Позитивные изменения. Том 4, №1 (2024). Positive changes. Volume 4, Issue 1 (2024) - Редакция журнала «Позитивные изменения»

• The presence of historical landmarks evoking pride;

• Visible restoration efforts or ongoing processes;

• A scarcity of dilapidated historic structures;

• The visibility of diverse historical elements (including those from the Soviet era);

• The presence of informative plaques detailing building histories;

• Accessibility of historical tours;

• The availability of many historic buildings for internal exploration;

• The existence of projects/events aimed at heritage preservation and promotion, such as clean-up drives, festivals, and historical reenactments;

• Instances of private investors restoring historical sites for commercial use;

• Few instances of historical site demolition or destruction by fire.

The creators of the methodology cite several examples of NGO initiatives:

• Assessing the existence of historical preservation projects within the city;

• Organizing or promoting historical tours;

• Raising awareness through media channels about threats to historical heritage;

• Participating in nationwide movements like the Tom Sawyer Fest or Fasadnik to collectively refurbish building facades;

• Hosting events in the courtyards of historic buildings to underscore the imperative for restoration (case in point: the “City Art Laboratory” held in the courtyard of a historic mansion in Krasnoyarsk);

• Launching public fundraising campaigns to finance the restoration of historical elements in the urban environment.

Among the other parameters of the proposed methodology are: “Helping Animals,” “Visible Presence of NGOs and Initiative Groups in a Kind City,” “Developed Good-Neighborliness,” “City Cleanliness,” “Efficient Navigation,” “Green Areas in the City,” “Good Environment for Children,” “Accessibility,” and “Distinct City Identity and Brand.” “The methodology describes in detail each parameter, along with its indicators and potential actions for NGOs. It is important to reiterate that this is a form of self-assessment. We observe which signs of a kind city are noticeable to both locals and visitors. Then, by examining our projects and programs, we attempt to align them with these focal points. For instance, if cleanliness is deemed a hallmark of a kind city, even as an organization focused on the elderly, we might organize a community cleanup or a tree-planting event. Thus, this methodology serves as a tool for NGOs to reflect on their activities from an external perspective, identifying further avenues for engagement,” explains Daria Buyanova.

Respondents also identified other crucial aspects of a kind city that are challenging for NGOs to influence, but someone may be able to address. These include the provision of public toilets, affordable and delectable dining options, and access to clean drinking water. Additionally, urban media and forums for citizen input into decision-making processes are vital for residents, while polite drivers, street music beyond festive occasions, and positive feedback about the city from locals enhance the experience for visitors.

The kind city methodology encompasses 10 parameters. The authors assert their universality, applicable irrespective of a municipality’s size or geographical location.

What forms of engagement can facilitate the understanding and implementation of citizens’ needs? Firstly, participatory design involves creating public spaces with input from local residents, communities, active citizens, experts, government representatives, local businesses, and other stakeholders.

“Participatory practices offer a means to engage with the ultimate beneficiaries of a product. This approach is not limited to developers but is utilized by various entities. Often, initiatives proceed from the top down, lacking validation from the audience. However, involving people in shaping their environment yields significant benefits. The primary impact is a sense of ownership among residents, shifting from a consumer to a custodial mindset. Moreover, participatory practices foster community-building. This process follows a roadmap with stages of evolution: ideation, coalition-building, research, design, active participation, and reflection. Engaging individuals in projects through this process three times is what makes self-organized communities,” elucidates Lyubov Gurariy, an expert in community engagement and curator of participatory practices at A101 Learnity.

Secondly, there is a need for “entry points” for citizens — visible, alternative spaces in the city where residents can showcase their contributions through socially beneficial actions. For instance, Syzran has its ”third place” in the city center — the “anti-space” called Walls, which provides a venue for events, communal coffee breaks, and coworking sessions.

“We’re grassroots in our approach. Residents not only voice their desires but substantiate them through action. When the Tom Sawyer Fest arrived, platbands “took residence” in our anti-space. People came to restore them, accompanied by tea and guitars, sometimes extending into the dead of night. When, six months later, the platbands became an art installation on our riverfront, it underscored people’s commitment to preserving what they had nurtured,” recounts Maria Azizova, founder of Walls anti-space and ambassador for the Commonwealth of Kind Cities.

Participatory practices foster community-building. Engaging individuals in projects from ideation to reflection three times is what makes self-organized communities.

Another illustrative initiative is the “If There’s a Gap…” forum, showcasing contemporary cultural and artistic expressions. The forum featured an initiative competition, with the winning project, Living Dies, shedding light on forgotten yet captivating locales in Syzran.

“The project team explored several sites, proposed an informal tourist route, and presented it at various venues, not only in our anti-space but also at the local community center and during town events. Following Syzran’s victory in the All-Russian Competition for the Best Urban Tourism Project, Living Dies may get a resurgence. It’s a prime example of grassroots efforts leading to something significant — something to take pride in, making the city genuinely benevolent and enhancing its allure,” concludes Maria Azizova.

Another avenue through which significant projects can be initiated