and collaborations
• capture the imagination and the diverse creative potential of the city by encouraging cutting edge public artwork
• encourage the propagation of knowledge and experience acquired during development of the urban interventions
• the creation of the work brings together an unusual coalition of partners from the very local to the inter-city. This strategy enables City Mine(d) to tackle barriers to development, and empower different participants to address their concerns regardless of the inequalities that otherwise prevent them from doing so. This way the urban interventions contribute to new forms of urban citizenship.

By means of arts projects, campaigns and debate, City Mine(d) puts current themes from neighbourhood to the European level on the public and political agenda and offers a framework in which experience, contacts and information can be shared. Urban and economic developments are not only achieved through official agencies, but also small, temporary and informal intitiatives of you and me contribute to a positive dynamic.

Participation and local democracy

London is a multi-cultural world city with a long tradition of local democracy and political participation. Symbolically, London is at the heart of the UK’s political process. At the same time, the city is confronted with growing political apathy in its formal structures of governance: worryingly, the turnout for the 2004 London Assembly elections was less than 37%. Few public spaces in the city are mobilized in an active bottom-up way as platforms for urban exchange and experience.

European projects:

Since its start in 1997, City Mine(d) developed over 70 projects around citizenship in public space in different European cities, ranging from a marketplace where creative industries can test-trade their goods and services, over the construction of an emblematic building with a coalition of public authorities, private banks and local residents, to the development of a scheme for affordable workspace in 4 European cities, a trans-national action research programme or an online workspace for creative industries. The details of all these projects can be found onto city mine(d) website.

Representative: Mr. Jim Segers
Contact details:
Highstone Mansions flat 42
84 Camden Road
NW1 9DY – London
Tel: +44 7905933311
e-mail: jim@citymined.org
Website: www.citymined.org

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Larneca District Development Agency - Cyprus

The Larnaca District Development Agency (ANETEL) is a non-profit organization formed in 2003 in the models of the development structures and mechanisms that function in the European Union. The Agency is a Public Equivalent Body or, according to current EU legal provisions, Body Governed By Public Law. Its actions are especially in the district of Larnaca, Cyprus. The Larnaca District Development Agency represents the 4 Municipalities of the district of Larnaca, the 48 Community Boards of the district of Larnaca, the local Commercial Industrial Chamber of Larnaca, the Women Association of Rural Larnaca, the COOP of Odhou, Tochni and Skarinou, Larnaca and the Union of Communities of Larnaca (in which members are all the Community Boards of the district of Larnaca). The Agency is governed by a 9-member Board of Directors that is elected from the share-holders.

The goals of the Agency are:

• Giving information and learning about matters of the European Union.
• Support to the Local Self-Government Organizations in their development role and planning.
• Development planning of the broader area.
• Exploitation of the available National and Communal funds, through the participation and management of different programs.
• Technical support to the public and the authorities of the area, in the fields of education and preparation, improving the quality of life and generally the social-economical development.
• Undertaking initiatives in subjects of protection of the environment, preservation of the cultural inheritance and development of its internal cohesion.
• Development of the relations between the Local Self-Government of Cyprus and the Member-states of the European Union, the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Balkan Countries.
• Promotion of the possible collaboration of the Local Self-Government with the Public and Semi-Public authorities and the Private sector, trying for the collaboration and the difference of each member.
• Management and Implementation of E.U. programs.

Experience in E.U. Projects related to the field:

• Program "LEADER +" for the development of the agro-tourism and the standardization of local traditional products.
• Program"R3L Initiative-European Networks of Learning Regions", for the long life learning.
• Program "Leonardo da Vinci"- Experience new technologies and practices in EU countries.
• Program INTERREG III C-"Mo.No.Pi"- Monument Nomination and Pilot Implementation as an alternative form of architecture and religion tourism.
• Program INTERREG III B Archimed -"TECHNET", the aim of which is the realization of a sustainable development standard for the Mediterranean coastal towns, combining management and conservation of natural resources and cultural inheritance. Web page: www.technetproject.eu
• Program INTERREG III B Archimed -"WATERMAP"- with the aim of development and utilization of vulnerability maps for the monitoring and management of ground water resources in the Archimed area.
• Program INTERREG III B Archimed -"M.I.D.A", with aim to develop a network to promote the support of rural areas development.
• Program INTERREG III B Archimed -"MESFIDE", with aim to develop a network to promote viable, practical ways for fishing.
• Program "RAISE PLUS", the aim of which is the promotion of the dialogue between countries of European Union, through transnational laboratories, seminars and congresses.
• Program "Europe for citizens: Promotion of Active European Citizenship", with aim the promotion of unity and cooperation between citizens who live in countries of European Union, through seminars, lectures, etc.
• Program "SOLISOL - Eco-Museum of the Mediterranean", with aim to develop a network (Europe- Mediterranean countries)to support the tourism of every country and to promote actions for the promotion of LEADER.
• Program “New Routes for Women”, which belongs to the C.I. ‘EQUAL’, which aims to help the unemployed women to enter and remain in the labour market.

Representative: Mr. Cosmas Cosma
Contact details:
Larnaca District Development Agency
Address: 1, Laras str, 7040, Voroclini,
Larnaca, Cyprus
Tel.: 00 357 24 815280
Fax: 00 357 24 636817
e-mail: ccosma@anetel.com
Website: www.anetel.com

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CEPS Projects, Barcelona - Spain

There are both entities borne in March 1994, as a result of the career of a group of people under TRANSIT projects, which had a common route in the field of social education in its two facets: the intervention specialist socio cultural animation. The background of the projects of the Association back in 1990 when it inaugurated the first centre have led to that double entity form.

CEPS Projects Social, defines a management model for articulated resources of a territory to contribute to its development. Our organization is an instrument of public policy for the deployment of regional development in the fields of Culture, Education and Welfare for promotion of people’s attention . Its mission is to serve regional development policies to facilitate access to and acquisition of a social heritage that allows people and promoting their social inclusion.

To help to build a language that allows us to communicate and allow consensus about issues that are complex (children at risk, intercultural , work life balance - family , public policy and third sector social welfare) , we make a commitment strong dialogue and participation in different platforms , aiming to provide a view to shaping a more multifaceted and reach agreements that involve minimal recognition of rights for those who want to become a cultural heritage that allows social inclusion.

ITD is a consultancy attached to the management company TRANSIT cultural project. Its main function is twofold: to provide solutions to problems rose in the various cultural and consultancy projects on the other hand give impetus, shape or respond to the creation and consolidation of networks and international projects. The mission of ITD is to encourage and develop projects, processes and innovative concepts that promote the transfer of knowledge, cultural development, social inclusion and regional impact.

• The Innovation in Design and development projects which are interrelated cultural, social inclusion, digital and combined knowledge and experience.
• The conceptualization and transfer of knowledge and processes adapted to new actors, territories and topics.
• The constant work between different territorial realities, particularly European ones.
• The answer fast, efficient and adapted to challenges of each unique project.
• The prospective capacity generation and anticipating changes tendencies’ mediate and future policy options.

Consultancy and Advice

ITD combines a wide range of social research techniques with a thorough knowledge of their fields of reference.

• Design and conceptualization of cultural, social and territorial
• Strategic Plans
• Project management and monitoring technical, legal, administrative and financial project
• Design and implementation of procedures / performance of services for citizens
• Develop funding strategies, especially from European sources
• Detection of training needs (size, strategies for change and monitoring)

Education and Engineering Education

ITD is tailored to the specific needs of each organization. Since specific actions as to the development of plans for business sectors, ITD develops:

• Organization and fixing of courses, conferences , thematic workshops , master presence and digital format
• Development of pilot projects

Evaluation

• Experience in project evaluation has allowed us to establish solid methodologies to assist with the training, project development and equipment.
• Design of tools, systems and applications and specific indicators for different types of assessments
• Transfer of specific instruments: «peer to peer review» benchmarking, «collaborative learning» and communities of practice

Networks

• Search and contact partners, alliances and institutions: the European dimension
• Networking and partnerships
• Organization of thematic workshops and outreach Products and Services Ad Hoc Tangible tools
• ITD develops and publishes guides, manuals, books, CD, DVD.
• It produces its own elements of communication (brochures, leaflets, posters , websites )
• Develops digital tools for participation (forums, blogs, virtual communities)

Contact details:
Juan PEDEGROSA
Bòria 17, pral
08003 Barcelona
España
Tel: + 34 933104750
Fax: +34 933195813
e-mail: jj@e-itd.com
Website of the project: http://politicadigital.e-itd.com
Website: http://www.e-itd.com/index.php
http://asceps.org

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Municipality of Nea Alikarnassos - Greece

Nea Alikarnassos is a Municipality which ties its role to the development of the local community with multiple actions for culture, environment, new technologies, health and social inclusion of minorities. It collaborates with public and private organization, cultural associations and other institutions and young people, promoting intercultural and interethnic dialogue, diversity in community life and active democratic participation. Our municipality is interested in the needs and the dreams of its citizens in order to achieve the goal of creating a better quality of life for all by using every available resource (National and European).

The Municipality of Nea Alikarnassos is constituted from the following offices, sectors, departments and services:

Experience in similar projects:

Nea Alikarnassos experience in youth project is minimal; meanwhile the municipality has experience in projects which include youth participation but doesn’t exclude other from participating. Such projects are:

• Mile (Managing Migration and Integration at Local Level – Cities and Regions)

  The MILE project seeks to establish a thematic network of 10 Cities and 10 Regions which is based on the need to develop an integrated exchange programme relating to the theme of "Managing Migration and Integration in Cities and Regions". The project is a pilot for the newly launched “Regions for Economic Change” (RFEC) programme." Regions for Economic Change is a new proactive policy tool offered to Member States, regions and cities to help them implement the renewed Lisbon agenda through actions aimed at economic modernisation. The Fast Track Network (FTN) is one of the tools for implementing RFEC and will introduce those best practice ideas in the mainstream through the Operational Programmes approved at regional level, which implementation is characterised by the division of the project in two phases: Preparatory Phase and Operational Phase.

• Local Actions for Employment: “Window of Employment”

  Since July 2006, this entitled regional and local program has taken place concerning actions referring to education and employment, including the establishment and set up of a Health and Social centre for Roma)

• Social Support Services and Station for Minorities

  This program exists since 2006 in the Municipality of Nea Alikarnassos in order to help people to find a job and cooperate with the Social and Health Services of the local Community, therefore strengthening the local mapping and statistics on employment.

Representative: Mrs. Iro Tsamandoura
Contact details:
Dionisiou 13°,
71601, Nea Alikarnassos
GREECE
Tel.: + 30 2810-247594
Fax: + 30 2810-247550
e-mail: develop-tsamandoura@nea-alikarnassos.gr
Website of the city: http://www.nea-alikarnassos.gr/en
Website of the LFDPD project: www.eurovote.gr

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Municipality of Modena - Italy

The City of Modena is the local authority governing Modena, a city of 183.000 inhabitants, located in Northern Italy, in the heart of the Emilia - Romagna region, one of the richest and more developed in Italy.

It is constituted by several departments, of which the main ones are: public works department (dep), environment, social services, culture, sport and youth policies, education department, etc.

The department involved in the “Local Forum for Developing Participatory Democracy” project is the Department for culture, sport, marketing and youth policies, with the support of other City Departments, namely Social Services (Foreigners’ Centre, International Cooperation office and Citizens’ Participation office. These are supported by the European Affairs Department (Progetto Europa-Europe Direct), in charge of providing technical assistance to all City Departments in the management of European project.

European Project experience:

Besides the one relating directly to youth policies (www.comune.modena.it/giovani), the City of Modena can bring its experience to the project in the following areas:

• Modena is a city with a strong culture of participation in social and cultural issues, witnessed also by the very high number of associations and committees involved in civil life.
• Since 2005, the City of Modena has started up a specific Citizens’ Participation office (www.comune.modena.it/viapervia), to implement participatory activities in city life and administration.
• As for foreign citizens, in Modena live some 25,000 foreigners. 13,8% of the population is composed by immigrants (one of the highest rate in Italy). Within the Social Services Dep., the City of Modena has activated: A) a specific Foreigners’ Centre (to provide them with advisory-guidance-assistance services); B) the Council of Foreigner Citizens, to promote their participation in the local community.
• The City of Modena has also a specific International Cooperation office, who works directly with associations; it also collaborates with the local University as far as training is concerned (www.modenacooperazione.it).

Representative: Barbara Finessi
Contact details:
Europe Direct, Comune di Modena
Via Scudari, 20
41121 Modena
Tel: +39 059 2032602
Fax +39 059 2032687
e-mail: barbaraf@comune.modena.it

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Celje City Council - Slovenia

Javni Zavod Socio is a Public institution Socio which was established in year 2002 by the Municipality of Celje. Its purpose is to become an institute to help individuals and families through service for other social care protection. Its Programme is based on the Law of social protection and legal acts.

Representative: Mrs. Suzi Kvas
Contact details:
AGENCIJA AVE
Kocenova ulica 8. 3000 Celje
Slovenia
Phone: +386 3 620 97 06
Mobile: +386 51 410 059
Fax: +386 3 620 97 07
e-mail: suzi.kvas@siol.com

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Your09, Rotterdam youth foundation – The Netherlands

The local government of Rotterdam has designated Rotterdam as the continent’s first European Youth Capital. This idea emerged during the local elections in 2006 and became a central element of the policy program adopted by the new City Executive, consisting of the Mayor and eight Aldermen.

YOUR WORLD is a project intended to permanently strengthen the position of young people in Rotterdam. The aim is to give young people an active role in policy development and activities, to offer them greater opportunities and to improve people’s perceptions of the young. YOUR WORLD is, in the first place, focused on local-level activity, but is also geared towards strengthening young people’s commitment to Europe. European co-operation and Rotterdam’s position in Europe form an important basis upon which to build.

Rotterdam is keen to invest in its young people, who are, in actual fact, this city’s biggest asset. While the population of the Netherlands is graying evermore, the average age of Rotterdam’s citizens is still going down. Almost one third of the local population is 27 years old or younger. Rotterdam European Youth Capital is aimed at young people (aged between 12 and 27) who want to make the most of their personal and professional lives and to contribute to society. That is a group of 129,000 people. But of course, a youth-oriented city should be a place where all people – regardless of age – feel very much at home and can fulfill their potential. Rotterdam European Youth Capital is going to make Rotterdam a city where young people have every opportunity to develop themselves, to take part in all sorts of activities and to make a contribution to society.

Many of YOUR WORLD’s activities are concerned with Europe. For instance, exchanges take place between Rotterdam and European cities, and the 2009 European Youth Volleyball Championships are being held in Rotterdam, along with the final of Best Company of the Year, a competition in which student businesses from more than 30 countries battle to be crowned the best in Europe.

Many of the activities are concentrated in the month leading up to the European elections, the so-called ‘month of Europe’. The central library has helped young people answer questions like: Do I want to go out and vote? And if so, for whom? The library has also provided information about the options (including subsidies) for young people who want to work, travel or study in Europe. All these activities are intended to bring Europe closer to young people and to show them what Europe can mean to them.

Representative: Mr Rogier Elshout
Contact details:
Your World – Rotterdam European Youth Capital
Karel Doormanstraat 16
3012 GJ  ROTTERDAM
Tel: +31 (624) 7689482
e-mail: overloop@user.stekje.nl rogier@your09.nl
website: http://your09.nl/home/

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Torino City Council - Italy

Turin City Council is a Local Authority. Being a public body deals with social, cultural, economic, educational, urban regeneration policies with the overall purpose of delivering adequate services to all citizens

Representative: D.ssa Luisa Avedano
Contact details:
Via Corte d’Appello 16
10122 Torino
Tel: +390114432546 +393494161157
Fax: +39.011.4432525
e-mail: luisa.avedano@comune.torino.it

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