SFCIC News

Fracking a Citizens Deliberation: Preston 2016

Fracking is a hugely important issue for politicians grappling with the energy challenges we are faced with now and in the future. However, the debate is dominated by industry representatives, politicians and campaigners, with citizens often left watching from the sidelines. This report is of a citizen led inquiry and the conclusions of a group of citizens who looked at Fracking with fresh eyes and an open mind.

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.