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Join the New Tactics community and LogoLink for an online dialogue on Strengthening Citizen Participation in Local Governance from March 14 to 20, 2012. The involvement of citizens in the political process is an essential part of democracy. Recognizing this, LogoLink, an organization based out of Brazil, has created a network of civil society organizations, research institutions, and governments aiming to increase democracy through greater citizen participation in local governance.
Tactics and strategies for increased citizen participation in local governance can be seen around the globe. In the municipality of Nejapa, El Salvador, the municipal government partnered with local NGOs and sought to increase public involvement in local politics, resulting in huge increases in access to potable water, latrines, and electricity for its residents. In India, Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) has been deeply involved in a collective process which has shaped and influenced the Campaign for the Right to Information in India. MKSS makes the case that without access to information and transparency there can be no genuine participation of all members of society, particularly the poor, in democracy.
We invite you and your colleagues to share your experiences working to strengthen citizen participation in local governance! Together, we will explore what can be learned from these experiences. This dialogue is an opportunity for those involved in strengthening citizen participation in local governments, as well as those interested in it, to discuss these questions and share their experiences and ideas. Join us here on March 14!
Our featured resource practitioners committed to help lead this dialogue include:
- Miriam Rau - Knowledge and Programme Advisor Political and Social Participation, and others from Oxfam Novib, The Netherlands
- Benjamin Goldfrank - Associate Professor at the Whitehead School of Diplomacy, Seton Hall University, United States
- Kerem Ciftcioglu of the Helsinki Citizens Assembly, Turkey
- Majeda Alsaqqa of the Culture and Free Thought Association, Palestinian Territory
- Francisco Freitas - junior researcher at the Centre of Social Studies of the University of Coimbra, Portugal
- Yves Niyiragira of Fahamu, Kenya
- Parul Sheth - Founder, Executive Director and Managing Trustee of the Shaishav Trust, India
Interested in participating in this dialogue as a featured resource practitioner? Contact us!
Photo: taken from the New Tactics notebook on Right to Know, Right to Live: Building a campaign for the right to information and accountability
