On November 16, representatives of various professions were united by project of the Chavchavadze Center “Common Sense: Civil Society vis-à-vis Politics”.
According to the founder of the Chavchavadze Center Zaza Bibilashvili, “Each of us may change the existing reality. Being a citizen is a big challenge as well as responsibility. The purpose of this meeting is to strengthen civic awareness”. The Ilia Chavchavadze Center for European Studies and Civic Education has been implementing project “Common Sense: Civil Society Facing Politics” for several months around Georgia. So far, around 150 active citizens have participated in our various events and trainings.
At Zugdidi Center for Civic Engagement, participants, along with the Center Director Nino Kalandadze, discussed existing regional problems and ways of solving them. “Each citizen should feel strong and empowered when facing politics”, noted Anna Sitchinava, economist and project participant. According to journalist Eka Tordia: “it is important to give youth the ability for self-realization so that intellectual capital will no longer flow out of the country”.
Considerable time was devoted to discussing issues such as enhancing citizen engagement in political decision-making, the role of decentralization, environment and infrastructure as well as dangers of hybrid warfare. Project participant Tsitsino Shengelia, who represents organization “Civic Activism and Equality Center” noted: “I think that women’s involvement in the decision-making process and activism of women are vital and often our voice is not considered, which must be changed. I would like for women to be more sensitive to this issue. Samegrelo is certainly distinguished by many active women leaders, a fact which has its historic and regional causes.”
Second part of the Chavchavadze Center event was devoted to a session of the founder of Georgian Institute of Politics, Professor Kornelly Kakachia: “Challenges of Modern Foreign Policy of Georgia, Eastern Partnership and Euro-Atlantic Integration Perspectives”.
Before the simulated debate, the Center’s senior fellow, media psychologist Mariam Gersamia led a session and discussion on the issues such as “what should we know about the unconscious and body language in order to better prepare for the debate? How and why does the audience remember specific messages?”
After practical trainings, participants were awarded with certificates.
Civic engagement project is implemented gradually, in all regions of Georgia.
Selected participants are attending lectures and masterclasses on various directions:
Participation in masterclasses is free of charge.
The project is implemented with support of Konrad-Adenauer South Caucasus Foundation.
