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Joint dialogue about active critical citizenship

The Take Part Pathfinder has sought to promote dialogue between the public sector and active citizens in our communities. The aim of this being to improve the experience of, and opportunities for, civil and civic participation and engagement – to develop empowering and empowered people and structures.

A series of Joint Dialogue and Reference Group meetings were held in 2009. They enabled us to have important discussions which have informed the development of the Take Part programme.

Joint Dialogue Dudley Workshop Notes 19 March 09.doc

Joint Dialogue Wolverhampton Notes 17 March 2009.doc

In 2010 and 2011 we developed this approach to deliver a range of dialogue based activities, some organised by learners on our programmes. They have included:

• A round table discussion between learners on our citizenship programme and elected members from Wolverhampton and Dudley;
• A participatory event bringing together learners from active citizenship programmes delivered in Birmingham and the Black Country over the last 10 years;
• A meeting in the Houses of Parliament with Baroness Campbell of Surbiton and Emma Reynolds MP;
• A discussion with Baroness Hayman, Lord Speaker;
• Research on barriers to taking up and remaining in civic roles such as becoming a magistrate or a school governor;
• Buddying opportunities linking people on our learning programme with buddies who can act as a source of support. The matches promoted dialogue between active citizens and officers working in the public and voluntary sectors.