Innovation Lab
Projects
The Citizen Observatory
Designed to promote transparency and accountability in public management at both local and national levels. By collecting and analyzing information, the Observatory produces reports, research, and recommendations to improve information transparency and make participation processes more accessible to citizens.
Region:
The Citizen Observatory focuses on the Republic of Costa Rica.
The Citizen Observatory
Designed to promote transparency and accountability in public management at both local and national levels. By collecting and analyzing information, the Observatory produces reports, research, and recommendations to improve information transparency and make participation processes more accessible to citizens.
Region:
The Citizen Observatory focuses on the Republic of Costa Rica.
Why?:
Costa Rican society is facing a critical challenge with the evolution of our democracy and social contract. Combined with ineffective institutional channels and decision-making mechanisms, it has led to a decline in trust in institutions and leaders. In response to widespread disillusionment due to inadequate information and ineffective public management, the Citizen Observatory aims to provide accessible, reliable, and transparent information about government performance and accountability. It also offers tools for engaging in state advocacy processes, aligning with Article 9 of the Political Constitution of Costa Rica, which emphasizes a participatory and accountable government.
Objective:
To increase citizen participation, transparency, and the strengthening of democracy by providing citizens with the information, tools, and spaces needed to become active citizens in their country.
Why?:
Costa Rican society is facing a critical challenge with the evolution of our democracy and social contract. Combined with ineffective institutional channels and decision-making mechanisms, it has led to a decline in trust in institutions and leaders. In response to widespread disillusionment due to inadequate information and ineffective public management, the Citizen Observatory aims to provide accessible, reliable, and transparent information about government performance and accountability. It also offers tools for engaging in state advocacy processes, aligning with Article 9 of the Political Constitution of Costa Rica, which emphasizes a participatory and accountable government.
Objective:
To increase citizen participation, transparency, and the strengthening of democracy by providing citizens with the information, tools, and spaces needed to become active citizens in their country.
THE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES ARE:
THE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES ARE:
To inform citizens about the impact of the work of deputies, ministers, autonomous institutions, and the judiciary, enabling them to participate in advocacy and decision-making processes.
Facilitate information for undecided voters to help them make an informed decision and cast an educated vote in Costa Rica’s presidential and municipal elections by monitoring and highlighting the proposals of political candidates through infographics, interviews, and debates.
Make the work of various Civil Society Organizations visible and help connect those doing similar work to foster a collaborative environment within Costa Rica’s civil society.
Measure the level of democracy in Costa Rica based on a series of indicators such as Freedom of the Press and separation of Powers, among others.
To inform citizens about the impact of the work of deputies, ministers, autonomous institutions, and the judiciary, enabling them to participate in advocacy and decision-making processes.
Facilitate information for undecided voters to help them make an informed decision and cast an educated vote in Costa Rica’s presidential and municipal elections by monitoring and highlighting the proposals of political candidates through infographics, interviews, and debates.
Make the work of various Civil Society Organizations visible and help connect those doing similar work to foster a collaborative environment within Costa Rica’s civil society.
Measure the level of democracy in Costa Rica based on a series of indicators such as Freedom of the Press and separation of Powers, among others.
The Freedom Curriculum
The Freedom Curriculum is a highly engaging digital platform that leverages storytelling, showcases principles of freedom and ignites a sense of urgency to actively take part in the protection of democracy. The democratic values and principles included in the curriculum are:
ESSENTIAL LIBERTIES AND RIGHTS:
The Freedom Curriculum
The Freedom Curriculum is a highly engaging digital platform that leverages storytelling, showcases principles of freedom and ignites a sense of urgency to actively take part in the protection of democracy. The democratic values and principles included in the curriculum are:
ESSENTIAL LIBERTIES AND RIGHTS:
Educating on voluntary relationships, property rights, freedom of speech, political freedom, and the rule of law, fostering a deep understanding and advocacy for these fundamental rights.
Government by Consent and Representation. Engaging students in civic initiatives for government reform and understanding the challenges of pursuing democratic change in authoritarian regimes.
Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy. Leveraging tech-driven platforms to teach business management, innovation, and financial concepts, including bitcoin and digital currency management, all within a framework that promotes leadership and entrepreneurial thinking
Leadership Development and Civic Participation. Infusing leadership training into decision-making and strategic thinking exercises, encouraging active involvement in community events.
Educating on voluntary relationships, property rights, freedom of speech, political freedom, and the rule of law, fostering a deep understanding and advocacy for these fundamental rights.
Government by Consent and Representation. Engaging students in civic initiatives for government reform and understanding the challenges of pursuing democratic change in authoritarian regimes.
Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy. Leveraging tech-driven platforms to teach business management, innovation, and financial concepts, including bitcoin and digital currency management, all within a framework that promotes leadership and entrepreneurial thinking
Leadership Development and Civic Participation. Infusing leadership training into decision-making and strategic thinking exercises, encouraging active involvement in community events.
RULE OF LAW AND LIMITED GOVERMENT:
RULE OF LAW AND LIMITED GOVERMENT:
Promoting the importance of checks and balances, the separation of powers, and the risks associated with surveillance and repression, while cultivating responsible leadership.
Promoting the importance of checks and balances, the separation of powers, and the risks associated with surveillance and repression, while cultivating responsible leadership.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND ADVOCACY:
FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND ADVOCACY:
Utilizing technology for human rights advocacy, emphasizing resilience in the face of oppression and the importance of international support, with a focus on developing effective communicators and advocates.
Voluntary Relationships and Social Change: Supporting grassroots movements and the commitment to peaceful transitions of power through voluntary association, emphasizing the role of leadership in driving social change.
Utilizing technology for human rights advocacy, emphasizing resilience in the face of oppression and the importance of international support, with a focus on developing effective communicators and advocates.
Voluntary Relationships and Social Change: Supporting grassroots movements and the commitment to peaceful transitions of power through voluntary association, emphasizing the role of leadership in driving social change.
*This curriculum is deployed through our knowledge hub and education pilots.
*This curriculum is deployed through our knowledge hub and education pilots.
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