3: Power

i: participation

On the other hand, it was also pointed out that in some cases, making it difficult to participate can enhance reputation and ensure that participants have a sincere need and wish to participate.

Other considerations that can affect participation include:

• the need to involve respected members of the community - their endorsement of the process matters
• respect for privacy and for their unique desired outcomes makes it easy for bureaucrats to participate
• looking for undiscovered and untapped leaders from within the community
• the identification of the actual issue as important to the individuals in the community - nothing increases participation like outrage. It is therefore easier to organise the participation of a community with a problem, than one where there is no identified shared problem

Members of the group shared a series of further ideas and tips on facilitating participation. A selection of these is listed below.

• get the time right (6-8:00 pm ideal)
• offer food/day care etc.
• get the location right - culturally specific
  • accessible
  • safe
  • unusual venues can increase attractiveness
  • go to them, don't make them come to you
• share the chair
• get the date right
  • conflicts
  • end-of-week
• distance interferes with participation
• use Phone Trees
• spread the word multi-modally
• use a buddy system (where each existing participant invites one person)