Somos Comunidade was created to strengthen social cohesion and civic participation in Torres Vedras, emerging from ATV’s long-standing commitment to community empowerment. The initiative was designed to respond to local needs for social inclusion, active citizenship, and capacity-building by providing open and inclusive spaces for dialogue, training, and cultural activities. Through its actions, Somos Comunidade encourages collaboration between civil society organisations, public authorities, and individual citizens, fostering shared responsibility for local social development.
The project is managed by ATV through a collaborative governance model that combines coordination and financial oversight with participatory planning and implementation. While ATV ensures operational coherence and accountability, partner organisations and community representatives are actively involved in shaping activities and priorities. This approach promotes transparency, shared ownership, and alignment with municipal strategies, while remaining responsive to grassroots needs.
Somos Comunidade strongly reflects core civic space dimensions. It promotes participation by enabling citizens to engage in decision-making and collective initiatives, supports empowerment through training and access to resources that enhance employability and social skills, and ensures inclusivity by maintaining open and accessible spaces for diverse groups. Through sustained collaboration with local authorities, NGOs, and residents, the project also plays an advocacy role, promoting equality, anti-discrimination, and active, informed citizenship.
