New Direction for ACCL

The Association of Collectivities of Lisbon (ACCL), with a rich history of 23 years, has a new leadership under Artur Botão. The newly elected board aims to strengthen ties with the hundreds of local communities, attract new members, and promote innovative activities to revitalize the city's associative fabric.

Vision for Community Engagement

Artur Botão, a seasoned community leader for nearly 40 years, emphasized the importance of connecting with local associations. He stated, "We want to be close to the communities, understand their issues, and provide assistance. Our role is not just to organize events but also to offer training, consultancy, and legal support, which are essential for their success."

The new leadership, installed in January 2025, plans to enhance the communication strategy of the association, making it more visible and attractive. They aim to broaden the range of activities, focusing on areas such as theater, music, and dance.

Upcoming Events

Every year, the ACCL organizes several community events, including:

• Collectivities and Regional Houses Festival in May 2025
• Fado Festival
• Freedom Run

Botão expressed the need for a significant amateur theater event in Lisbon, stating that many local theater groups lack a platform to showcase their work.

Challenges Ahead

The association faces challenges due to demographic changes and real estate speculation, which have diminished the relevance of some communities. Botão highlighted the decline of social anchors in the city center and the critical role of associations in fostering community integration, particularly among immigrants.

Addressing Leadership Gaps

A lack of leaders in associations is also a pressing issue. The ACCL plans to address this through training initiatives to empower potential leaders and demystify the responsibilities involved in managing a community organization.

Expanding Membership

Currently, the ACCL has around 400 affiliated associations. The new leadership aims to increase membership and strengthen relationships with the Lisbon City Council to ensure the survival of local communities.

Promoting Cultural Traditions

The ACCL will also focus on promoting Lisbon's cultural traditions, including the Marchas Populares, which celebrate the city's heritage. They are working to include these traditions in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The association seeks to internationalize its efforts by connecting with similar organizations in other European capitals to share experiences and showcase Lisbon's cultural offerings.

Conclusion

The ACCL aims to become a vital voice for community associations, advocating for their needs and ensuring their sustainability in the face of modern challenges.