Civitas » Projects

Lithuania without social exclusion and poverty (LabAS)

The objectives of the project “Lithuania without social exclusion and poverty” (LabAS), which was implemented in 2007 by Civil Society Institute together with partners, were to raise public awareness on the manifestations of poverty and action plans of the government, to increase social consciousness and sensitivity among the public and to implement the practice of citizens’ participation in local self-governance and national policies.

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Civic Empowerment Index: 2007

The civic maturity and independence of society are the main factors which determine not only the quality of democracy but also the overall wealth of a country. The studies of the state of Lithuanian civil society that have been conducted until now show that there are serious problems in the development of civil – independent – society in Lithuania. When strengthening society as a political community, it is important to constantly assess its state and development trends as well as to draw the attention of society itself to these factors. Seeking to achieve this objective, the Civil Society Institute and the public opinion research centre TNS Gallup make an effort to determine and publish the Civic Empowerment Index on an annual basis. Our hopes are that this index will be helpful in the activities of non-governmental organisations and civic communities, political parties concerned with the strong and independent Lithuanian society, and people responsible for drafting educational programmes.

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The Governmental Accessibility Project

The aim of this project – to prepare and establish instruments and methods, which will help to increase the accessibility, transparency, openness and accountability of the governmental institutionsand this way to reduce the political alienation in Lithuania. One of the essential tasks of this project is to make transparent the process of the government decision for the development of the society as well as the processes of the public finances management.

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The Strengthening of the Citizen Participation in Self-Government Process at the Level of Boroughs in Lithuania

Based on the guidelines, drawn during the previous Civil Society Institute’s researches and analysis on the Lithuanian self-government, Civil Society Institute started the experimental project, by which it is aimed to implement new models of self-government in four selected boroughs. On the basis of this experiment the specific practical recommendations for the Parliament how to develop Lithuanian self-government will be formulated and presented.

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Lithuanian Self-Government: The Path to a More Civil-Minded Community

The research, involving sociologists, jurists and political scientists seeks to analyze Lithuanian self-government within the Eastern and Central European context.  Recommendations will be presented to political leaders and the general population at the end of 2006 about ways to strengthen self-government in Lithuania and increase the role and influence of citizens in government affairs.

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Map of the Civil Society in Lithuania

A long-term project that seeks to provide a complex and comprehensive assessment of the state of civil society in Lithuania through joint efforts of a work-group consisting of sociologists, political scientists, and other specialists in social sciences.

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Civitas - Civic Self-Education Programme for the Adults

Civic Self-Education Programme for the Adults. The objective of the programme is to contribute to the enhancement of the Lithuanian civil society by promoting adult self-education.

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Lithuanian Society: Analysis of the Situation and Development Prospects

The mission of the research is to identify the key threats to the Lithuanian society and nation, and the potential changes in their intensity, and to provide the guidelines for the national social strategy mitigating these threats.

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Implementation of the EU Structural Funds: Transparency, Efficiency, Purposefulness

Project for the monitoring of appropriation of the EU structural funds seeks to evaluate the priorities, transparency, and effectiveness of the way European subsidies are made use of by the government of Lithuania.

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Lithuanian Emigration: Challenges and Opportunities

A study of the emigration processes and the challenge that they pose to the Lithuanian society.

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Parties and the Political System in Lithuania

In the face of the crisis of traditional political parties, the project sought to evaluate and analyse current trends in the political organisation of Lithuania, as well as to identify and diagnose imminent threats to its state of democracy and civil society. Its prime aim was to draw the attention of the Lithuanian society at large to the dangerous tendencies that threaten its civil values and democratic commitments.

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Citizen Participation Potential in the Decision-making at the Governmental and Municipality Level

A study has been commissioned, and experts are looking into ways to enhance citizen’s participation in the local self-governance and decision making at the central level. The preliminary study of the existing participatory potential has been completed. Recommendations for policy-makers and civil society actors will be drafted.

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