Strategies for cooperation and inclusion of people exposed to discrimination and exclusion

The project was implemented in Kraków—a city home to people from over 160 countries—and focused on strengthening cooperation between national and ethnic minorities, migrants, and local government administration. The activities were aimed at improving the quality of self-advocacy among minority organizations and developing mechanisms of cooperation that support the building of an informed, open, and inclusive society.

As part of the project, organizations working on behalf of minorities received training in advocacy and were actively involved in educational activities aimed at public administration. Cooperation between local government officials and representatives of communities exposed to discrimination made it possible to develop effective tools to counter xenophobia and racism.

Another important outcome of the project was an increased awareness within public administration of the needs and experiences of minority communities. This enabled better design of inclusive measures and more effective involvement of representatives of these groups in decision-making processes. At the same time, minority organizations strengthened their advocacy capacities, including through more effective use of existing mechanisms of cooperation with local government.

One of the key outcomes of the project was the development of the publication “Road Map of Good Practices”—a practical guide for organizations working on behalf of national and ethnic minorities and migrants. The publication was based on a nationwide study of municipal offices and served as a tool supporting advocacy activities and the building of effective cooperation with local government administration.

The Regional Police Headquarters in Kraków was also involved in the project, which significantly strengthened cooperation between law enforcement services and local communities. Joint activities made it possible to develop tools and policies to address the issue of underreporting, i.e. the failure to report hate crimes. In this area, a series of workshops and consultations was carried out with the participation of Police representatives, leaders of minority organizations, and public officials.

During the two-year implementation of the project, a number of good practices were developed in the areas of involving minorities in local policymaking, countering discrimination and hate crimes, and strengthening self-advocacy. The final outcome also included the “Kraków Case Study,” which serves as a comprehensive guide and a reference point for other regions in Poland.

The strategies, tools, and methodology developed within the project supported both local government administration in building inclusive public policies and minority organizations in effectively representing the interests of their communities. The implementation of the project also confirmed the role of the Jewish Association Czulent as an organization initiating systemic change and developing innovative models of cross-sectoral cooperation.

Project support and cooperation

Partners:

• The City of Kraków Office, Department of Social Policy and Health.
  
  
• Provincial Police Headquarters in Kraków.
• AJC Central Europe

The project is financed by the funds of:

• The Active Citizens – National Fund program, financed by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway under the EEA Grants.