What we do.
DELIBERATIVE DEMOCRACY
Deliberative democracy is a process in which a demographically representative group weigh up the evidence and deliberates to produce an informed public judgment on key issues.
Sometimes called 'Citizen Assemblies', this approach is best suited to complex and sensitive public issues where there is adequate time for the decision to unfold, and the commissioning organisation is committed to enacting the decision.
PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY
This is also best suited to public issues, offering a more flexible direct involvement of the general public. It includes a range of options, including involving the public in budgeting, planning and service provision decisions through open days, public workshops, digital engagement tools, and more.
The exact model is designed to meet the needs of the issue, the nature of the communities you want to engage, the budget and the timeframe.
COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE
Where your issue is more technical, a community of practice might be the answer. Defined as a group of people who share a common concern or a passion for something they do, a community of practice is a great way to bring together the expertise (not just technical, but also lived experience) to provide input into a problem, and to learn how to improve together.
We can help with identifying who your community of practice members could be and facilitating how the group works together over time, across specific issues or longer-term support for your organisation.
COLLECTIVE IMPACT PROJECTS
Sometimes the sum is greater than the parts - and this is exactly what collective impact projects are all about.
Where there are common goals or shared interests it makes sense to bring the different stakeholders together in an organised way to map out and agree on how the vision is to be achieved, together. This might be planning a shared community space, or arranging an industry event.
COMMUNITY RESEARCH
Sometimes you need to understand what your stakeholder group is thinking before taking the next step. We can help with researching who to talk to, how to reach them and how to understand the context of what they say. This can be done using digital surveys, focus groups or individual interviews.
If you need background information to move forward with your project, we can help.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSIONER
Resource Management Act decisions are often large scale, complex and exist within the formal RM legislative framework. Anna Curnow is a qualified Resource Management Commissioner with experience in hearings for large scale urban development with infrastructure requirements.
GROUP FACILITATION
Decisions made by groups can be challenging. Common understandings need to be developed to build a shared view of the problem to be solved. The best decisions made by groups are built on the premise that everyone gets heard and has the opportunity to contribute to discussion. Anna is a skilled facilitator with experience of working with groups at all levels, from governing bodies building visions and missions statements, through to disputing community groups trying to build a shared solution to a problem and staff team-building sessions. Facilitation with Anna is a lively, engaged process that focuses on enabling constructive dialogue with a clear eye on the goal in hand.
Work with us.
We understand that each community is different, so we tailor our approach to suit your specific needs.
We will work with you to develop a process that meets your objectives and engages your community in a meaningful way.
If you want to learn more about how we can help you build better engagement with your community, contact us today.
