Democracy – broader and deeper
the emerging role of civil society organisations

George Clark (Oct 2000) clark@srds.co.uk
A discussion paper

The following ideas relate in particular to the issue of Land Reform but the principles remain true for all issues in a modern democracy. The task is to create social mechanisms (civil society organisations) which inform discussion of, and include more people in, decisions concerning the social, economic and environmental realities which we will pass on to our grandchildren.

Deepening Understanding

Case Studies: Strategic Intelligence: Briefing Papers

Case Studies: problems and solutions relating to existing patterns of land ownership and use should be documented and made widely available. These should include local level case studies in both rural and urban settings. Reflection on these cases will generate ideas for new agendas.

Strategic Intelligence: those with their finger on the political pulse should let others know of emerging ideas and the calendar of events which will convert them into new legislation. Informed, timely and widespread responses to consultation processes can thus be mobilised.

Briefing Papers: given the complexity of the issues and the thickness of most government papers there is need for authoritative ‘digests’ and ‘briefing papers’ suited to the interests and priorities of different audiences.

Ideally a web site would provide ready access to layers of information. Interested parties could thus, according to inclination and need, drill down through soundbites to short and long briefing papers and on to government reports, PhD dissertations and thick, academic textbooks.

Broadening Participation

Networking: Email: Websites

Networking: those already involved should engage in strategic proactive networking (SPANning) so as to recruit more people to the cause. The aim is comprehensive social inclusion. Conferences and Bulletins will help.

Email: email lists and discussion boards should be used to keep people in touch with what is happening. Questions and answers go in all directions. (Snail mail alternatives for those not internet connected).

Websites: a web site should be created as a shop window for the Scottish Land Reform Convention and as an authoritative source of key experiences (case studies), event calendars (strategic intelligence) and ideas (briefing papers). A ‘gateway’ website could link to any number of independent sites with related content.