Foça: First Step Center: A Municipal–Civil Society Hub for Participatory Democracy

The First Step Center is a transferable municipal–civil society partnership model established in Foça to institutionalize participatory local governance through shared responsibility and long-term commitment. Initiated within the UNDP Civil Participation Grant Programme (co-financed by the European Union), the practice evolved from a youth-focused pilot into a permanent civic infrastructure embedded within the municipality.

At its core, the initiative prioritizes youth participation. It created structured and safe spaces where young people could engage in civic learning, project development, and participatory decision-making. Through trainings, mentoring sessions, workshops, and an intensive Ideathon Camp, young participants strengthened their civic competencies and built direct dialogue with local government.

The model adopts a rights-based and inclusive approach. Accessibility of the Center has been ensured, and particular attention has been given to gender equality and the participation of women-led civil society organizations. Issues such as democratic rights, civic responsibility, volunteerism, and equal participation are integrated into program content.

Following the pilot phase, the model expanded to strengthen the broader civil society ecosystem in Foça. The Center supports existing NGOs in improving institutional capacity, guides emerging civic initiatives, and facilitates structured cooperation between civil society and municipal departments.

A three-year cooperation protocol signed in 2026 between Foça Municipality and Pi Youth Association guarantees sustainability. The municipality provides space and personnel, while civil society actors co-design and implement activities. In parallel, internal procedures and governance guidelines are being developed to further institutionalize participation mechanisms.

Designed as a replicable structure rather than a temporary project, the First Step Center demonstrates how municipalities can embed inclusive and rights-based civic participation within their institutional framework.

More information: https://ilkadimprojesi.org/ 

https://www.oidp.net/docs/repo/doc1896.pdf