1. Decision Making in Manchester Some thoughts on skills... Mike Wild Macc mike@macc.org.uk www.manchestercommunitycentral.org www.macc.org.uk

2. Representation: who are you? Whose views are you putting across? – Your own – A group of people? – Both? Who chose you to be speaker / representative? Who are you accountable to? – How can other people see this? – Where can other people influence you? Advocacy: adding your voice to someone else's The 'usual suspects'

3. Skills Have something to say! Be clear about what you want...and what you don't want...and why you think it's important Have a strategy Are you prepared to accept someone else's view? Form relationships

4. Skills Conversation rather than speeches Listening as well as speaking Patience Don't be rushed Use your right to be heard & respected...allow others to do the same 'Being at the table' = having influence? Be clear what you 'bring to the party?' Be on the agenda

5. Rules of Engagement Be sure you're speaking to the right person Don't go in 'all guns blazing' Don't go straight for a complaint Don't just criticise: make suggestions Give positive feedback when you can You can't embarrass people into giving you what you want Pick your battles: don't turn everything into a war Don't be a broken record.

6. Using Web Groups Facebook - groups Twitter – look for hashtags Freedom of Information requests www.whatdotheyknow.com Sign up to campaign groups – e.g. 38 Degrees Blogs – give and get feedback