In August, Rivne became a hub of expertise and peer learning for starostas representing partner hromadas from different oblasts. The two-day training, organised under the Polaris Programme, gathered around 30 participants to find answers to one key question – how to act effectively where people expect solutions every day.
The goal of the training was not only to share knowledge but also to shape a modern vision of the starosta’s role as a local change leader.
“Local self-government relies on people who make important decisions every day – starostas. Their mission is to listen to community needs, find optimal solutions, and drive development. We aim to equip them with effective tools for communication, financial planning, and engagement with all population groups,” noted Andrii Matsokin, Lead of the Institutional Capacity Development for Starostas component of Polaris.
Communication as the foundation of trust
The training opened with a session on effective communication with residents. Expert Pavlo Pushchenko explained how to deliver information clearly, involve people in decision-making, and respond to community needs:
“Quality communication is the foundation of trust. People want to know what is happening in their environment and to have an impact on decisions. This means speaking clearly, providing timely updates, and ensuring feedback,” the expert emphasised.
Participants practised drafting information notices, discussed approaches to handling complaints, and explored tools for building dialogue within starosta districts.
Finance, investment, and territorial development
The second core session focused on the starosta’s role in reflecting residents’ priorities in the hromada budget and strategic plans. Expert Nataliia Mamchak demonstrated how to identify community needs and transform them into realistic budget proposals:
“Money is a resource that can work for development. But to secure support, you need to argue the case effectively and understand how the hromada budget functions. It’s not just numbers – it’s about real opportunities for change,” she stressed.
During the practical exercise “Defining residents’ interests and budget interaction”, participants simulated the process of aligning priorities between citizens, council members, and executive bodies.
Transparency and risk mitigation
Another important session focused on conflict of interest and legal aspects of the starosta’s work. Olha Kalinichenko, Senior Expert of Polaris, underlined why transparency is a key to stability in governance:
“In local governance, even small mistakes can become serious problems. Understanding and applying rules on conflict of interest and corruption risk prevention is not a formality – it is the basis for trust in the hromada,” she explained.
Participants analysed real-life cases and developed action plans to avoid problematic situations.
Gender aspects in governance
Gender considerations were another crucial topic. Polaris gender expert Yuliia Savelieva highlighted why addressing the needs of different population groups makes governance more effective:
“Integrating gender perspectives into the starosta’s work is not a trend – it’s a necessity. Ignoring that the needs of women and men, children and adults, people with disabilities or vulnerable groups differ means losing sight of essential details like lighting, accessible buildings, or availability of services. Ultimately, these solutions create a community-friendly environment for everyone,” she noted.
Participants applied mapping methods to identify whether all needs were being considered in the planning of starosta district territories.
Supporting veterans: how to avoid mistakes
Another thematic block addressed communication with veterans and their families. Polaris expert Kateryna Timakina shared key recommendations: “Respect and sensitivity are the two main principles. Starostas are often the first to encounter veterans’ needs, so it’s vital to know how to speak properly and avoid triggering topics. This is not only about assistance – it’s about restoring trust and rebuilding communities,” she explained.
Legal status and responsibility
The final session focused on the legal responsibilities of starostas. Andrii Matsokin reminded participants that leadership is not just about formal duties:
“People expect real solutions, not just signatures. Acting correctly within the legal framework ensures both stability in the hromada and effective governance,” he concluded.
The training in Rivne became a platform for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and shaping new approaches to local governance. Starostas left not only with theoretical knowledge but with practical tools to apply in their daily work.
Polaris will continue supporting hromadas through learning modules, consultations, and resources aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity of local self-government.
