Lyn Stephens is a member of a CAPaD working group - Genuine Citizen Participation Action Group (GCPAG), a small group of CAPaD volunteers who have engaged with developments in the ACT and overseas to deepen their knowledge and critical thinking around participatory deliberative processes; and to contribute this learning to the strengthening of participatory democracy in the ACT.

In this conversation starter Lyn will address three questions
• How could reframing our approach to ‘government with’ address some problems of our current approach to representative democracy?
• How could institutionalisation of trustworthy public deliberation on difficult public policy issues strengthen our democracy?
• What are some implications of all this for the future of democracy in the ACT?
In framing the conversation she will refer to the recently released OECD report, Innovative Citizen Participation and New Democratic Institutions - Catching the Deliberative Wave[1] and to the local work of GCAPG over several years.

It will then be over to you for comments and questions. Your views and ideas shared here will be included in GCPAG’s consideration of its workplan and next steps. As well, we are also always seeking new members so let us know if you would like to join us in this work.

[1] OECD (2020), Innovative Citizen Participation and New Democratic Institutions: Catching the Deliberative Wave, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/339306da-en.

Agenda
- Welcome and purpose
- Checkin
- Presentation of key ideas
- Questions
- brief overview of Alliance’s work
- Small group conversation
- Sharing insights and questions in large group
- Next wise steps
- Checkout
- Close

Let us know if you have any questions

Sincerely
Peter Tait
Secretary

Photo from Feb 2018 Canberra Art of Hosting training

Quotes from some ACT citizens jurors

- I started off thinking that I could not be able to contribute at all – that I was dumb – have grown through this process – am more confident, my quality of life has improved.

- Been in Canberra for 40 years, this is the first time I’ve been able to get my foot in the door of government – hooray! - this is government by the people for the people.

- Has informed my sewing group as well.