Curriculum Programme

Session 1: Exploring the needs and principles (Why bother?)

FIRST PRESENTATION

Pippa Hyam of Dialogue by Design started us off with reflections on the values that should underpin e-participation.

Why bother?

Because 'values and attitudes are caught not taught'. You can't teach citizenship, you have to do it.

Participation, key features:

• Responsibility - rights come with responsibilities. Young citizens need to understand their rights

• Inclusivity - always aim for the biggest tent.

• Purpose - why is ultimately more important than how

• Interactivity - once is never enough

• Transparency - I'll show you, if you'll show me - building trust

• Respect - mutual respect builds mutual trust

• Nature of input - feelings and perceptions are as important as facts and figures

• New relationships - participation should bridge divides - value the invisible - bring together diverse communities

• Conduct - participation presumes a spirit of mutual learning So why bother with the E? because it is the language of young people.

But more importantly - For the first time in history we have a tool to help us create truly participative citizenship.

SECOND PRESENTATION

Raji Hunjan, of the Hansard Citizenship Education Programme, then spoke about e-participation providing the space for new types and different voices to talk; it did not replicate what already existed but got more people involved so it was additional and complementary. It particularly encouraged young people to get involved in discussion.

In classrooms young people must be prepared beforehand. They need to think about the issues before going on-line. There is a need for active moderation - someone to listen to what they have to say and they need to be taken seriously. The Hansard Society hoped that young people will be called to give evidence to committees in national and local government.

DISCUSSION

Summary of key points from the session 1 discussions.