Citizenship has its roots in the idea of active participation in local communities. The actions in these communities are the ones that make the difference and build an active Europe.
The programme “ec4la - European Citizens For Local Action- Promoting active citizenship and European Identity through volunteering on local level” is the result of the long experience of the twelve European partners participating, in the work with volunteers and local communities. They have been supporting the volunteer movement in order to promote active citizenship and the participation of individuals in local actions.
ec4la focused on the initiatives taken by local groups and local organisations and showed the effect that the projects have on citizens life in the respective community. ec4la collected well-tested examples of promoting voluntary engagement and active citizenship from the partner organisations and showcased and discussed their impact on local communities. The best practice examples addressed different challenges in promoting active participation of all European citizens, the possibilities to take action and empowered partner organisations and their beneficiaries. The beneficiaries, citizens, that were engaged and gave their time. ec4la strengthend the role of volunteer initiatives and empowered these individuals in taking (local) action. This empowerment happened mainly through the partner organisations and involved stakeholders that supported citizens and provided the correct framework.
Citizens developed the knowledge, skills and values they need to be active citizens in the local, national and global community. A specific emphasis was given to the support of young people which are the future citizens and which set the European agenda in motion.
The project was implemented with: virtual partnership meetings, a transnational conference, information days and 12 seminars “Citizens Actions” and assisted by the website www.ec4la.eu.
Download the ec4la Publication.
