Local Issues Forum

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Brief Description:

The goal of a Local Issues Forum is to give everyone a greater voice in local decisions and encourage more citizen participation in local public policy making.

Description:

A Local Issues Forum is an online public commons where any citizen or elected official can:

Ask questions.
Make public announcements.
Network with other local citizens.
For elected officials to monitor local opinion.
Ask for public input.

A forum manager is also required to monitor the conversation, maintain a neutral environment and ensure the focus is on local issues when necessary.

Used For:

To empower individual citizens so as to bring their ideas and concerns to the fore.

Suitable participants:

Local Issues Forums are citizen driven.

Cost:

Low.

Costs include the setting up and maintenance of an online environment.

Time Requirements:

Takes place in an online setting so the time requirements are ongoing.

When To Use / What It Can Deliver:

To engage a local community.

For policy recommendations.

When Not To Use / What It Cannot Deliver:

To engage a business or organisation.

Strengths:

Keep up with community news.

Allows open questioning.

To share your opinion on local issues.

Allows networking with elected officials.

Instant feedback.

Weaknesses:

Requires a dedicated forum manager.

Can lack focus or orientation.

Origin:

Case Studies:

Related Methods

Restrictions In Use

None

Further Information

For further information please see:

E-democracy.org

http://www.e-democracy.org/if/guide.pdf

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