Vision and Approach
The greater number of DOCA projects deals with ethnic minorities, i.e. with the mutual relations between ethnic minorities and their relations with majority groups in society. Special focus is placed on the neighbourhood and the local community. In the best case the community guarantees a legitimate place to many different groups, minorities and individualsóa rich and mixed community is established. Such a community is a fertile soil for ëgood practicesí. The approach of solving problems should be linked to these. They may be an example for other communities searching for improved ethnic relations. Surveys and assessment of ëgood practicesí in different communities is one of DOCAís strongest points.
More often it seems that the worse conditions prevail. Groups, minorities and individuals may hold a weak and vulnerable position which need public attention. However, it is apparently difficult for improvement policies to take effect. Surveys of problems and groups are needed, as it can help to solve problems in social policy. DOCA Bureaus can do a valuable job, as it has a strong record in this field.
'Communications' represents a further focus for DOCA. Participants in society should be enabled to take their best opportunities for communication in an open, free and civil society. On the basis of this vision we like to participate in research on information services for citizens in their local, regional, national and european environment, on multilingualism or on userfriendly ICT applications, such as the Internet and mobile telecom.
The third focus regards 'co-operation problems' between partners for whom co-operation appears to be a desirable logic, but who are faced with major obstancles against it, e.g. on behalf of lost autonomy and unclear win-win effects. These obstacles occur in the co-operation as desired in e.g. youth work, regional governance, ethnic relation, education and art practice. Exploratory research as carried out by DOCA in past years will help to find a new and manageable balance between co-operation, autonomy and sufficient win-win for most partners with co-operation problems.
Project preparation
Either on our own initiative or on request of a possible client we draw up a project plan that should lead to an answer to the questions of the client. This takes up the greater part of the preparatory phase during which we also make a budget plan and a (draft) agreement with the client. Preparatory expenditures are generally at our own pocket and risk.
Research
Research is done according to a wide variety of research methods; the questions raised determine which method is to be applied. Methods can be both quantitative and qualitative. A bigger survey may require the co-operation of a major field work organisation.
Project co-ordination
Project co-ordination includes a diverse set of activities, such as project management and co-ordination, the acquisition of external funds, network management, external consultation, PR, external information, etc.
Subsidies
A simple subsidy advice can be part of the project preparations; as such it has no financial consequences. Administering applications and procedures, however, is done on the basis of a contract with the interested parties and partners.
We publish reports and interim reports for the clients. These can be followed by books, articles, lectures, conferences, dis-cussions with people involved and other public presentations. For a wider circle of interested persons we would like to produce a special news letter from time to time.