About the project
About the project
‘Micropolis CEO – Communities Ecology Organization’ is a small scale partnerships EU-project financed from Erasmus+ programme in the Adult Education, the continuation of a ‘Micropolis 2023 – the power of strong local community’.
Project roots:
Micropolis is for us a powerful symbol of a vibrant, well-functioning local community, similar to ancient polis. During our first project ( KA2 Small-scale Partnership called “Micropolis 2023 – The Power of Local Communities”) we have analysed three Micropolis pillars (local identity, strong local bonds and active participation of inhabitants), we collected and exchanged great amount of expert knowledge connected with the above topic, we made our own surveys, followed by local pilot works that tested various strategies of strengthening the local communities or local organisations working with them.
We transformed the knowledge into a practical Micropolis Guidebook that showed several steps and paths in a way to Micropolis. We also started building an international network around this idea and methodology, promoting our Micropolis achievements during an online conference that attracted participants not only from Europe but also from the USA, Australia, Taiwan or Nigeria. We got a lot of positive feedback and it convinced us that it’s worth continuing our work with this methodology.
You can read more about the first Micropolis outcomes in the previous articles.
In the Micropolis CEO project, by leveraging the knowledge and best practices gained from our previous work, we aim to look for the synergy between community works and ecology, all supported by the efficient cooperation and networking between local organisations. This synergy is one of our most precious reflections after finishing the first Micropolis project and we had many good examples confirming that it works. We also want to extend this know-how and look for more good Case Studies (in the form of filmed interviews or presentations of international experts). We would like also to promote the most efficient approaches in community works as i.e. co-creation.
– COMMUNITY: Inclusion and diversity (that means promoting equality and non-discrimination) and common values, civic engagement and participation (that means fostering democracy and inclusive democratic participation)
– ECOLOGY: Environment and fight against climate change (that means supporting sustainable approach)
– ORGANISATION: fostering cooperation, co-creation and networking among various organisations, working with local communities like cultural institutions, NGOs, and local authorities
1. Go further with knowledge exchange between partners and international experts in the topics of: creating synergies between community work, ecology, co-creation, and networking.
We will work on creating an inspiring Micropolis YouTube channel supported and promoted by the Instagram networking platform – to create a digital repository of best practices and successful models.
2. Translate expert knowledge into practical training methodologies for local networks and test them in real-world settings.
In the project we intend to run new, more advanced surveys to spot the most important challenges among the organisations working with local communities and to look for the solutions and practical tools that can make some improvements.
It’s purpose will be a transformation of the knowledge gained in both projects into a training methodology – ready workshops scenarios that can help any NGO or municipality in the World to start with co-creation. The objective of such workshops (that will be also tested during the project in 3 local environments) would be enabling various local actors to work together on a consistent strategy that will make the local community sustainable and conscious of what “green” solutions can be easily introduced to make local life better and to solve local problems.
3. Enhance the visibility and reach of the Micropolis concept transnationally and across borders. Strengthen and expand the international network, attracting new organizations and fostering knowledge exchange by utilizing modern social media platforms, the project website, and EPALE.
This Micropolis Social Media together with the tested methodology of Micropolis training for local networks are targeted to empower the local communities all over the World to embark on their own Micropolis journeys.
In recent years, Europe has faced escalating challenges, including the war in Ukraine, the migration crisis at borders such as Poland-Belarus, and climate-related problems. These crises have deepened social divisions, increased insecurity, and weakened trust in institutions. Communities struggle with integration, social isolation, and a lack of inclusive spaces where diverse groups can connect and participate.
As cultural and educational institutions, we believe that a resilient, interconnected, and supportive local community is essential to address these challenges. Inspired by the ancient Greek concept of the “polis,” Micropolis CEO aims to foster vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable local communities that promote social cohesion, democratic participation, and mutual support.
- Strong, Inclusive Identity: A community thrives when all members feel they belong and are connected with a common beliefs and values. A community’s identity is shaped by the diversity of its residents, their unique talents and stories, and their shared experiences. Micropolis CEO promotes local identity-building by embracing diversity, shared experiences, and inclusive cultural participation.
- Active Participation: Residents must be involved in decision-making and local initiatives so that they can actively shape their community and their neighbourhood. By fostering engagement in cultural and educational activities, we create a sense of agency, innovation, and collective ownership.
- Mutual Support: In times of crisis, communities must come together to support one another. Micropolis CEO encourages sharing resources, knowledge, and emotional support to build resilience and foster a sense of solidarity.
As cultural and educational institutions, we believe that a resilient, interconnected, and supportive local community is essential to address these challenges. Inspired by the ancient Greek concept of the “polis,” Micropolis CEO aims to foster vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable local communities that promote social cohesion, democratic participation, and mutual support.
- Helping communities adapt to migration and demographic changes, ensuring integration and support for newcomers.
- Promoting environmental sustainability through ecological initiatives within local networks.
- Strengthening community networks: fostering cooperation among cultural institutions, NGOs, and local authorities to enhance civic participation.
- Enhancing digital inclusion, ensuring all members can access knowledge, training, and community-building tools.
By facilitating international knowledge exchange, developing training methodologies, and expanding digital and physical engagement, Micropolis CEO empowers communities to become more inclusive, self-reliant, and resilient. The project’s impact will extend beyond direct participants, influencing community development across Europe and beyond.
By sharing and expanding the Micropolis idea, we can create a future where every individual feels safe, connected, and empowered to contribute to their community’s well-being.