Best Practices Russia Institute for Social and Humanistic Initiatives
| Institute for Social and Humanistic Initiatives |
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Village renewal in Archangelsk region
Abstract Best practice Village renewal in Archangelsk region was created by NGO Institute of Social and Humanistic initiatives in the framework of few projects, which was estimated as having no analogies in Russia. The aim: to stop overall crisis and destruction of villages by supporting community based system of local governance and bottom up initiatives. Grant funding as well financial support from Archangelsk regional administration and 12 municipalities was attracted. Numerous discussions, meetings, round tables promoting of dialog culture ended in appearance of more then 35 local development groups (in Russian - TOS) in 14 districts. Education, consulting (organisational development, projecting, planning, accounting, taxation, etc.), creation of regional content of rural projects and establishment of links with local authorities allowed to start practical village renewal. 53 rural projects were implemented with economical effect of more than 670 000$, while only 59508$ invested. 88 social objects built or restored, 273 working places created (33 permanent). Projects were monitored and followed. This success created absolutely new psychological situation, strata of active and self esteem people appeared and is growing. TOS is supported by local authorities and is recognized as important link between population and authorities. Municipal legislation which was adopted and a draft of the Regional Law on Territorial Self-government is worked out. We created an information network Agency and page on local development issues which were published in the most of local (district) newspapers of the region. More than 400 publications prepared and issues of local development rise interest in the society. Methodology of consultancy is developed and our experience successfully transferred to few regions of Russia. |
