LOKÁLNE INICIATÍVY OBČIANSKEJ SFÉRY V ROZVOJI SÍDIEL
Local initiatives of associations of a civic character in the development of residential areas

Summary/Abstract: This paper addresses the question of the role of associations of a civic character in the development of residential areas. In the first section the author focuses on defining the concept of an association as a social group and a non-profit association. From differing approaches (legal, social sciences) particular typological divisions of non-profit associations ensue. A specific section is devoted to the theoretical premises for examining the functions of civic organisations in society. The paper identifies the role of associations in the residential milieu on the basis of empirical research in the village of Lozorno in the district of Malacky. It determines the condition of associations by comparing official registers with the identification of the associations from the viewpoint of members of the local community. The village of Lozorno is one of those communities with an active population, as shown by the number (28) of local associations of a civic character. Of these the community considers 20 organisations as active. The specificity of Lozorno, as compared to the surrounding communities, is expressed not only by the activities of a large number of associations but also by continuity of the activity of associations from the pre-1989 period. Important determinants of the existence of associations include the performance of leaders, people’s interest in membership of associations, and the support of bodies in the local entrepreneurial sphere and public administration, which results from the personal approach as well as from a favourable socio-economic condition of the bodies in question. Associations are evaluated according to the level of activity and the area of involvement in which they perform a local development function. Taking the example of the Community Centre civic association, the paper illustrates in more detail its particular functions relating to the aims of its activity, as well as its social functions of a more general character.

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