'Great Solidarity Space' in Dong Thap: An effective model in mass mobilization work in urban areas

Initiated in January 2020 in Ward 2, Cao Lanh City, the “Great Solidarity Space” model is a place for Party committees, authorities, the Vietnam Fatherland Front and socio-political organizations to meet, listen and exchange directly with people and businesses. Here, the parties discuss issues arising at the grassroots level, reflect their thoughts and aspirations, contribute ideas to policies and strategies, and together find solutions to remove difficulties and obstacles in practice.

Up to now, the model of "Great Solidarity Space" has quickly spread and been replicated in more than 60 localities throughout the province such as Cao Lanh City, Sa Dec, Hong Ngu; Tan Hong, Hong Ngu, Thanh Binh, Lap Vo districts... The space is flexibly arranged in many different locations such as People's Committee headquarters, cultural houses...

In Sa Dec City, the space is arranged in an ancient house, a cultural relic, creating a solemn, traditional atmosphere while still bearing the local identity. Many places apply the form of "weekend coffee", where local leaders invite people and businesses to chat in an intimate, simple way like in everyday life.

That closeness has eliminated the distance between “public authorities” and “citizens coming to meet”. Instead, there is an open, sincere atmosphere, exchanging and solving problems together. This is a very unique and special point of the model; different from traditional citizen meetings.

After nearly 5 years of implementation, the model has contributed to significantly reducing complaints and disputes at the grassroots level, improving the quality of voter contact, and improving the relationship between people and local authorities.

Hundreds of activities, meetings and dialogues were held throughout the province. Through these activities, many “hot” issues were resolved at the root; new policies were explained and guided promptly; people were truly involved in the decision-making process, a vivid manifestation of democracy at the grassroots level.

Not only effective in management, the model also helps the government change its management mindset to a service mindset, contributing to building the image of an administrative apparatus that is close to the people, respects the people, and is for the people.

The model of “Great Solidarity Space” has received attention and close direction from the Dong Thap Provincial Party Committee; the close coordination between the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department, the Vietnam Fatherland Front and localities has helped the model to be effective. People and businesses also have high consensus and actively participate...

At the recent conference summarizing the model "Great Solidarity Space", Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Council Phan Van Thang acknowledged and highly appreciated the effectiveness of the model's operations in recent times.

Mr. Thang suggested that the model should be replicated selectively, suitable for each locality; not equalizing, not formalistic, but must be truly based on actual needs and specific conditions. Provincial leaders also directed functional agencies to soon develop a set of criteria for evaluating the model, have a mechanism to support resources, and guide synchronous and flexible implementation.

At the Conference, many opinions also said that it is necessary to promote propaganda work to gradually build suitable models that meet practical requirements; provide funding to promptly renovate and decorate to create a space that creates a comfortable and warm feeling when people come to participate in activities; have instructions and issue common evaluation criteria to have consistency in activities.

Nguyen Truong Giang