On 14th and 15th July 2009, delegates from the Local Democracy Agencies met with ALDA in Vicenza, Italy, to review the situation, discuss about good practices and opportunities and share opinions on difficulties on the ground. The meeting allowed the group to reflect upon the New Position Paper of the network, divide into working groups and draw up a SWOT analysis of the agencies and ALDA, as well as to assess achievements and expectations for the future. The meeting was a rare opportunity for delegates and ALDA to meet all in one place and brainstorm on a strategy for the ways forwards.
In turn on the 16th, it was for all ALDA staff to meet in Vicenza and assess the progress and implementation of the programmes. The discussion touched on team work, the agenda for the second half of the year and on developments of the programme.
The 3 days brainstorm reasserted the solid base of the network in order to draw a vision for the coming months. Above all, the meetings were a great opportunity for team building, which is a crucial element of an international network spread around more than 8 countries.
