Asociația ÎntreVecini

Asociația ÎntreVecini is a Romanian non-governmental organization (NGO) founded in 2022 by neighbors in Bucharest's Sector 6. Starting as a grassroots initiative to combat social isolation - where 65% of Romanians barely know their neighbors - it has expanded to empower 103 communities across 26 counties. The mission: Build sustainable, united, proactive, healthy, and prosperous neighborhoods through collaborative projects that enhance quality of life, promote inclusion (with 90% of Romanians open to diversity), and address urban challenges like biodiversity loss and carbon emissions.

Key programs include the Incubator de Comunitate, supporting up to 100 neighbor teams (min. 4 members, including Owners' Association leaders) with €1,500 startup funding, workshops, and mentoring to launch 4 projects yearly - such as urban gardens, air quality monitoring via sensors, or book exchanges. Top performers advance to the Acceleratorul de Comunitate, offering €5,000 more and expansion aid, with a grand prize: an electric vehicle charging station for green mobility. The annual Zilele Vecinilor festival (May 30–June 1) sparks nationwide events like movie nights and local markets, fostering connections.

Unique tools: Revista Vecinilor shares stories and initiatives; Cardul ÎntreVecini maps neighborhood businesses to boost local economies. Training equips facilitators (4 hrs/week) for ongoing coordination. Led by Executive Director Gelu Duminică (sociologist at Agenția „Împreună”), the team partners with BRD Groupe Société Générale, Climate Reality Project, and others. Impact: From composters to beekeeping workshops, it drives participation (59% rarely join social events) toward 16,000 communities nationwide.