CHALLENGES
Most citizens do not contact their local governments to discuss issues of concern. Though municipal authorities may verbally agree to citizen priorities, they often do not act upon them. Therefore, citizens are not proactive and remain reluctant to initiate policy improvements. Community members currently lack opportunities to get to know each other better, understand each other‘s needs and priorities, and build common ground for cooperation and development.
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION
This activity will work in nine municipalities in the eastern region of North Macedonia to empower local actors to take the lead in identifying and addressing development challenges in their own communities. The activity works through “community colleges” and “youth banks” to bring community members together to identify, prioritize, and implement community actions, and come up with creative ways to mobilize resources. Community colleges are comprised of prominent community members that local citizens know and trust, including religious leaders, private business owners, and school directors. The youth banks are led and facilitated by youth, focusing on issues of concern to young people. They focus on knowledge and skills development, encouraging youth to become active citizens who lead positive changes in their communities.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
- Improved ability of local actors to engage citizens and relevant stakeholders.
- Increased number of effective local partnerships among local actors.
- Local actors will increasingly identify and prioritize community issues and opportunities.
- Increased mobilization of all types of resources for local development such as funding, in-kind, and labor.
- Sustainable locally led development models will be replicated in other communities.
USAID North Macedonia