From 24 to 28 March 2026, a five-day training course “Community Accelerator: Regional Trainings for Community Leaders on Civic Participation” took place in Kaunas, Lithuania. The training was organized by the VMU Ukrainian Center and brought together 20 Ukrainian community leaders living in Lithuania. Participants came from Jonava, Visaginas, Plungė, Kaunas, Šiauliai, Gargždai, Alytus, Panevėžys, and Vilnius, ensuring strong regional representation.
The training was designed to strengthen civic participation, enhance community leadership, and support Ukrainian community leaders in translating local needs into concrete, actionable civic initiatives, projects, and events. Building on the experience of a highly engaged and knowledgeable group, this edition of the training allowed for deeper discussions, peer learning, and exchange of practical insights from participants’ own community work.
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 further developed competencies in:
- mapping community needs, assets, and stakeholders;
- mobilizing community members and facilitating inclusive dialogue;
- initiating and planning civic initiatives;
- building partnerships;
- understanding institutional landscapes in Lithuania;
- communicating community impact through storytelling and basic social media tools.
The program also included a visit to the Valdas Adamkus Presidential Library-Museum, as well as a study visit to Mariupol State University, where participants learned more about the university’s activities and resilience in the context of war. In addition, participants engaged in an interactive team-building activity, including volunteering through weaving camouflage nets for the Ukrainian military.
A key focus of the training was supporting participants in co-creating actionable civic initiatives and defining concrete next steps for implementation in their local contexts. The final project presentations demonstrated a high level of professionalism, as well as a wide diversity of ideas addressing the needs of Ukrainian communities across Lithuania.
Beyond skills development, “Community Accelerator” once again 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.
*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.
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