Citizen Action to Solve Social Problems in Crisis Settlements

About this grant

In terms of an active citizenry, Belarus is slightly behind most other former Soviet republics. There is a lack of dialogue between government authorities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the public. Small, regional NGOs or civic initiative groups also lack the knowledge and skills to effectively organize and mobilize people in their communities.Multiyear funding will enable the Center for Social Innovations to select four economically disadvantaged communities in the Minsk area where there is local interest in addressing social problems on the community level. Activities will include identifying local consultants; training community organizers and local consultants; developing community improvement microprojects in the four selected communities; building project teams for each microproject; monitoring and evaluating the completed microprojects; establishing information centers in each of the four communities; publishing three training modules for further training in Belarus; and conducting a conference with 30 Belarusian and 10 Ukrainian trainers, community organizers and local consultants to analyze project results, exchange experiences and develop further partnerships.The center, established in 1996, works to promote effective mechanisms for social protection and adaptation and to foster optimal conditions for the intellectual and creative development of individuals in Belarus.