Leveraging what we already have: The potential of active citizens as informal representatives
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2024-08-18
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en
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Abstract
"Leveraging What We Already Have" explores how active citizens can enhance the
representativeness of public participation processes. While efforts often focus on increasing
passive citizen involvement, this study proposes using active citizens as "informal
representatives" to reflect broader community interests. The research, conducted through
case studies in Uden and Theereheide, Netherlands, examines traffic-related participation
processes. Data from interviews, observations, and literature reviews reveal that informal
representatives take on various roles, such as advocates, mediators, or critics, requiring a
balance of communication, hard, and soft skills. The study emphasizes that effective informal
representation relies on diverse citizen involvement, professional facilitation, and
encouraging citizens to consider broader perspectives.
Keywords: Citizen participation, participatory democracy, informal representatives, roles and
assets, representativeness.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen