Crossroads Event in THE:PLACE

In October, we, MAD and ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy, joined forces  to host the Crossroads Event in Sığacık, İzmir, a pivotal moment in THE:PLACE programme.

Programme participants from the 1st round (12 CSOs and 12 LAs from EU and Türkiye) met with the 2nd round newcomers (16 CSOs from EU and Türkiye), and this diverse group engaged in 3 days of intensive exchange and shared reflections. They built upon the experience of the 6 projects from the 1st round and forged new connections among the 28 participating associations and 12 local authorities.

Lots of numbers :) What mattered was, however, that all these individuals came together and interacted with each other in person. Shared meals, animated discussions and laughter were just as vital to the gathering as the official sessions.

The event centered around the two main axes of the programme: CSO-LA collaboration and EU-Türkiye cooperation. To bring about tangible change, 8 new partnerships started to be formed to design and implement one-year projects that will impact both Turkish and European cities.

Last but not least, the 2nd round participating organizations jointly identified the subjects and methods they wish to delve deeper into within the Online Learning Program.

THE:PLACE program will continue with collaborative, peer-to-peer learning program.