Project results of grant program "Citizens and Parliament"

The representative function is one of the key functions of the parliament. It provides for various formats of both direct and indirect interaction between the MPs of Ukraine and voters, which constitutes an integral part of the exercise of their powers. Such interaction is intended to facilitate the involvement of citizens in the decision-making process; contribute to building trust in the Parliament as an institution; and, increase the legitimacy of decisions developed and adopted by the Parliament.

Currently, at this crucial time for our country, the representative function of the parliament is becoming even more essential, as it is important for every MP and the parliament to keep in touch with citizens, support communities, study their concerns and respond to their needs.

In wartime, legislation is rapidly changing, and many issues arise that require communication with citizens.

To respond to wartime challenges and to consolidate with other stakeholders to address them effectively, Ukrainian MPs need to closely cooperate with target audiences, in particular, nongovernmental organizations, local governments, and professional communities. Suh interaction requires special approaches.

In response to the wartime challenges and needs, at the end of 2022, the USAID RADA Next Generation Program announced a competition among civil society organizations to participate in the Citizens and Parliament: Democratic Representation and Effective Interaction in the Wartime Grant Program.

The main objectives of the grant program were:

• build interaction and cooperation between MPs and voters within the constituency or region in the wartime (including targeted communications);
• engage citizens in the decision-making process and the work of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine;
• communicate reforms, study social issues, and find solutions using various tools of parliamentary interaction with citizens, including public consultations.

In total, the expert committee reviewed 42 applications from civil society organizations.

Grant Competition Winners:

1. NGO “Institute Respublica”
2. Rivne Regional Organization of NGO “OPORA Civil Network”
3. NGO “Agromegapolis”
4. NGO “Union for Promotion of Rural Green Tourism Development in Ukraine”
5. NGO “Good Community”
6. NGO “Society Initiatives Institute”

Projects were implemented in March-September 2023. You can read about their results by downloading our information brochure.

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