An oldie but a goodie.

1. Democratic conversations
The
Democratic
Society

2. Local government is changing

3. There are drivers from the top ...

4. ... but the most important are from the bottom.

5. The networked society ...

6. ... is leading to networked public services.

7. (whatever you call them)

8. This is an opportunity for local government

9. Not to get power and money from the top ...

10. ... but for councils (and councillors) to lead their localities

11. supporting better, cheaper, responsive services

12. and active and interested citizens.

13. The goal of promoting democratic conversation is

14. not just engaging people in politics

15. but creating space where council & people are partners

16. and hidden community resources are found.

17. How are things in Lewes today ?

18. Strong desire to engage and good activism

19. LDC has a great reputation

20. But ... capacity and governance concerns

21. and consultation fatigue

22. The will to preserve is stronger than the will to create

23. What should LDC do ?

24. 1. Champion openness and participation

25. 2. Towns and parishes access point

26. 3. Better targeted information

27. 4. AGMs as democratic centrepieces

28. 5. Clerks and councillors as democratic convenors

29. 6. Open data and open context

30. 7. Information on a human scale

31. 8. Practical support for civic action

32. 9. Staff civic volunteering

33. 10. Show the council is actively listening

34. 11. Get people to express an interest in participating

35. 12. Prepare for neighbourhood planning

36. 13. Surface and support local innovators

37. 14. Encourage civic start-ups with access and funding

38. 15. Look for wider opportunities

39. 16. Convene a civic alliance in Newhaven

40. If anywhere can make localism work, Lewes can

41. Presentation by Anthony Zacharzewski, July 2011
for the Democratic Society