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The voice of the municipality is heard - the library's new democracy project brings residents and decision-makers into the same space as equals
The topic of the first discussion in January is culture in Imatra: is Imatra a city of culture, and what does the future of culture look like in the city.
- The topic was chosen based on the fact that, in our opinion, there has not been a discussion about the state and future of culture in recent years, library expert Ari Sareslahti says.
Discussion topics are chosen based on the wishes of the townspeople. Thoughts and wishes about suitable topics can be sent to the library.
Constructive and equal discussion
Guided discussions use the Erätauko method, which allows for a constructive and equal discussion. The goal is to increase understanding and interaction, not consensus or concrete solutions. All you need to participate is an open and curious mind. Similar to the batch break method, there are no more than a dozen participants in the discussions at a time, but the issues raised are written down and the message about the course of the discussion is passed on.
- Genuine listening and respecting the opinions of others can help you find perspectives that would otherwise remain hidden. The feeling of being heard increases the belief that everyone's opinions matter and that everyone can make an impact, says the project worker Kaisa Halme From the city library of Lahti.
We especially want those municipal residents who usually don't have a voice in the social debate. In addition to the local people, regional decision-makers, office holders and media representatives are invited to the discussions.
For more information:
Library expert Ari Sareslahti, tel. 020 617 6603, ari.sareslahti
imatra.fi (ari[dot]sareslahti[at]imatra[dot]fi)
Project worker Kaisa Halme, tel. 044 416 4139, kaisa.halmelahti.fi (kaisa[dot]halme[at]lahti[dot]fi)
My municipality project discussions
Discussion events are part of libraries' statutory democratic work. With them, issues are raised in the public debate and decision-making is brought closer to the citizen. At the same time, the role of libraries as neutral discussion forums for municipalities is strengthened. The library is already a low-threshold meeting place that reaches a large part of the municipality's residents.
The project's target group is also residents with an immigrant background, who, according to research, have a low level of participation in municipal activities and decision-making. The Cultura foundation aims to reach Russian-speaking residents in particular.
The Minun kuntani project is a joint project of the seven libraries of the Lahti AKE area and the Cultura Foundation, and is coordinated by the Lahti City Library. From South Karelia, the Lappeenranta city library is also involved. The Regional Administrative Agency of Southern Finland has granted the project a total of 65 euros in democracy grants.
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