1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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

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

8. 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)

10. 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?