Citizen Participation and Communication Workshop

Education for Development and Democracy Initiative (EDDI) and implemented by Research Triangle Institute, North Carolina, USA. The workshop aims to build effective communities by establishing new roles for local government and citizens. The workshop focuses on the importance of citizen participation and communication in local governance. It emphasizes the need for local government to adopt a facilitative leadership approach, characterized by transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. Citizens, in turn, are encouraged to take an active role as owners of their communities, participating in decision-making processes and holding local government accountable for their actions. Effective communication is seen as a crucial aspect of building strong relationships between local government and citizens. The workshop highlights the importance of using various modes of communication, including face-to-face interactions, written notices, and social media, to engage citizens and provide them with information about local government activities and decisions. The workshop also explores the concept of customer-friendly government, where local government is responsive to the needs and concerns of citizens. Characteristics of a customer-friendly local government include a clear vision and values, a customer service center, and a participatory budget process. The workshop provides examples of cities that have implemented these characteristics, such as the City of Phoenix, Arizona, and the City of Gliwice, Poland. In addition to communication and customer service, the workshop covers the importance of shared vision and values in promoting progress. It highlights the examples of the City of Kracow, Poland, and the City of Austin, Texas, which have developed clear vision and values statements that guide their decision-making processes. The workshop also provides tools and resources for local government to improve their communication with citizens, including sample participatory budget processes, press releases, and city council agendas and meeting notices. These tools are designed to help local government communicate effectively with citizens and engage them in the decision-making process. Overall, the Citizen Participation and Communication Workshop aims to empower local government and citizens to work together to build effective communities. By adopting a facilitative leadership approach, using various modes of communication, and providing citizens with information and opportunities for participation, local government can build trust and credibility with citizens and promote progress in their communities.