Is it fair to announce,that new kindergarten starts next week,while the effective opening is done a half year later? For authorities of rural communities (=micro countries) it seems honest! No citizen will argue: they fear of losing jobs, of discrimination or disgrace. Therefore it is essential to create the first network of micro-watchdogs in Pomerania,in order to respect basic units of democracy. Volunteers will gain training, tools, and supervision.
What locality or neighborhood will your project focus on?
Describe the specific community with whom you will be working.
What kinds of news, stories and other content will be created?
The blogs content will cover both current issues related to the monitoring of rural community management, as well as the ordinary life and affairs of citizens, news, descriptions of famous places, history, encouragement of all kinds of cultural activities. Blog menu will cover: news from the rural community office, people in action, news, companies, services, advertisements (promotion to wider audience), forum, worth seeing -reading -listening to
What technologies and digital tools do you plan to use in the trainings?
Describe the connections that you or your organization have already established that will contribute to the success of the project.
We have been running Dziemiany.net portal for two years now. We collaborate with the Association of Leaders of Local Civic Groups (SLLGO), Watchdog.org.pl, The Observatory of Media Freedom in Poland, who appreciate and support our work. We intend to cooperate even more closely, after the creation of “Our micro country”.
How many participants do you think will be involved in your project?
We plan to train 10 editors of rural community portals. We will provide writing, editing and technical assistance via Internet until they agree to run the blog on their own. In addition, we will train residents of the smallest villages who often do not know what their rights are. We know from experience that they are not considered as a news target of rural community management. We will work closely together, share information and best practices.
Besides the microgrant funding, what other resources and support are you seeking for your project to ensure its success?
Promotional activities in the media, NGOs and among Polish politicians. Lobbying for funding this modern form of citizen responsibility and involvement in the surrounding reality.
