Crnogorski
English
Local Dialogues: Community-Driven Change
In an effort to respond to pressing challenges and strengthen social cohesion, local dialogues titled "The Community Drives Change" were held in several cities across Montenegro. These events were not mere forums for discussion but dynamic platforms where citizens, representatives of local government, the NGO sector, and entrepreneurs jointly explored the issues burdening their communities and created visions for a better future.
What did the local dialogues look like?
Each Local Dialogue was designed as a structured process, dedicated to the principles of inclusivity, participation, and transparency. The organizers brought together a diverse range of participants, ensuring that the voices of all relevant groups within the community were heard and respected. Through moderated discussions and dynamic group activities, participants were given the opportunity to exchange opinions and ideas, sharing their perspectives on what works well in their city, what areas need improvement, and what kind of city they want to build for themselves and future generations.
Instead of pre-defined topics, the key challenges organically emerged from the dialogue itself, guided by the experiences and concerns of the citizens. The dialogue was not limited to problem identification; participants jointly created a vision of the ideal city, defining key values and characteristics such as safety, inclusivity, prosperity, and sustainability, while simultaneously building trust and cooperation between various community stakeholders.
Which topics dominated the dialogues?
Although each dialogue had its own unique character, depending on the specific circumstances in each city, some topics repeatedly stood out as particularly important:
-
Peer violence: In several cities, including Bar and Podgorica, peer violence in schools emerged as a pressing issue, with participants exploring its causes and proposing measures for prevention and intervention.
-
Hate speech: The spread of hate speech online and in public discourse was also recognized as a serious challenge that undermines social cohesion and creates a hostile environment.
-
Marginalization of certain groups: Participants frequently highlighted the problems faced by marginalized groups in their communities, such as persons with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, or those with low socio-economic status.
-
Media influence: The negative influence of the media, including the spread of disinformation and toxic narratives, was also a topic of discussion in some dialogues.
-
The need for better governance: Dialogues often emphasized the need for improved governance at the local and national level, including greater transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in decision-making.
What resulted from the dialogues?
The Local Dialogues also produced tangible outcomes. In addition to helping a more precisely defining of the key challenges the communities are facing, providing deeper insight into their causes and consequences, participants generated a range of innovative and practical solutions to these challenges - from actions that could be implemented at the community level to recommendations for changes in public policies.
These dialogues also had a significant impact on citizen engagement and relationship building. They empowered individuals to actively participate in decision-making that shapes their communities and to take responsibility for their future. Furthermore, they created a platform for building partnerships between various community stakeholders, facilitating collaboration on joint projects and initiatives. As the culmination of each dialogue, a Participants’ Charter on Social Cohesion was created, in which participants committed to concrete actions and behaviors that would contribute to the creation of stronger and more cohesive communities.
Overall, the Local Dialogues "The Community Drives Change" represent a valuable model for encouraging civic activism and solving local problems, demonstrating that when citizens are given the opportunity to have their voices heard and actively participate in shaping their future, significant change can be achieved.
Learn More: Reports from the Local Dialogues
For those who wish to explore the discussions, conclusions, and Participants’ Charters in more detail, individual reports from each of the held local dialogues are available. These reports provide a comprehensive insight into the specific challenges and solutions identified in each city, as well as the visions of ideal communities created by the participants. We invite you to download the reports* via the following links:
*Currently only available in Montenegrin.
