Nieves Lady Barreto, the Secretary of Presidency, Public Administration, Justice and Security, inaugurated the new training initiative, 'Up Your Association!' (asóciate) on La Palma, aimed at empowering local associations to effectively engage with public administrative processes.
The event took place at Breña Alta, where Barreto expressed the integral role associations play within island communities. "Association movements drive people, and they are indispensable today for maintaining social, cultural, and leisure activities across neighborhoods," she stated.
Barreto highlighted some concerning statistics about associations within the Canary Islands: out of approximately 22,000 registered organizations, only 6,500 are active, and on La Palma alone, of 1,077 registered associations, only 286 are operational. "We want to assist the people behind these associations so they can remain vibrant and influential," she added during her speech.
The training initiative, organized by the General Directorate of Transparency and Civic Participation, aims to offer hands-on information and support for local entities, teaching them how to properly compile and present necessary documentation for their registration and periodic updates with the Canarias government's Association Registry.
Carmen Delia Alberto, the director of Transparency and Civic Participation, mentioned the training sessions are set to take place across all eight islands and are slated to conclude by May. She emphasized the need for the program's continuation, hinting at future editions to maintain engagement.
Matteo Zamboni, Breña Alta's Councilman for Tourism, expressed gratitude for hosting the first of two training sessions planned for La Palma, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the event.
Barreto also introduced new support services available through the 012 hotline, accessible via telephone and video conference. This service, launched with the collaboration of the General Directorate of Digital Transformation of Public Services, is intended to provide guidance for associations on managing their administrative duties and resolving inquiries.
The initiative stands not only as educational sessions but as platforms to improve associations' interactions with bureaucratic processes, considering the increasing digital requirements imposed on them.
Barreto reiterated, "For the first time, the Government of Canarias' association services are stepping out to directly engage and train association members across the islands," reinforcing the administration's commitment to reforming association processes as needs evolve.
She noted the complexity of current procedures, stating, "We’ve had association laws for many years, but as the demands have increased – especially concerning transparency – we need to skill up those engaged behind the scenes. We must simplify things where we can." She reflected on positive outcomes from previous events, indicating how feedback garnered from past island trainings have shaped improvements to the program and the associated website.
According to the Secretary, empowering associations can rejuvenate local areas, particularly emphasizing their significance beyond urbanized zones. "These associations are key players in the momentum of communities, especially on non-capital islands and less populated regions," she emphasized.
After the event at Breña Alta, the plan includes another training session at El Paso, continuing until the program reaches fourteen such engagements. Barreto hinted at the intent to hold these seminars biennially, ensuring community leaders always possess the latest tools and knowledge to thrive.
Concluding her remarks, she reiterated the purpose of the 012 hotline, reiteratively affirming it as a permanent help service – "formed personnel will aid association leaders with queries or uncertainties related to management, paperwork, and how to approach various administrative channels." The overarching goal of these initiatives is to strengthen the association framework throughout Canarias, fostering greater community development.