CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: PUPLIC PARTICIPATION CONFERENCE

The Conference aims to share key insights and knowledge on improving citizens’ meaningful participation in governance processes. The Conference also seeks to build a body of knowledge on public participation and civic education to benefit the legislative sector.

The specific objectives of the conference are to:

• Build a body of knowledge to benefit the legislative sector
• Strengthen public participation strategies in governance processes
• Share knowledge and skills required to facilitate meaningful public participation
• Bridge the existing gap between theory and practice
• Invest in public participation initiatives in governance processes
•  Enhance the role of legislatures/parliaments in facilitating public participation

Authors are requested to submit empirical and theoretical abstracts on public participation (including case studies). These may reflect local, regional, national and international dimensions of public participation. Authors of selected abstracts will be requested to submit full papers that will be compiled into a book chapter for publication, following the Conference. Below are the themes and sub-themes that guide areas to be covered in response to this call for abstracts:

THEME 1: Public Participation, International best practices

Sub-themes:

• Public participation in integrated development plans of local municipalities: A case study
• Mainstreaming public participation in governance processes to inculcate a culture of civic involvement
• Public participation in budget processes - the power of the purse - A case study
• Effective petition systems in legislatures
• Enabling systems, processes and organisational culture for promoting relevant and quality civic

THEME 2: Public Participation, National perspectives

Sub-themes:

The doctrine of the separation of powers: examining the integrated and interdependent arms of the State and the missing link in public participation.

• Mainstreaming public participation in governance processes to inculcate a culture of civic involvement
• Public participation in budget processes: A case for meaningful public involvement – the South African experience
• Effective petition systems in legislatures
• Impact assessment of public participation processes

THEME 3: Public Participation at Local Government level

Sub-themes:

• Public participation in integrated development plans (IDP) of local municipalities
• Public participation in budget processes: A case for meaningful public involvement – Community/grassroots experiences.

Authors are required to submit abstracts of between 100 and 1200 words by Friday 9 December 2011. Included in the cover page of the abstract should be the title of the paper, the name of the author (s) and e-mail address (es).

Abstracts must be mailed to: Mrs. J Robertson, Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Private Bag X52, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa, physically delivered to: The Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Cnr. President and Loveday Streets, Johannesburg (CBD), or emailed to: JRobertson [at] gpl [dot] gov [dot] za.

For more information and a registration form to participate at the Conference please contact JRobertson [at] gpl [dot] gov [dot] za.