The Guria-based CSO “Young Scientist’s Club of Ozurgeti” through EWMI ACCESS funding launched an innovative mechanism for engageing citizens in local governance process in Ozurgeti Municipality – an online and sms-based platform informing citizens about upcoming Sakrebulo (City Council) meeting dates and agendas, attendance procedures, etc. To make this program operational the Ozurgeti Young Scientist’s Club developed special electronic software that sends short messages to all citizens who have signed up for its service. As of August 2016, more than 800 Ozurgeti municipality residents received text messages about upcoming meetings at the local government. In addition, recipients also receive links on decisions taken at the Sakrebulo meetings. The online tool is already integrated in the Ozurgeti Municipality Sakrebulo website enabling new users to get registered.
Over the period from August 29 to September 2, EWMI ACCESS together with the Ozurgeti Young Scientist’s Club are holding best practice-sharing meetings with interested CSOs and government members in Batumi, Zugdidi, Kutaisi, Gori and Rustavi. The Young Scientist’s Club representatives will speak about this innovative approach and its success in Ozurgeti municipality, as well as offer cooperation to interested parties. These meetings are part of the Best Practice and Innovation Events series held by EWMI ACCESS which aim to share effective civic engagement and community mobilization strategies and tactics with interested parties.
