A consultation reveals the voice of the ‘quiet middle’ in a citizens’ forum. And that is necessary. Because not everyone has the time or inclination to participate intensively in a forum for evenings in a row. It is precisely the combination of a consultation in which a large, diverse group participates and a citizens’ forum in which a small group of citizens participates very intensively that makes the total outcome powerful.

Niek Mouter was interviewed by Algemeen Dagblad about how a consultation can strengthen a citizens’ forum. Read it online here or via this link (written in Dutch).

Good news, you can contribute again! What should the medical examination for driving licenses look like? Yesterday a consultation went live in which you are asked that question. All Dutch citizens can participate. Make sure to give your advice.

The Minister would like to hear your opinion

Cora van Nieuwenhuizen wants to know how the government can best determine whether someone is healthy enough to drive safely. That is why she is asking for your opinion in the consultation. For example, should drivers from a certain age receive a medical examination in your opinion? And should drivers or their doctors be required to report certain medical situations?

Together with the Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management we have worked intensively to develop the consultation, which is now online: denkmeeoverkeuren.nl.

Structure of the consultation

In the consultation you will be presented with various choices. For each choice the effects are shown. What will it cost drivers if you choose a particular option? And what will it cost the government? But also: what is the effect on road safety?

After the various options, a number of scenarios are presented to you as well. Which scenario do you find most appealing?

Furthermore, at the end there is room to share your own experiences with regard to the current set-up.

Until when can you participate?

Until August 5, the consultation will be open to everyone. Would you like to advice the government on the structure of the medical examination for driving licenses? Make sure you fill in the consultation before then. You can find the consultation here: denkmeeoverkeuren.nl.

We, as well as the Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management, would like to hear what you think.

Today the Webinar “Engaging citizens in energy transition” took place. This webinar was a collaboration between TU Delft’s PVE Lab and Populytics during which we discussed two recent consultations: 1) a citizen-initiated consultation on the heat transition in the Amsterdam district of Nieuw Sloten, and 2) a consultation combined with a citizen forum on the future energy policy of the municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân. In preparation of this webinar, we reflected on the conditions needed for successful citizen participation. We came up with the following list; do you have any additions?

Upfront:

• There should be a policy dilemma with various alternatives that still can be implemented.
• Begin public participation when they can still inspire you/decision-maker.
• Have the courage as a government, to present dilemmas to your citizens
• Think about the goals you want to achieve with participation and communicate this clearly

During:

• Involve citizens in the design of the consultation
• Good substantive and communication support from the organization
• Send letters / good recruitment campaign

After:

• Enable a citizens’ forum or group of citizens to convert the learnings from the consultation into (normative) recommendations
• Involve a group of the participating population in determining which analyses are relevant
• As a decision-maker show what you have learned from the participating population (and what you will do with the results)