Resources

This is the foundation text for the series and introduces key governance issues for promoting just and democratic governance at the local level. The resource book presents a people centred, participatory and rights based approach to local democracy. It analyses democratic and decentralised local government and explores the challenges faced by civil society in championing this vision. It examines the crucial link between the political mandates that determine the scope for local democracy, and the fiscal and administrative requirements needed to support them. Closely connected to this is the interaction between elected and administrative power holders on the one hand and citizens, their accountability work, and claims for voice and representation on the other. Finally, the resource book also considers the interplay between formal democratic power versus hidden or parallel power.

Democratic Dialogue: a handbook for practitioners

Download available

Authors:

Bettyre Pruitt and Philip Thomas

2007

Abstract

This handbook aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the use of dialogue processes to address societal challenges in an inclusive democratic way that engages a broad range of actors in bringing about positive change. It is addressed to people engaged in dialogue work and is thoroughly grounded in the experience of dialogue practitioners from around the world. It provides a conceptual framework that speaks to critical questions: “Why dialogue?”, “What is dialogue?” and “How does dialogue contribute to positive change?”, and guides the reader through putting these concepts into practice offering practical guidance and concrete examples for each step. Three fully developed case studies show different approaches in three different regions: Latin America, Africa and Asia. Also available in Spanish, French and Arabic.