Dialogue and governance go well together. Dialogue seems necessary for good governance. Dialogue is necessary for democratic governance. See our Dialogue With RCS blog. Remember dialogue includes group Communication, and Governance includes taking care of ourselves together.
A dialogue group includes a time and place to practice dialogue together. It is a special way to practice an especially effective type communication among a number of individuals. It may be a vital tool for successful for participatory democracy. We should not need the word participatory with democracy for it has long be understood that without participation, there is no democracy. Participatory democracy is that form for of governance which emphasises the active involvement of citizens in decision-making, goal-setting and more. It usually aims to ensure that each individual has an equal opportunity to participate in shaping the policies and activates of their community or country.
Key principles of participatory democracy include accountability, transparency, deliberation, and inclusivity. These also good principles to have for dialogue group work. They also seem to be essential to the creation and working of a democratic system the truly represents and serves the interests of its citizens. Participation includes the participation of those who are too often marginalised, but who can participate in citizenship. That may include minority groups and sometimes other underrepresented populations. All are helped and encouraged to to use their citizenship.
Accountability means that in a democracy we are each and all responsible for decisions, actions, and results. We have the power and are responsible for its use. Decision-makers are answerable to each and all. It can also involve ways for holding elected representatives and institutions. Such ways include elections, independent oversight bodies and individuals, and the right and duty of citizens to voice concerns and grievances. Accountability is essential for maintaining integrity and legitimacy of governance. The less the openness and truthfulness of information the sooner governance falls apart. So all is open to each and each is open to all. Citizens need to be informed so as to understand the reasoning behind decisions and citizens nee to make their reasoning available. Each and all is responsible. In successful democracy trust is promoted and supported. Much room is allowed for individual scrutiny and public oversight of all actions of government.
In a democratic system each has opportunities to listen and to speak, to participate in dialogue and discussion and on to decision and implementation is deliberation. This deliberation, a kind of dialogue. It is a kind of thinking together to common purpose. Includes the exchange of ideas, arguments, evidence, etc. enabling us to understand one another on the topic in question enabling us to make well informed decisions. It's thoughtful and informed discussion among citizens. It entails respectful dialogue, active listening and consideration of a variety of viewpoints. It may be our best attempt to ensure that decisions are made based on a through understanding of the issues at hand. Visit the Dialogue RCS blog.
Democracy is our attempt at inclusivity. We each participate in our humanity, our environment, and our existence. Many believe that we should each have an opportunity to participate in our common governance. That is part of what inclusion and inclusivity are about. Inclusivity ensures that diverse perspectives are considered and that decisions are made with the input of those who are directly affected by them. This inclusivity is an attempt to include the demo, the people. If we cannot include all the people we may come close to including all the cisterns. We can also do much to make more of the people citizens. Democracy is governance by the people, is that not so?
Governance is about the doing of government, isn't it? Dialogue and governance are both done by people together are they not? Who does them in your neighborhood?
Thank you for reading!
Richard