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Five Principles of Democratic Engagement
Because democracy is a complex topic, with many elements and moving parts, it can be difficult to measure the impact of a strategy or intervention. To make it easier, we use principles to identify and measure objectives.
Instead of only asking questions about the big topic of democracy, a principles-focused evaluation guides us to ask questions about specific components and elements that support a resilient democratic culture. These can be applied to specific interventions or more general plans and actions.
The Five Principles
1. Build Capacity to Participate
Programs, strategies, and interventions should grow the capacity of governments and citizens to engage and participate.
Do people learn and practice skills that help them be a part of decision-making processes or create change?
2. Foster Commitment to Democratic Values
We must intentionally share our commitment to democratic values and feelings of ownership over our democratic system.
What are our shared democratic values? Why do they matter?
3. Deepen Relationships and Social Connection
We should consciously work to deepen relationships, increase social connection, and create a sense of connected networks.
Are people building relationships, creating shared narratives, and increasing bridges between groups?
4. Be Inclusive and Accessible
We must create opportunities for all citizens, including equity-seeking, underserved, and marginalized communities.
Do people from different backgrounds feel like they can safely participate? Do our actions meet their needs?
5. Establish Accountability
Our processes seek to earn trust by being responsive and accountable to peoples' needs and expectations.
Do our actions meet citizens' expectations, and are we responsive to the needs of those who attend?
Dialogue Dispatch
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Dialogue Dispatch is our community of practice newsletter where we share updates on our team's knowledge exchange activities alongside inspiring case studies, suggested readings and practical tools for people and organizations working to transform the field of democratic participation.
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