Partnerships for Employment Growth and Society Cohesion.

Gdansk Local Partnership Network

Pomorskie Region, Poland

Regional Information and Support Center for NGOs

• since 1993

• independent, civic organization acting for public benefit

• informs, advises, trains as well initiates partnerships in solving social problems through which supports the local development

• regional, national and international level

• Pomorskie Region - ca. €370 M from ESF in the programming period 2007-2013

• 2006 – the concept of implementation of the ESF through Poviat Partnerships

• in all 20 poviats Workgroups were created which aim was to prepare Poviat Programs for Employment Growth and Society Cohesion

• such Programs were created and are the basis of assessment of the projects (20 additional points for conformity with the Program - strategic criteria)

Partnerships for Employment Growth and Society Cohesion

• aim: Workgroups -> Poviat Partnerships (responsible for social development programs)

• different stages in different poviats (in one: first Partnership then Program)

• Support from the regional authorities:PLN 1M in 2008PLN 2M in 2009

• needs: integration, trainings

• problem: ESF resources for the whole Region, not poviats(10 points for the strategic criteria)

Partnerships for Employment Growth and Society Cohesion

• Gdańsk - ca. 500,000 citizens; 30 districts

• in 12 districts – Local Partnerships

Gdansk Local Partnerships Network

• created in 2007

• a cooperation platform of many organizations

• new strategy for involving and mobilizing community

• equal chances and integration of the inhabitants of Wrzeszcz with new inhabitants in this area (big new residential project pending – e.g. Brewery, Barracks)

Partnerships for Wrzeszcz

• up to date web portal

• stimulation of activity of citizens in Wrzeszcz (wandering in Wrzeszcz; one minute movies workshops; local citizens group)

• museum of Wrzeszcz stories

• map of community needs

• strategy for the years 2009-2013 (e.g. Neighbour House)

Partnerships for Wrzeszcz

Gdansk Local Partnerships Network

Set up: 2009

Leaders:

• Regional Information and Support Centre for NGOs

• Gdansk Social Innovation Foundation

• Municipality of Gdańsk (financing)

Aims: • support and development of mutual cooperation • support local development in chosen areas of Gdansk • mutual initiatives and counteracting social disintegration

Gdansk Local Partnerships Network

Activities:

• integration

• exchange of knowledge and good practices

• 3 projects – financing of Local Partnerships

• Gdańsk Leaders School

Plans:

• EURO 2012 & European Capitol of Culture 2016

• change of the district borders -> increase of citizens participation (only 12 District Councils)

• participations of institutions and entrepreneurs

Gdansk Local Partnerships Network

Problems:

• lack of mature, developed partners in many districts

• competition instead of cooperation

• financing

• institutions: focus on branches, not districts

Thank you for your attention!

Marcin Dejna

marcin.dejna@rci.org.pl