Digital Tool – Simulation Games as Participatory Tools (VR Application)
Short description of the tool
Simulation is a role – play a game mainly implemented in physical format, but it is a very important activity/tool to be used when it comes to its educational benefits and perks for
the youth of a City. Young people come to learn by playing and getting “in the shoes” of a decision maker, being able to understand the way and complexity of decision making procedures or policy making on local level.
Via the simulation games, a youth-friendly environment is set to allow space to participants express their opinions, views, ideas and proposals for a variety of topics that affect them, while also pilot testing innovative ideas of youths’ active citizenship like a youth council.
Challenges Addressed
Through the simulation game, the young participants learn how the municipality or the respective elected governance authority works, thus, getting a better idea of how the society, the community and the world around them is developed, progresses and changes via active participation. This, also, helps instill the sense of responsibility for what takes place in their community, and the wish to actively participate and engage in order to have a voice and help “shape their society” the way they think best.
Key features and benefits
When such simulations are combined with ICT Technologies in the spirit of digitalization and evolution, we get even better results, like what is recorded with the project “VR in School Education and Civic Participation” (http://vrinschooleducation.eu/). This ERASMUS+ KA2, Strategic Partnership in School Education, Funded project focused on the introduction of Virtual Reality Technology, via an Application, to the need of Active Citizenship in a European level. The participating youth and Teachers were trained via digital Mass Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on a series of topics that affect their daily lives (e.g. environment, cyberbullying, active citizenship etc.) and then were asked to play on a simulation virtual reality app with each other on a simulation of a “European Youth Council”. Through the use of VR glasses and the app developed, participants from 4 different countries had the chance to discuss, propose ideas and be part of the decision-making process in their area, reflecting the topics they originally learned in the trainings.
Impact
This innovative method of education did not only highlight the importance of active participation locally, but also raised it to the European level with topics that young people should be aware and informed about, as they grow to be active citizens in their communities. This tool can be broadly applied to cities allowing space for youth’ engagement into the decision-making procedure for topics of concern in their city/region,but also attract and maintain their interest in a very youth-friendly way.
Digital Tool – Volunteers’ Registry
Short description of the tool
Within the concept of community mapping, lies the aspect of identifying the “assets” of a community, including the assets in the people that belong to it.The Municipality of Salamina, Greece, has taken this concept into the idea of a “Volunteers’ Registry” where the interested citizens of the municipality can apply to be volunteers in one of the offered sectors decided:
1. Stray Animals
2. Social Solidarity
3. Civil Protection
4. Culture/Tourism
5. Environmental Protection
The citizens apply for one of the aforementioned sectors online (https://volunteers.salamina.gov.gr/) and after identification confirmation they receive their volunteer ID. Based on their chosen sector, the volunteers are trained in a spirit of cooperation and solidarity and get the necessary equipment, so that, when time comes, they can offer their help and support in their volunteering work, so long as they wish and can. The volunteers are informed via direct communication when their contribution is required, but also all the citizens are informed via the aforementioned webpage.
Challenges Addressed
The “Volunteers’ Registry” serves as an organized and well-structured method to offer volunteering opportunities to those interested, while also solving and addressing issues that affect the local community by making the best of its own people – especially if we consider the size and population of the municipality. Additionally, it also contributes to the inspiration of the local community and enhancement the spirit of cooperation, solidarity, active engagement, and selfless contribution to the community. Needless, to say the digitalized format that this initiative has received, also serves as an asset to the overall value of the idea for the society.
Key features and benefits
Firstly, it helps to efficiently match the skills and interests of volunteers with the specific needs of various community organizations or projects. This ensures that volunteers are engaged in activities that align with their abilities and passions, maximizing their impact.
Moreover, a registry enables better coordination and communication between volunteers and the Municipality, facilitating the planning and scheduling of volunteer activities. It also allows for tracking volunteer hours and recognizing their contributions. Lastly, a tool like this can serve as a valuable resource for future volunteer recruitment and community engagement initiatives, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within the municipality.
Impact
This registry has a significant impact on comunity, by centralizing volunteer information and connecting individuals with meaningful opportunities, it enhances the overall effectiveness of volunteer efforts. This has led to increased community engagement and participation, fostering a sense of unity and social cohesion. The registry also enabled organizations to tap into a diverse pool of talent and expertise, allowing for a wider range of projects and initiatives. As a result, the registry helped to address pressing social issues, promotes civic responsibility, and contributes to positive community development. Ultimately, it empowers individuals to make a tangible difference, creating a stronger and more vibrant society.
