The expected outcomes of this project were to implement a hybrid and innovative training program (scalable thanks to a formalized methodology) based on meetings and peer learning to: - improve understanding of the principles of the social and solidarity economy (SSE) and its usefulness for rural development - enhance mutual understanding among target audiences: understanding of the responsibilities of local authorities, understanding of the objectives and challenges of SSE organizations - co-creation of local solutions involving various stakeholders (elected officials, technical experts, representatives of SSE organizations, and local communities) - the sharing of tools (management tools, educational resources, etc.), analyses, and reflections among our partner organizations
With this project, we aimed to foster the development of activities beneficial to society and local communities, respectful of the environment and the people who sustain them. Our objective was to strengthen cooperation between local authorities and social and solidarity economy (SSE) organizations in rural areas. We identified the following needs: - Elected officials and technical staff in small rural communities are not well-versed in the principles of the social and solidarity economy and are reluctant to support the development of organizations that operate within these frameworks. - Representatives of SSE organizations struggle to formalize their contribution to local communities and find it difficult to develop impactful initiatives. The two target groups of the project have little contact and lack understanding of each other.