What should a modern Territorial Community Charter look like? Why don't residents always use local democracy mechanisms? What tools will help make the community more open and the local government closer to the people?
We discussed this with Nataliia Kuzma, Deputy Kamianske Village Head on Executive Bodies Activities, Coordinator of the Working Group on Drafting the Charter of the Kamianske Rural Territorial Community. The conversation focused on the role of the Charter in community development, the challenges of local democracy, mechanisms for resident participation, and a vision for the future of the Kamianske community.
“The Charter should reflect the history and traditions of the community”
Ms. Nataliia, in your opinion, what must be taken into account when drafting the Charter of the Kamianske Rural Territorial Community?
— First of all, the Charter should take into account the history of each village's creation, the cultural characteristics of each settlement, and patronal church festivals.
It is these components that shape the uniqueness of the community, its identity, and a sense of unity among residents. Therefore, the Charter should not only be a document regulating the activities of local self-government bodies, but also reflect the traditions, values, and characteristics of the community.
“Residents are not yet active enough in exercising their rights”
How do you assess the level of resident participation in the life of the community?
— Today, residents of the Kamianske community participate in its life quite passively: participation in public hearings and online surveys is extremely weak. Local residents almost never submit their own local initiatives or electronic petitions.
Which forms of citizen participation work best today?
— General assemblies remain the most in-demand and effective. People trust direct communication more, where they can ask questions and get answers during an in-person meeting.
At the same time, digital tools have significant potential for the development of local democracy, but their use is still held back by a number of factors.
What exactly prevents a more active use of digital participation mechanisms?
— First and foremost, it is an insufficient level of digital literacy, quality internet connectivity, and availability of modern gadgets.
These factors currently limit citizens' opportunities to participate in consultations, surveys, and other electronic forms of interaction with local self-government bodies.
“The Charter should be simple, clear, and open”
How do you see a modern Territorial Community Charter?
— It should be clear, transparent, and comply with current legislation. The sections should be logical, with clear content and concise articles. In addition, the Charter needs to provide a simple and clear mechanism for making amendments according to the new needs of the community.
What changes are needed most today in the interaction between the authorities and residents?
— Interaction between the authorities and residents often lacks transparency, two-way dialogue, and real mechanisms for citizens to influence budget allocation.
There is also a lack of trust and quality feedback. People do not always know how decisions are made, and the authorities do not always listen enough to the residents' needs. In addition, the procedures for submitting local initiatives or electronic petitions are often complex and unclear.
That is why the Charter must establish clear, transparent, and accessible mechanisms for interaction between the community and local authorities.
“The voice of every resident must be heard”
Which population categories need more attention today?
— These are youth, children and teenagers under 18, elderly people, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, and representatives of national minorities. Their needs often remain overlooked due to the lack of adapted participation mechanisms.
What solutions can change this?
— First of all, the Charter should provide for the creation of advisory bodies — a youth council and a veterans' council, which will have the opportunity to officially present their proposals.
It is also advisable to introduce a simplified participatory budget for children and older adults.
It is important to develop e-consultations and surveys via the "Diia" app or local digital platforms in order to involve residents who cannot be present in person in decision-making.
Special attention should be paid to inclusiveness: ensuring sign language interpretation at meetings, building accessibility, the use of Braille, and other barrier-free communication tools.
It is equally important to hold regular public hearings in each settlement of the community, during which local government representatives will report on their activities to the residents.
“The Charter should strengthen trust in local self-government”
What results do you expect after the approval of the new Charter?
— Having a Charter reduces the number of conflicts and subjective decisions, as it establishes unified procedures for all parties and strengthens trust in local self-government.
How do you see the Kamianske community in 5–10 years?
— I see it as united, safe, and open. The main priority is a high standard of living, comfortable infrastructure, and active involvement of residents in community management.
Conclusion
The conversation with Nataliia Kuzma proves that drafting the Charter of the Kamianske Rural Territorial Community is much more than preparing just another regulatory document. It is about creating modern rules for community living that will determine the level of openness of local authorities, opportunities for resident participation in decision-making, and mechanisms for protecting their rights.
The Charter should become an effective tool of real democracy, combining legislative requirements with the characteristics of the community, its history, culture, and aspiration for development. Exactly such a document is capable of strengthening trust between the authorities and residents, boosting civic engagement, and becoming the foundation for the sustainable development of the Kamianske community.
The project “Community Charter as a Tool of Real Democracy” is implemented by NGO CAHR "Vested" jointly with the Faculty of Law of UzhNU, the Research Institute of Fundamental and Applied Research of European Territorial Cooperation, and the NGO “Grassroots Institute” in partnership with Uzhhorod and Irshava urban, Kamianske and Zarichchia rural territorial communities with financial support from the International Renaissance Foundation. The material reflects the position of the authors and does not necessarily represent the position of the International Renaissance Foundation.