P L E D G E
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR PROGRAM
Developed by Worldwide Strategies, Inc.
PLEDGE (Partners in Local Economic Development
and Government Effectiveness) is a unique partnership-based
organization combining local economic development with community
development. The approach of PLEDGE represents an integrated strategy
aimed at reducing unemployment, rebuilding the economic foundation of
municipalities, and enhancing small businesses. Financial resources
guarantee the maximum impact of the cross-sector Program at local and
regional levels.
The main goals of
PLEDGE are:
- Integrating employment,
community development, and private business issues
- Creating local public-private
partnerships
- Ensuring sustainability of community
development strategies
- Improving the business environment
- Establishing local economic development
organizations
- Strengthening local economies and
generating jobs
- Increasing citizen participation in the
local and regional decision-making process
To achieve these goals, PLEDGE works with
6 strategic partners:
- Ministry of Labor and Social Policy
(MLSP) and the Employment Agency (EA)
- Local Government Initiative (LGI)
- Regional Associations of Municipalities
(RAMs)
- Solidarity Center for Trade Unions
- Bulgarian Association of Regional
Development Agencies and Business Centers (BARDA)
- Foundation for Local Government Reform
Representatives of these partners, as
well as of regional and local structures form a cross-sector network of
economic development experts guide the communities through the process
of rebuilding their economic foundation. These experts are volunteers
and are trained to become Industrial Adjustment Specialists.
They are the ambassadors of PLEDGE at the municipal level and work in
teams to assist local citizens in assessing their economic assets and
opportunities, and create partnerships that stimulate local business,
and generate jobs.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- 54 communities are involved in
the PLEDGE process of economic renewal;
- Over 2190 Bulgarian citizens have
learned the LED process;
- 80% of the PLEDGE municipalities
are small, rural, and economically disadvantaged;
- 4500 new jobs have been generated
in 29 of the PLEDGE communities, and 604 jobs have been saved by LED
and Quick Start projects;
- 671 new partnerships in 34
municipalities were created and 232 new projects have been launched;
- More than 350 businesses have
been assisted or expanded;
- 135 new businesses have been
started;
- 55 new structures have been
created as a result of PLEDGE community partnerships;
- Over 203 volunteers from the
public, private, and NGO sectors facilitate the economic transition
process and serve as a resource in community work;
- 66 union representatives have
been trained in the worker adjustment technology implemented in 3 mines
and 2 military installations undergoing closing or downsizing process
and resulting in several hundred saved jobs;
- 16 Quick Start national
consultants trained 122 job-analysts from the employment offices
throughout the country and 56 training organizations, resulting in 1196
trained workers who found employment;
- PLEDGE co-ordinates foreign
donors in the field of LED.
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