EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Citizen involvement

Citizen involvement - Amersfoort

Introduction

In the middle of the Amersfoort district of Koppel-Kruiskamp there is a piece of grass. Until two years ago all it was used for was kicking a football around. Thanks to OBAZ (Onze Buurt Aan Zet, or 'Our Neighbourhood's Move') things have now changed radically.

Problem

How can we instil norms and values in children and young people? How can we raise citizens' involvement with the living environment? How can we combat litter? How can we offer contacts outside the social framework of the family?

Description

The guiding principle in these projects is that they should be small-scale, simple and practical. All local residents are involved in, for example, the revamping of a green strip, a playground, or sports activities for young people. Particular attention is paid to the needs of members of ethnic minorities. Under the working title De Klussenbus ('the Do It Yourself, DIY, bus') the projects also focus on people doing things for themselves in the public space.

Communication in the district is through:

a district platform that meets monthly;
residents' evenings on projects involving local residents.

Approach

Self-help and involvement in the neighbourhood: an expert helper comes with the DIY bus and repair materials, provided that residents join in in helping to repair broken street furniture or equipment in the public space. Social control then prevents a repetition of the vandalism.
The Buitenkast ('Outdoor Cupboard') project. Children can hire toys etc. in exchange for doing small jobs; generally clearing litter or doing shopping for the infirm. This also teaches them norms and values. The project also gives mothers an opportunity to step outside the social confines of the family by chatting with other parents over a cup of coffee.
The Jeugdbuurtbeheerdersproject (neighbourhood youth steward project) aims to give training to young people who have been in trouble with the police, so that they can help keep other teenagers on the straight and narrow by giving them a role in bringing about a social and safe district.

Results

The success of the three projects is due in part to involving residents and keeping them informed. It is advisable to invite participation on a selective basis: not the entire district but only those who have a direct interest.
Once or twice a year the progress made by each project is reported in a city newsletter.

Contact info

City of Amersfoort
Menno Kelhout, tel. +33 34 694590

Project start date

05/11/2003

Links

City of Amersfoort OBAZ

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Keywords

Citizens' participation