From 13 to 17 January 2026, a five-day training course “Community Accelerator: Regional Trainings for Community Leaders on Civic Participation” took place in Kaunas. The training was organized by the VMU Ukrainian Center and brought together 20 Ukrainian community leaders living in Lithuania. Participants came from Panevėžys, Jurbarkas, Palanga, Jonava, Klaipėda, Kaunas, and Vilnius municipalities, ensuring broad regional diversity.
The training was designed to strengthen civic participation, enhance community leadership, support and inspire Ukrainian community leaders in translating local community needs into concrete, actionable civic initiatives, projects and events. Over five intensive days, participants explored civic participation processes in Lithuania and the European Union, rights-based participation, and effective models of civic action at the community level.
Delivered as a highly interactive residential program, „Community Accelerator“ combined experiential learning, peer exchange, and applied project work. Through workshops, facilitated discussions, and practical exercises, participants developed competencies in:
• mapping community needs, assets, and stakeholders;
• mobilizing community members and facilitating inclusive dialogue;
• initiating and planning small-scale civic initiatives;
• building partnerships;
• understanding institutional landscapes in Lithuania;
• communicating community impact through storytelling and basic social media tools.
A key focus of the training was supporting participants to co-create actionable mini-projects or civic initiatives, and plan concrete follow-up steps for implementation in their local contexts after the training.
Beyond skills development, „Community Accelerator“ created a strong platform for networking, partnership-building, and peer support, reinforcing the role of Ukrainian community leaders as active civic actors contributing to democratic participation, social cohesion, and community development across Lithuania.
The training course was co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Social Fund Agency. Neither the European Union nor the Granting Authority can be held responsible for them.
Community Accelerator: January Training for Community Leaders on Civic Participation