Includate

Aims of the Project

The INCLUDATE project aimed to foster social inclusion for individuals with migrant backgrounds through the development of Local Action Plans (LAPs). These strategies were designed to address the specific needs and challenges faced by migrant communities in various European cities, including Gdynia, Copenhagen, Palermo, Budapest, and Berlin. The project sought to create more inclusive communities by leveraging local resources and enhancing the capacity of municipalities and NGOs to engage effectively with migrant populations.

Approach and Method Used

The project employed a participatory approach, emphasizing collaboration among various stakeholders, including local NGOs, municipalities, and migrant organizations. The methodology involved several key steps: first, conducting community mapping and reporting to identify the needs and experiences of migrant residents; second, utilizing the Building the Problem and Goal Tree method based on the Logical Framework Approach to structure the strategic planning process; and third, organizing workshops and training sessions to facilitate knowledge transfer and capacity building among participants. This methodological triangulation ensured a comprehensive understanding of local contexts and the development of tailored strategies.

Communities and Member Involvement

The project actively engaged diverse communities, ensuring that the voices of migrants were integral to the planning process. Representatives from various migrant groups participated in workshops, providing insights into their unique challenges and needs. This involvement was crucial for creating LAPs that accurately reflected the realities of migrant life in each locality. The participatory context fostered a sense of ownership among community members, empowering them to influence the strategies that would affect their lives.

Concrete Results

The INCLUDATE project successfully produced five Local Action Plans, each tailored to the specific needs of the respective communities. These plans included detailed analyses of local demographics, needs assessments, and strategic objectives aimed at enhancing social inclusion. The project also resulted in the development of a standard framework for LAP preparation, which included diagnostic analyses, strategic goals, and implementation plans. The collaborative nature of the project led to a rich exchange of best practices among partner organizations, enhancing their collective capacity to address social inclusion.

Action Plans and Their Content

Each Local Action Plan encompassed a comprehensive strategy for addressing the identified needs of migrant communities. For instance, the LAP from Copenhagen focused on utilizing urban nature as a means to foster inclusion, while the Gdynia LAP aimed at enhancing community resilience in the face of the refugee crisis. The plans outlined specific objectives, such as increasing awareness of nature-based initiatives, improving access to housing for marginalized groups, and integrating EU nationals into civic society mechanisms. Each LAP included a detailed implementation timeline, stakeholder engagement strategies, and evaluation methods to monitor progress.

Co-Created Recommendations

The project culminated in a series of co-created recommendations aimed at enhancing cultural welfare, placemaking, and inclusion. Key recommendations included the need for ongoing community engagement in decision-making processes, the importance of adapting strategies to local contexts, and the necessity of securing sustainable funding for implementation. The project emphasized the value of storytelling and community reporting as tools for amplifying migrant voices and fostering empathy among local populations. The impact of the INCLUDATE project was significant, as it not only produced actionable strategies for social inclusion but also strengthened the networks among stakeholders, paving the way for future collaborative efforts in promoting inclusive communities.

In summary, the INCLUDATE project successfully navigated the complexities of social inclusion through a structured, participatory approach, resulting in concrete action plans and valuable recommendations that have the potential to transform local communities. The step-by-step creation process involved identifying needs, engaging stakeholders, developing tailored strategies, and implementing plans that reflect the diverse experiences of migrant populations.