Citizens Assemblies have gone mainstream, no longer are they the preserve of democracy geeks. The potential of ‘mini publics‘ in bringing together a diverse group of citizens to deliberate, reach consensus and deliver a mandate for action to their local and national politicians is fascinating. Especially, when we consider the complex nature of so many problems that our elected officials must grapple with, from Brexit to artificial intelligence to climate change. Peter Bryant tells us more in his new blog.
SFCIC Blogs
Empowering Pupils through Participatory Budgeting in Schools
Schools play a central role in developing the life-skills and confidence of young people. Participatory budgeting (PB) is a proven deliberative process that can inspire, empower and engage young people in a cooperative, democratic and purposeful way. Bringing the two together has many positive benefits for schools, for society and for young people.
Journey into Social Enterprise: Long March or Walking the Talk?
Jez Hall of Shared Future and Lynn Sbaih of Give2Gain had the privilege of running a two hour session at the recent Greater Manchester Social Enterprise conference on the ‘Journey of Social Enterprise’. Our purpose was to explore the motivations and reasons why people got into social enterprise, and then, to think more widely about what sustained individuals on their journey.
“Our voice is being heard at last”… building social inclusion through Participatory Budgeting
Social isolation is a key requirement towards promoting wellbeing and preventing undue pressure on public services, such as costly hospital admissions. With an elderly mother of my own who is increasingly needing care at home it’s a subject close to my heart. Not least because of my passion for Participatory Budgeting (PB), that aims to include citizen voice, and can reduce social isolation whenever and wherever public money is being spent.
Solid as a rock, or brittle as broken glass
Now in its 9th year, the Citizen Participation University (CPU) is an annual gathering of community activists, organisers and developers, from across Europe, but also reaching out to the USA and into Turkey. Over 50 people came together, for 4 days, to talk, act out and share their best practice. A real powerhouse of community inspiration, and a rare opportunity to think outside of our boxes.
University budgets and participatory governance: A sandbox for democracy?
If two heads are better than one… what about 10 heads, or 100, or 67,000. Could Universities spearhead a new form of more open democratic accountability in educational Institutions? Would your school or college trust its learners, and use Participatory Budgeting to set just some of its budget? Or do we continue to believe the Vice-Chancellor always knows best?
People led democracy in Denmark: What can we learn from grown up politics?
I can hardly believe it is only two weeks since I was on a small Danish island, in the midst of the Baltic sea, taking part in the Danish Folkemoedet, or People’s Meeting. Sharing big ideas, rubbing up against national politicians (in their ill fitting jeans and over shined shoes) and celebrating the fact that every one — young, old, rich, homeless, black or white — had a valid opinion and something of value to add.
Don’t despair, another way is possible.
Can we ever create a world where people of all sorts can debate, decide and act together. In the political panic that has followed the referendum on leaving the EU there has been a lot of agonising. A lot of recrimination. We prefer to listen, reflect, and then try to get on with doing something positive. That is why we’re pleased to be part of Shared Future.
All Our Stories: the ABCD of Citizen Inquiries
In a recent Citizens Inquiry in the Wirral, twenty residents from all walks of life worked together over nine evenings to think through how to make alcohol a healthy part of their community
Imagine: Could Participatory Budgeting work in Northern Ireland?
As part of the Imagine Belfast festival of ideas, held in March 2016, Jez Hall led a workshop exploring whether the citizens of Belfast could really influence how money was spent by Belfast City Council.
SFCIC associate Mandy Naylor on the UK Community Partner Network (UKCPN) regional event at Lancaster University
UKCPN’s first event aimed purely at those new to community-university partnerships (CUPs) was attended by 16 partners, most of whom were new to the field of work.