The CoTown Kasmoni Community Exchange pilot, part of the CommuniCity Second round of open calls, has successfully concluded its second round of piloting, bringing innovative solutions to foster social cohesion and economic empowerment in Amsterdam Zuidoost. This initiative aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 17 by facilitating partnerships among local corporations, governments, non-profits, and residents.
Objectives and Approach
The pilot aimed to create a community platform paired with offline activities to facilitate resource sharing, collaboration, and funding for social impact projects. Co-creation workshops and feedback sessions tailored the platform to the community’s needs. Inclusive and transparent engagement strategies addressed challenges like initial scepticism toward tech solutions.
Key Features
- Platform Development: Designed collaboratively, the platform offers an intuitive interface, offline events, and mentoring opportunities.
- Offline Activities: Events strengthened social connections and ensured inclusivity, with evening and small-group formats encouraging wider participation.
- Community Engagement: Local entrepreneurs, community leaders, and residents contributed through brainstorming sessions, persona canvases, and prototype reviews.
Outcomes and Learnings
The pilot engaged over 100 participants, including key target groups. Key lessons include:
- Combining digital tools with offline activities to improve accessibility.
- Involving stakeholders early to build trust and relevance.
- Addressing legal and financial aspects before full development.
Co-Creation Processs
The pilot’s success stemmed from its co-creation process, emphasizing collaboration and inclusivity. Highlights include:
- Diverse Participation: Community members from varied backgrounds and influential leaders fostered trust and engagement.
- Transparent Methods: Small-group activities and icebreakers ensured active participation and comfort.
- Valuable Insights: Digital solutions must pair with offline activities, and advisory components are critical for sustainable impact.
This approach ensured the platform was aligned with community needs, enhancing its potential for adoption and long-term success.
Future Plans
The CoTown Kasmoni project is gearing up for further development, with plans to:
- Secure additional funding and establish a business model with Stadsdeel ZuidOost.
- Host community events to refine the prototype.
- Build partnerships with similar initiatives for greater impact.
By prioritizing community input, this pilot offers a replicable model for fostering shared prosperity and addressing local challenges. As the Second-Round pilots reveals their results and impact across European cities, the Third Open Call pilots are now launching, running until May 2025 across 15 cities and nine countries.