Building citizen participation : the purposes, tools & impact of involvement

Abstract

Many public leaders increasingly recognize the purposes and benefits of citizen participation. But there are many others not convinced that this interest in public administration discussion is useful. Still others would be willing to experiment but they are not sure what tools and techniques are available.

This paper briefly reviews the purpose and philosophy of citizen participation. Believing that citizen involvement leads to stronger public administration, twelve tools for involving citizens are considered: (1) visioning, (2) interest groups, (3) town meetings, (4) polls and surveys, (5) Internet, (6) advisory boards, (7) quality improvement / reengineering, (8) focus groups, (9) ombudsmen, (10) study teams, (11) youth/seniors in government and (12) awards and ceremonies. Each tool is defined and described, including some key benefits and lessons learned about its use.

Public leaders are advised to view the tools as a set for selective use according to country and community need and prevailing situation. Citizen involvement can make a significant contribution to our future. Public leaders must understand not just why but how to initiate and sustain involvement. J.T.Z.