Keystone Moldova developed the Community Mobilization Mechanism for Improving Energy Efficiency at the Community Level , designed as a practical tool to actively engage citizens and raise awareness about the importance of the energy transition. The mechanism aims not only to inform communities, but also to strengthen their capacity to generate and sustain change at the local level.

The mechanism was applied by 35 sub-granted civil society organizations within the project “Local Partnerships for Energy Efficiency,” implemented with financial support from the European Union and co-financed and implemented by the Soros Foundation Moldova, in partnership with P.I. Keystone Moldova and AO FISM. Through these 35 organizations, the mechanism contributed to increased citizen engagement in promoting energy efficiency and to greater ownership of participatory planning and decision-making processes at the local level.

A defining feature of the community mobilization mechanism is its replicability. Although it was applied in the field of energy efficiency, its underlying principles allow it to be adapted to other social causes, such as social inclusion, the rights of vulnerable people, civic education, environmental protection, or community health. The mechanism provides organizations and communities with a clear framework for information-sharing, consultation, mobilization, and the strengthening of local initiatives.

The implementation of the mechanism followed a phased approach, tailored to the context of each community but guided by a common methodology. The process began with an assessment of community needs and the identification of relevant local stakeholders—formal and informal leaders, local authorities, social service providers, civic groups, teachers, youth, and volunteers. This stage enabled the customization of messages and interventions to local needs and specificities.

Based on this assessment, approximately 100 community mobilization activities were carried out, structured across 17 types of interventions, including community assemblies. Over 58% of the activities focused on informing and raising awareness among the population through public campaigns, educational sessions, and community events aimed at explaining the benefits of energy efficiency and its impact on quality of life.

Another important pillar of the mechanism was direct household-level mobilization. Approximately 13% of activities included door-to-door actions, home visits, and the distribution of informational materials, facilitating direct communication with citizens and building trust. In parallel, about 12% of activities focused on supporting local governance structures, including groups involved in developing Local Integrated Energy and Climate Plans (LIECPs), as well as the formation and strengthening of local mobilization groups and volunteer networks.

The mechanism was complemented by training, public consultations, and practical support, which helped transform information into concrete actions and encouraged the adoption of the promoted measures.

According to data reported by the sub-granted CSOs, 6,164 individuals and 424 households were directly involved in community mobilization activities. The results indicate increased awareness, active civic participation, and greater ownership of local initiatives.

By combining information, consultation, direct mobilization, and the strengthening of community structures, the community mobilization mechanism developed by Keystone Moldova demonstrates that sustainable social change is possible when communities become central actors in the process. This model offers a valuable framework for promoting social causes and can be successfully scaled and adapted to diverse contexts and sectors, depending on community needs.