Launching Collettivo Onda: A Glimpse of Hope Amidst Renewed Far-Right Support

Between February and April 2024, Monfalcone witnessed intense campaigning ahead of the local elections—a time filled with hope for a shift toward inclusive, progressive leadership. Several candidates offered visions for a more open and community-centred city, sparking optimism among many.

However, the results told a different story. The right-wing party retained the majority of voters’ support, continuing the previous administration’s direction. For many, it was a discouraging outcome that reinforced a sense of stagnation and political disillusionment.

During this period, we made a conscious decision not to make public Collettivo Onda's behind-the-scenes efforts. We wanted to give space to the democratic process and reflect on the outcome before introducing our project. 

But once the elections concluded, it was clear that the political direction was not going to change. Most of the local population did not go out to vote, and support for the far-right parties renewed. The frustration was real—and so was the need for change. 

That’s when we knew it was time.

Collettivo Onda is a space for revitalising community participation. We launched this project as a way to experiment with new civic formats, bringing a collective of young people to the heart of the process and leveraging their commitment to imagining and enacting alternative visions for local development.

On April 16, just days after the election, we shared our first Instagram post, outlining our vision for a more inclusive, creative, and hopeful Monfalcone. 

The reaction was powerful. 

The post received 40 likes, was reshared 15+ times, and brought over 60 new followers in a few days. Young people, in particular, responded with energy and enthusiasm, confirming what we sensed: many were ready for something different.

Our First Events: Validating Local Need for Change!

Encouraged by this momentum, we organized our first gathering—a “social aperitivo”—to bring people together for conversation, food, and shared vision. Hosted at Carso in Corso, a local cultural café run by a local ambassador for democratic changes, Manlio, the event aimed to spark dialogue and plant seeds of community connection.

We hoped for ten participants.

Thirty people showed up, including members of the Bangladeshi community. For two hours, we exchanged ideas, shared hopes, and reflected on Monfalcone’s future. The feedback was inspiring: many said Collettivo Onda offered them a rare sense of belonging and possibility. Before leaving, most signed up to stay involved. We formed a WhatsApp group with nearly ten members to plan the next steps.

Building on this energy, we hosted a second event later in June—a focused discussion centred on the current status, lived experiences, and ongoing challenges of local associations in Monfalcone. This session allowed us to go deeper: We explored the obstacles these groups face and began identifying shared priorities and needs. 

The conversation naturally led to collaborative brainstorming, and by the end of the meeting, we had the beginnings of a concrete plan to support and strengthen these associations. From setting up resource-sharing mechanisms to organising capacity-building sessions, the group articulated clear goals for collective action.

The Road Ahead

One key issue raised during the event was the need for physical spaces for local groups to meet and organize. In response, we hosted a volunteer meeting focused on finding such a space. The energy was high, and 12 people joined the discussion. 

Our volunteer team has grown to 15 members, united by a shared vision for a more vibrant, inclusive Monfalcone. We’re committed to amplifying diverse voices and actively involving the foreign community, especially the Bangladeshi community, in every step of our journey.

We aim to establish a dedicated civic space where grassroots groups can gather, organise, and grow. We’ll continue fostering connection, creativity, and civic participation through community gatherings, workshops, and awareness campaigns.

Collettivo Onda is more than a project—it’s a movement. One that stands for hope, inclusion, and a new beginning in Monfalcone.