A Network for Citizen Participation in Europe: Five Options Workshop: How to Make Citizen Participation Relevant in European Regions Stuttgart, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany December 5, 2012

Five Options Not the only possible options – feel free to suggest others; Options can be combined; Need to consider pros and cons; Need to consider resources.

Option 1 – Resource Sharing Network Goal: Circulate wide range of resources to a wide range of people Optimal size: Large Resources required: Low Example: National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation

Option 2 – Professional/Accrediting Network Goal: Ensure that people doing the work have the right skills and credential (quality control) Optimal size: Large Resources required: High Example: none squarely in the field of participation; many in related fields

Option 3 – Training Network Goal: Distribute participation skills among a wide variety of people Optimal size: Smaller set of trainers; large number of trainees Resources required: High Example: International Association for Public Participation

Option 4 – Proactive Learning Network Goal: Tackle the biggest conceptual challenges facing the field Optimal size: Small Resources required: Medium Examples: DDC, LogoLink

Option 5 – Advocacy Network Goal: Champion the field, through manifestos and/or lobbying Optimal size: Large Resources required: High Example: Campaign for Stronger Democracy

Factors to Consider What will give members the sense that they belong to the network? What will help members describe the work they do? What will best bring together different groups? (for example, practitioners, researchers, public officials, others)

Questions for Discussion Options: Resource sharing Professional/accrediting Training Proactive learning Advocacy What is the purpose of the network? What are the incentives? Are there other options you would add? Which option, or combination of options, seems best to you? What kinds of resources would be required?