All posts in the topic 14: Participation (Short link)

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     Issues Forums & EPanels - Online Workshop
                Nov 28 - Dec 9, 2005
    http://forums.e-democracy.org/uk/groups/epif
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Taken from the Issues Forum Guidebook:
     http://e-democracy.org/center/if.html

I'm anxious to hear your comments/questions.....

Why Should Citizens Participate In A Local Issues Forum?
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A dynamic community is one in which citizens' interact and work
together in a variety of constructive ways. Unfortunately, we all
lead busy lives and it is not always convenient to attend a local
meeting or interact with your local elected official.  A Local Issues
Forum provides an alternative means for you to contribute to the
civic health of your community in a flexible manner.  Here are some
reasons why you might want to participate:

Top 5 Reasons, Why A Citizen Should Participate
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   * Keep up with community happenings
   * Network with other local citizens
   * Ask questions - get useful information
   * Share your opinion on important local issues
   * Connect with elected officials and city staff

Top 5 Reasons, Why A Community Activist Should Participate
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   * Place to post announcements about meetings & events
   * Network with other community activists
   * Keep your local issue in front of the community
   * Keep your issue in front of the press
   * Keep up with community news missed by the media

Top 5 Reasons, Why A Journalist Should Participate
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   * Story ideas, don't be scooped by your competition
   * Background info
   * Place to find and evaluate new sources
   * Keep in touch with entire city/community
   * Place to post links to relevant stories you have written

Top 5 Reasons, Why A Community Needs a Local Issues Forum
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   * Alternative to other online forums, which often lack
     accountability and impact
   * Media accountability
   * Build civic capacity among citizens
   * Anytime, anywhere - brings in citizens who are otherwise
     excluded from the process due to time or space constraints
   * Public space for competition of ideas. Citizens have
     opportunity to experience competing demands for public
     attention/resources

Top 5 Reasons, Why An Elected Offical Should Participate
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Some decision makers/elected officials may be skeptical about the
value of participating in a Local Issues Forum. They are concerned
about becoming "too available" or getting "sucked" into another
project.  Here are some very practical reasons, why they might want
to try it out:

   * Fear of being left out of important discussions
   * A great place to float trial balloons
   * Instant citizen feedback
   * Early warning system for "hot" issues
   * Dispel rumors before they do damage