Inclusive Policy Index – a tool supporting the self-advocacy of national and ethnic minority organizations

The “Inclusive Policy Index” was developed as a tool to support the self-advocacy of national and ethnic minority organizations. Its application focused on identifying good practices in cooperation, inclusion, and the participation of minority and migrant organizations in the development and implementation of public policies by local government authorities.

The data collected as part of the project provided the basis for initiating work on strategies to increase the participation of minority organizations in local decision-making processes. The tool enabled the assessment of the implementation of inclusive policies and diversity management within local government administration, with particular emphasis on cooperation, participation, and the mutual expectations and challenges of all stakeholders involved.

An integral component of the project was a handbook containing detailed guidelines for conducting research, along with examples of analyses based on the collected data, enabling the practical application of the tool in various local contexts.

The “Inclusive Policy Index” functioned as a benchlearning tool, enabling institutions and organizations to:

• initiating debates within local governments on the inclusion of minorities in decision-making processes;
• raising awareness of the importance of horizontal cooperation between different departments and within participatory mechanisms;
• conducting in-depth analyses of governance areas and public policies affecting the level of participation of minority groups;
• identifying strengths and weaknesses and defining priority areas for action;
• learning based on identified good practices.

The implementation of the tool brought a number of benefits, including:

• strengthening the capacity and credibility of minority organizations through the development of recommendations and a focus on solutions;
• identifying effective models of cooperation between local governments and minority organizations;
• developing standards and guidelines for diversity management based on concrete local experiences;
• promoting intercultural integration policies based on equal opportunities, institutional openness, and the meaningful inclusion of diverse groups in decision-making processes;
• preparing analyses that provide a basis for developing strategies to strengthen the capacities of minority organizations in the area of civil rights and participation in public policymaking.

The implementation of the project confirmed the role of the Jewish Association Czulent as an organization developing innovative tools that support participation, cross-sector dialogue, and the creation of inclusive public policies.

Project support and cooperation

Partners:

• Zustricz Foundation

Sponsors:

• National Democratic Institute