Start Up Kit En European Local Democracy Week

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The European Committee on Local and Regional Democracy
Le Comité Européen sur la Démocratie Locale et Régionale
European Local Democracy Week
(ELDW)
Jointly initiated by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (Congress)
And the Committee on Local and Regional Democracy (CDLR)
of the Council of Europe
START-UP KIT
As of 19/07/2007
www.coe.int/demoweek

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Introduction
The “European Local Democracy Week” (ELDW) is a new annual European event where national
and local events are organised concurrently by participating local authorities from all Council of
Europe member States.
Local authorities, associations of local authorities and all other partners keen to participate in the
ELDW should use the "Start-up Kit" as a basis for reflection and work for implementing this event.
This kit includes:
- an information document on the ELDW;
- a list of arguments in favour of the ELDW;
- a list of suggested activities that participating local authorities can implement at local and
national level.
The kit will continue to be developed over the coming weeks and months, to include additional
tools such as a "graphic charter", a logo and a proposal for a poster. Your comments will also be
an important contribution in this regard.

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Content
Why organise a European Local Democracy Week ?...........................................................4
An opportunity for local elected representatives and leaders$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Interest for the citizens $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
An occasion for the Council of Europe $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Presentation of the ELDW ......................................................................................................5
The European dimension of local democracy $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Target groups$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Objectives $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Course of the “Week”$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Project partners and participants $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Partner’s involvement $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
List of possible activities to mark ELDW...............................................................................7
Activities to run at local level $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Information/communication activities$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Activities based on exchanges between citizens and local elected representatives $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Activities for youth $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Activities for the elderly$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!
Activities to run at national level $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!

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“European Local Democracy Week” (ELDW)
Why organise a European Local Democracy Week ?
and local events are organised concurrently by participating local authorities in all Council of
Europe member States.
The ELDW revolves around two main aims. promoting work carried out by local elected
representatives and communities on the one hand, and reinforcing citizens’ knowledge of
their local authorities and encouraging their democratic participation at local level on the
other. The ELDW will provide the opportunity for reaching these objectives through an informal
and congenial setting, adapted for fostering and strengthening close contact and relations
between all citizens, local leaders and local elected representatives.
The ELDW will provide local elected representatives and leaders with the opportunity:
1. to inform citizens on how local authorities operate and what their competences are;
2. to have direct and close contact with citizens so as to increase their confidence in local
elected representatives and leaders;
3. to promote the work of the communities and local elected representatives;
4. to bring local governments closer to citizens;
5. to listen to citizens and discuss with them subjects of local interest so as to have a better
understanding of their needs to provide a better service;
6. to convey a message of mutual responsibility;
7. to inform citizens of the various opportunities for participating in and contributing to local
democratic life;
8. to encourage participation of all citizens in the community;
9. to stimulate local life generally.
It will provide citizens with the opportunity:
1. to find out about competences and how the local democratic institutions managing their
lives on a daily basis operate;
2. to get to know their local councillors and learn about their responsibilities;
3. to ask local councillors and leaders questions;
4. to be listened to and to air their views on the political and technical questions that concern
them;
5. to find out about the various opportunities available for taking part in democratic life and the
decision-making processes at local level;
6. to get involved in the life of the local community.
It will allow the Council of Europe :
1. to promote local democracy as the basis for building a democratic society
2. to reinforce citizens’ perception of local democracy as a common European value
3. to inform the public about Council of Europe’s role in this field

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Presentation
and local events are organised concurrently by participating local authorities in all member States
in order to foster the knowledge of local democracy and promote the idea of democratic
participation at a local level.
The two Council of Europe bodies in charge of local and regional democracy issues i.e. the
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (Congress) of the Council of Europe and the European
Committee on Local and Regional Democracy (CDLR) have initiated this project and jointly support
its implementation.
The week beginning 15 October has been chosen for holding this event as a tribute to the
European Charter of Local Self-Government, opened for signature on that date in 1985. Local
authorities unable, for a variety of reasons, to organize the ELDW in this week are free to choose
a more suitable week. A first launch in 2007 would also mark the 50th
anniversary of the creation in
1957 of the Conference of the local authorities of the Council of Europe, the first authority in
Europe to bring together elected officials of local and regional communities.
The European dimension of local democracy
Proximity, a vibrant local democratic life and good governance at local level are aspirations largely
shared by most Europeans.
Several organisations work towards promoting local democracy in Europe. The Council of Europe
is committed to promoting a style of local self-government that meets the needs of the citizens
wherever they may be. The Council of Europe also initiated the European Charter of Local Self-
Government that came into force on 9 September 1988. Through this instrument the signatory
States undertake to recognise the principle of local self-government in domestic legislation.
Organising local events across the continent under the common “label” of the “European Local
Democracy Week” would contribute to reinforcing citizens’ perception of local democracy as a
common European value and a basis for building a democratic society.
Target groups
The ELDW is intended for first level local authorities (local communities, cities, municipalities)
responsible for its organisation, as well as for citizens - the principal beneficiaries of the ELDW’s
activities.
Objectives
The ELDW has several aims. Its purpose is to raise European citizens’ awareness of how local
authorities operate, to inform them of the opportunities available for taking part in decision-making at
local level and, as a result, draw their attention to how crucial their participation in local affairs is for
maintaining the vitality of local democracy. The initiative will also serve as an occasion for raising
local councillors’ and local civil servants’ awareness of democratic participation at local level and
will enable them to meet citizens in an informal and entertaining setting. Furthermore, the “Week”
will also create the opportunity to stress that local democracy is one of the common components
for constructing a democratic Europe and to inform the public and elected representatives about
Council of Europe’s role in this field.

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The “Week”
The first European “Local Democracy Week” will be launched on the occasion of the 15th
session
of the Ministerial Conference of European Ministers responsible for Local and Regional
Government in Valencia, 15 to 16 October 2007, with representatives from the Committee of
Ministers, the Congress and the Parliamentary Assembly. Representatives of national associations of
local authorities and of major European cities will also take part in the launching event.
At national level, it is important that a maximum number of partners adopt the week of 15 October
as ELDW because of the symbolic nature of this date. Nevertheless, local authorities unable to
organise the “Week” around this date are free to schedule the ELDW for another, more suitable, time
of year. In order to inform citizens, compile their opinions and expectations, and encourage them to
participate actively in local affairs, participating local institutions would organise for one or several
days a variety of activities aimed at a variety of audiences. The activities could be directed at
several levels, from the more serious to the more entertaining, such as disseminating information,
arranging open door days or debates with local leaders and officials on issues of local interest, as
well as organising games and competitions etc.. Particular attention should be given to the
involvement of young people with the aim of raising as early as possible their awareness as
regards democratic participation at local level.
After the “kick-off” in Valencia and other European cities or towns, the “ELDW” shall continue to be
promoted as a “pan-European” event, with the aim of encouraging more and more local authorities
to join in – individually and through their associations. Part of this strategy is also to welcome on
board already-existing initiatives and projects in member States, including those scheduled at
different times of the year, under the common label of “European Local Democracy Week” in order
to give them greater visibility and maybe enhance their impact.
Project partners and participants
As the initiator of the project, the Council of Europe defines the general project outline, suggests
activities, proposes a shared visual identity and generally coordinates the European dimension of the
“week” in close collaboration with local government associations all over Europe. The Council of
Europe also ensures that the European dimension of the initiative is reflected in the activities carried
out at local level.
At national level, national associations of local authorities and national governments are invited to
become partners and promoters of the project, establish a national framework supporting participating
local authorities, and organise national events.
At local level, local authorities are invited to take part in the ELDW individually and will have a wide
degree of discretion for deciding the best ways for organising and implementing the week.
Partner’s involvement
First consultations with European and national associations of local authorities have generated
positive feedback, with member states demonstrating a general willingness in to support the
project. Further promotion of the project is currently taking place and any local authority,
association of local authorities or other interested partner is invited to support and participate in the
project.
For further information on the project please contact
Serge Epouhe, Secretariat of the Congress : tel. +33 3 88 41 39 30; fax +33 3 88 41 27 84 ; email
democracy.week@coe.int

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List of possible activities to mark ELDW
The list of activities set out below is aimed at associations of local authorities or local authorities
themselves. It has been designed with the valuable help of the Local Government Association
(LGA) from the United Kingdom. The present list is intended to help partners willing to take part in
ELDW to think about the possible activities they could run. Partners who wish to do so are
encouraged to translate the list into their national language(s) and disseminate it at local level. The
list of activities is open-ended, and will gradually be supplemented by contributions from all those
keen to share their experiences and ideas with the partner local authorities taking part in this
European event. Please consult the ELDW Web site (www.coe.int/demoweek) on a regular basis
to find out about new activities or to access updates on the activities mentioned below.
Each activity listed in the table has a description sheet. The description sheets are enclosed in the
email you received with the present document. You can also access the description sheet directly
on the ELDW website by simultaneously pressing the Ctrl key on your keyboard and clicking on
the icon
Activities to run at local level
Information/communication activities
Detailed information
Local authority open day(s) See Activity sheet 1 or
Exhibition on the town’s foundation, history and
development , along with the development of its skill base
See Activity sheet 2 or
Production of information material on local authorities See Activity sheet 3 or
Information campaign in the local media See Activity sheet 4 or
Special issue of the local authority’s newsletter, focusing on
local democracy and the ELDW
Activities based on exchanges between citizens and local elected representatives
Local authority open day(s) See Activity sheet 1 or
Citizens visit the facilities (fire stations, schools, etc.) run by
the local authorities
Local elected representatives meet the public See Activity sheet 7 or
Opening of local authorities’ decision-making and
deliberative organs to the public
Public debates on topics that are of local interest and/or
come within local authorities’ remit

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Survey(s) on local policy issues or public satisfaction with
the local authority’s activities, designed to assess citizens’
understanding of local democratic institutions
Lecture on local democracy, followed by a discussion See Activity sheet 11 or
Provision of a forum for community associations; meetings
and discussions between local elected representatives and
community associations
Forum on local development : The forum would gather
together all stakeholders willing to contribute to local
development
Activities for youth
Youth media: young people observe and analyse the ELDW
from a journalistic perspective
Organisation of a youth council/parliament to discuss issues
relevant to young people
Visits to local institutions by young people See Activity sheet 16 or
School visits by local elected representatives and officials See Activity sheet 17 or
“In the shoes of a local elected representative” short story
competition for young people over the age of 16
Pupil Power. A card game giving young people the
opportunity to spend a hypothetical council budget.
Political speed dating : Three-minute sessions for
councillors and young people to get to know each other
Question time : Breaking down barriers between young
people and their Councillors, politicians or representatives.
Take your councillor to school : Elected representatives or
councillors visit a group of young people in their own
environment to talk about his/her official role.
Mock elections : Actively engage students with the political,
social and moral issues of the world around them through a
mock election.
I am a councillor get me out of here! A web event which
breaks down barriers and gets councillors and young people
talking.
“Life Swap”: Young people across the country are requested
to capture their experiences, focusing on the theme 'my life:
my community'
Mayor of the day : Elected young persons put themselves in
the shoes of the mayor for a day.
School debate : Young people from schools or colleges take
part in debates in a council chamber under near reality
conditions.
Citizenship quiz : Young people learn through a fun
perspective about local and European democracy.
Intergenerational debate : Young and old discuss a subject
that both groups recognise as important.

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Activities for the elderly
Intergenerational debate : Young and old discuss a subject
that both groups recognise as important.
A visit for the elderly to facilities (fire stations, schools, etc.)
run by the local authorities
Public debates for the elderly on topics of interest to them See Activity sheet 9 or
Activities to run at national level
Information campaign in the national media See Activity sheet 30 or
Conference/colloquy organised by national associations of
local authorities on topics related to local democracy
Design of a special stamp to be put into circulation during
the ELDW. This project must be carried out in cooperation
with the appropriate national services.
If you would like any further information, or have any comments or suggestions for new activities,
please contact Mr Serge Epouhe : tel. +33 3 88 41 39 30; fax +33 3 88 41 27 84; mail:
democracy.week@coe.int.

Start Up Kit En European Local Democracy Week

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