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IRPIN

Networking with electors and deputies. Encouraging local initiative

Background

Irpin is a young town, a resort area in the neighborhood of the capital of Ukraine. Administratively it includes another four urbanized settlements: Bucha, Vorzel, Gostomel and Kotsiubinske.

The settlements have basic powers of local self-government. The area of Irpin local council is divided up into 35 constituencies. Local council numbers 35 deputies, Irpin alone – 13.

This complicated set-up had to be modified by local authorities. It required stepping up the deputies’ work and encouraging public initiative.

Innovations

The local community has come out with an initiative to create veterans’ organizations, street councils and councils of tenants.

The local council eagerly responded to public willingness to be involved in the life of the town and work for better well-being. Colleagues in Fastov had some prior experience creating community networks. They shared their experience with a delegation from Irpin. After exchange of opinions the Irpin people developed their model.

In order to act rightly one must abide by certain rules. These rules were embodied in the Irpin Community Networks Act.

This well thought-out document was developed with the help of initiators, former deputies of local council, grassroots, veterans, people’s deputies from respective constituencies, lawyers from town council, experts in law from local higher education institutions. In the beginning of 1999 the Act was approved at the session of the town council.

The setting up of street councils and councils of tenants proceeded with assistance from habitation operation boards which could make it a town-wide process. This helped deputies from respective constituencies do a better job.

For further empowerment of the deputy, an activist council was set up in every ward. Members of the council are a deputy, head of veterans’ organization, district police officer, heads of street councils and councils of tenants.

The deputy holds most of his/her surgeries in the palling station. It is convenient for the townsfolk because everyone knows the location.

Every deputy has an individual schedule of surgeries published in a local newspaper. Street councils, councils of tenants, and veterans’ organizations select individuals out of their members who will be assisting the deputy.

This enhances role of the deputy and responsibility of the community for the way things fall out.

Heads of street councils and councils of tenants also hold their surgeries in the palling station.

In assistance to deputies, the town council conducts training workshops. One of the workshop subjects was Organizing Street Councils and Councils of Tenants by Example of Constituency #12. Heads of councils get trained as well.

These councils had made a survey of all neighborhoods in the town and found out who needed pecuniary aid, who could be involved in public work, who could sing, who could embroider, etc.

Even the sites with missing trashcans were identified.

The town council initiated constituency celebrations as a way of helping deputy. The event was hosted by constituency #12 and funded via contributions from constituency residents.

Results

Good relationship developed between local authorities and deputies.

24 street councils and councils of tenants were created. Heads of those councils are members of the heads’ board.

Now that the citizens have got more faith in authorities and feel protected. Some of the municipal services and citizens clubbed together with funds to improve neighborhood lighting, repair streets, fix and touch up public mail boxes.

The town council has been trying to impart the sense of ownership to the heads of street councils, councils of tenants, veterans’ organizations in terms of responsibility for a small area they control and decisions they make. This is an essential idea about local self-government. The councils try to solve problems on their own rather then pose those to authorities.

All neighborhoods have been surveyed and put on record. The acutest issues identified along the way are taken up with the deputy, which necessitates a response from authorities.

This survey also helped to discover some celebrities in the town like Ukraine’s four times motorcycling champion, performers, poets, craftsmen.

The heads of councils are individuals with vast professional and life experience. Even in the age of 60-80 they sensed their social indispensability to the community.

Every constituency did an interesting undertaking. For example, constituency #3 opened two teenage clubs (athletic and needlework ones). In constituency #4 all lonely seniors were examined by a doctor.

Celebrations in constituency #12 produced a very positive effect. In preparation for this event some historical information about the town and surrounding areas was obtained from an archive and local museum of lore.

A charity action was conducted as well as a contest for the best street in town which helped the constituency become cleaner and tidier.

In the course of these celebrations people met each other, made friends, sang songs to one another and behaved amicably. Some people made it up with those they used to quarrel with. All that makes a community stronger and solider.

These community building practices proved interesting for the State Academy of Managerial Personnel at the Ministry of Culture and Art. Students from political management faculty learnt about networking in Irpin during site visits. The Academy Rector expressed willingness to continue cooperation with Irpin town council on the issues of local self-government.

Kiev regional council has recommended disseminating this practice.

Contact information:

Ms. Valentyna Volodarska, local council secretary,
2-a Tarasa Shevchenko str.,
Irpin

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