Protect data privacy
/When considering procuring or using a digital participation platform, first review its privacy policy.
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Guide to Digital Participation Platforms
When to Use Them, How to Choose & Tips for Maximum Results
Take contracting issues into account
/Technology procurement can present a major hurdle for people working for government and other bureaucratic institutions.
Read MoreSpotlight: Global cities, building together
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By collaborating on code, operators of open source platforms are able to compete with those owned by privately funded software companies.
Read MoreConsider open source platforms
/Open source code can be examined, so you or your team can determine how the platform works.
Read MoreAssure accessibility
/Another important consideration as you choose a digital participation platform is to assure that there are no barriers to use.
Read MoreDetermine the total cost
/There are three primary expenses to take into account when choosing a digital participation platform: the platform itself, staff time, and the specific participation program.
Read MoreTry it out first
/Don't assume a platform has the features you need, based only on the developer’s description.
Read MoreIdentify your goals
/Consider who you're trying to reach, when in the policy-making process you will engage them, and how you're going to involve them in decision-making.
Read MoreSpotlight: Find the right respondent inside your institution
/Participants should never feel like their time and energy went into a black hole.
Read MoreSpotlight: Off the computer and into the park
/To bridge the digital divide, many participatory programs supplement online outreach with in-person contact.
Read MoreSpotlight: Surprise citizen press conference
/To invite citizens to share their thoughts, as well as celebrate those who do, Parti Co-op organized a pop-up press conference in Seoul, South Korea.
Read MoreSpotlight: Inviting public engagement when there aren't enough resources
/Public participation is more harmonious in times of plenty. But when there aren't enough resources to go around, conversations can get heated.
Read MoreSpotlight: Translating online energy into institutional power in Brazil
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Centuries-old political institutions and new internet platforms don't always fit together seamlessly.
Read MoreSpotlight: Connecting online action to real-world results in Spain
/Decide Madrid, built on the CONSUL platform, gave city residents the power to draft and vote on legislative proposals.
Read MoreSpotlight: Reaching beyond the usual crowd
/SlashRoots connected local engagement to Jamaica's Constituency Development Fund process to improve public involvement and monitorial oversight of the process.
Read MoreWhat can digital participation platforms do?
/Governments and other institutions can now engage with constituents online, from consultations to voting.
Read MoreWhy use digital participation platforms?
/Digital participation platforms offer a variety of benefits. For example, everyone with internet access can track project status. Likewise, the platforms often serve as communication hubs for participating communities.
Read MoreWhat is a digital participation platform?
/Digital platforms allow residents to participate in collective activities.
Read MoreWhy open up participation?
/Research suggests that governments and institutions that introduce more open decision-making see an abundance of interrelated benefits.
Read MoreBibliography
/Further reading and references for the guide.
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