Abstract
An analysis of the needs of rural and small communities in terms of sustainability shows that the preconditions for initiating change are, among others, in the social sphere: these include social capital (trust, developed relationships between actors, joint activities) and education appropriate to the conditions of the region (shaping local identity). The Methodology proposes how relationships and cooperation in a given place can be shaped and subsequently used to improve the quality of life in all its dimensions - social, environmental and economic.
It shows practices for shaping local culture and lifestyle, presents the experience of the Movement for Change, recapitulates the principles of social entrepreneurship, and refers to existing forms of cooperation in community projects. It shows that opportunities for education, especially based on locally embedded learning, are lacking so that a shared understanding of sustainability principles in the regions to ensure a general awareness of local UR resources and opportunities is missing.