mini-publics – News, Research and Analysis – The Conversation

While mini-publics have been capitalized on by governments around the world, their potential has been overlooked by member-based organizations. (Shutterstock)

February 7, 2024

Democratic organizations struggle with democracy, too. Here’s what they can do about it

Simon Pek, University of Victoria and Jeffrey Kennedy, McGill University

Mini-publics, a type of participatory process, can help revitalize democracy in democratic member-based organizations.

A woman celebrates after the final result was announced in the Irish referendum to liberalize abortion laws in May 2018. The referendum followed an Irish citizens’ assembly on the issue. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

January 29, 2024

What Canada can learn from Ireland on citizen engagement to bolster democracy

Seána Glennon, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa

As Canada’s nearest neighbour grapples with serious attacks on democracy, a fresh approach to citizen engagement in Canada is an exciting prospect, worthy of serious consideration.

June 19, 2023

In a Voice campaign marked by confusing, competing claims, there’s a better way to educate voters

Ron Levy, Australian National University; John Dryzek, University of Canberra, and Selen A. Ercan, University of Canberra

A ‘mini-public’ of regular citizens has been proven to be an effective way of translating complex policies to the general public in an accessible, trustworthy way.

A new approach to business regulation is needed to suit the current economic context and address pressing global issues. (Shutterstock)

November 13, 2022

How businesses can collaboratively ‘walk the talk’ on social and economic challenges

Simon Pek, University of Victoria and Sébastien Mena, Hertie School

Multi-stakeholder initiatives have the potential to help businesses tackle social and environmental issues, but they need to ensure that all members have their voices heard.

Low voter turnout in recent Canadian elections sharply illustrates how the public is disconnected from political institutions and their representatives. How can they be re-engaged? THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

November 7, 2022

Power to the people: How Canada can build a more connected and responsive Parliament

Nick Vlahos, University of Canberra

Problems with party politics abound, largely driven by the fusion of executive and legislative powers that enforces party discipline. Here’s how to get the public more involved.

Overhauling approaches to student participation in university governance is one way universities can help revitalize the democracy we want. (Pexels/Yan Krukov)

October 17, 2022

Universities can foster more deliberative democracy — starting by empowering students

Simon Pek, University of Victoria and Jeffrey Kennedy, Queen Mary University of London

Universities should look to democratic innovations seen in society like ‘mini publics’ where citizens deliberate about critical issues in representative forums.

Can we avert a populist apocalypse through good old-fashioned deliberation? Richard Hopkins/flickr

June 7, 2017

Deliberative democracy must rise to the threat of populist rhetoric

Nicole Curato, University of Canberra and Lucy J Parry, University of Canberra

Populist politics would appear to have left deliberative democracy by the wayside, but innovations that engage citizens in reasoned decision-making have much to offer.

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