The Council of Europe's civil participation campaign, "Change the Scenario - Play Your Role," has extended its activities to Bolnisi municipality. The campaign's objective is to connect with residents within municipalities and foster a culture of active participation at the local level. It emphasises the significance of collaboration between civil society and public authorities in offering solutions that benefit society.

During the event, participants of the event engaged in the forum theatre, and provided participatory solutions to the community issue demonstrated by the play.

Forum theatre is a participatory form of theatre where the audience becomes actively involved in the performance, often focusing on social issues. With this format, spectators can stop the play, intervene, and suggest alternative actions to explore possible solutions or outcomes, fostering dialogue and critical thinking about real-life problems.

Following the performance, participants engaged in a discussion about local initiatives and tools for citizen participation in Bolnisi municipality. These discussions encouraged reflection on how individual actions can bring about positive changes in municipalities. Participants also explored existing opportunities and mechanisms for effective engagement in local decision-making processes in Bolnisi

Apart from the forum theatre and panel discussions, participants were introduced to the Council of Europe’s innovative Uchange game. This game helps citizens to gain insights how they can engage in political decision-making processes.

The campaign events have already been conducted in various locations, including Tbilisi, Oni, Ambrolauri, Gori, Borjomi, Akhmeta, and Telavi. The campaign will continue with events in Marneuli, Chokhatauri, Ozurgeti, Tetritskaro, Zestaphoni, Tskaltubo, and Rustavi.

The event took place in the framework of the project “Strengthening Participatory Democracy and Human Rights at Local Level in Georgia”, and is organised by the Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity, Division of Elections and Participatory Democracy within the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2020-2023 with the financial contribution of the Austrian Development Cooperation.