DELIBERATE DEMOCRACY By Emily Harrison Geography 456 – Tool Presentation

Define “Deliberate Democracy” Why it is useful Give examples of deliberative processes The “Pro’s” and “Con’s” of different deliberate processes. OUTLINE

A CRITIQUE OF CONTEMPORARY INSTITUTIONS “Manipulation by moneyed interests, unprincipled bargaining among politicians, media infatuation with personalities instead of policies, the systematic exclusion of disadvantaged groups–all are among the routinely cited failings of modern democracy.” - James Meadowcroft

Participation - reasoned argument and public reflection should proceed voting Those who participate create the path through some form of consensus Proposals have to have public justification Political equality- the process should represent the diversity of those who are concerned DELIBERATE DEMOCRACY SEEKS:

Fairness and reason in collective decision-making Enhance the quality of political decisions Decisions will implemented with support WHY SEEK DELIBERATE DEMOCRACY?

One of the oldest democracies Consensus-based model Iroquois “Great Law of Peace” includes the freedom of speech and the right of women to participate in government Source of inspiration in the US Constitution EXAMPLE: THE SIX NATIONS (IR0QUOIS)

Participatory Budgets State-initiated policy for citizen participation Involve thousands of city residents in decisions about municipal expenditures Neighbourhoods annually discuss their needs and elect delegates to the city budget forums EXAMPLE: PORTO ALEGRE, BRAZIL

CITIZEN-BASED Referendum Citizen Advisory Panel GROUP-BASED Environmental Covenant Negotiated Regulation Mediation OTHER PARTICIPATORY TECHNIQUES USED IN ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE

Group-based processes involve the parties directly concerned with a problem; responsibility can devolved to them to make a good decision. Group-based processes have representational advantage CITIZEN-BASED VS. GROUP-BASED

MSU elections (representative) MSU referenda (participatory) MSU clubs and associations (participatory) University-College Board and Education Council (quasi-representative) Administrative committees (not democratic) No participatory mechanism for University- College governance DELIBERATE DEMOCRACY AT MALASPINA

Question 1: Are you dissatisfied with current governance structures at the University-College, in Nanaimo or in the Province of BC? Question 2: Do you think that North American citizens desire more input into government decisions? QUESTIONS