engaging communities with the democratic process

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Engaging Communities with the democratic process. The role of CLD in building a culture of participative democracy.

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Engaging Communities with the democratic process. The role of CLD in building a culture of participative democracy. Purpose of the workshop. To raise the issue of low and falling levels of voting – with particular emphasis on the young, those in poverty and with additional learning needs. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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Page 1: Engaging Communities with the democratic process

Engaging Communities with the democratic process.The role of CLD in building a culture of

participative democracy.

Page 2: Engaging Communities with the democratic process

Purpose of the workshopTo raise the issue of low and falling levels of

voting – with particular emphasis on the young, those in poverty and with additional learning needs.

To examine the role of CLD practitioners and local government in addressing political literacy and participation

To question whether the Independence referendum represents an opportunity or a threat to the potential of increasing levels of interest and participation in politics at a local, national and European level.

Page 3: Engaging Communities with the democratic process

What is the extent of the problem?

Disgruntled, disillusioned and disengaged: New Hansard Society research shows people turning away from national politics. The 2012 Hansard Society annual Audit of Political Engagement, shows that the public’s growing sense of indifference to politics as highlighted in last year’s Audit has hardened into something more serious as public attitudes become more negative:

42% say they are interested in politics (down 16 points, to the lowest level ever recorded in the nine-year Audit series)

Liberal Democrat supporters down 22 points to 50% Conservative supporters down 8 points to 65% Labour supporters down 12 points to 48% 44% say they are knowledgeable about politics (down 9

points) Liberal Democrat supporters down 15 points to 46% Conservative supporters unchanged at 61% Labour supporters down 11 points to 45% 48% say they are ‘certain to vote’ in the event of an

immediate general election (down 10 points to the lowest level ever recorded in the Audit series)

30% say they are ‘unlikely’ or ‘absolutely certain not’ to vote (up 10 points)

Page 4: Engaging Communities with the democratic process

The media – particularly the print press and specifically tabloids – do not appear to greatly benefit our democracy from the perspective of nourishing political engagement. Indeed, in this respect, the press, particularly the tabloids, appear not to be living up to the importance of their role in our democracy. (Audit 2012 Part 2)

Disenchanted and disinclined: a gloomy prognosis for future engagement

Where have all the voters gone?

18-24 year olds: an uncertain future for voting

Page 5: Engaging Communities with the democratic process

CfE Briefing 14: Curriculum for Excellence - Political Literacy.What is political literacy?

In CfE, political literacy is central to citizenship education. It is the

particular combination of attributes and capabilities, skills (including

higher-order thinking skills), knowledge and understanding that helps

learners to become responsible citizens and to participate in

society’s decision-making processes.

Political literacy is one of the foundations of modern democracy and

its guardian. It is the means by which citizens make informed

choices about the kind of society they want to live in. It helps

everyone to understand political decisions and how they affect their

own lives. It is the vital set of attributes and higher-order thinking

skills that enables evidence and reasoned debate to trump

unsubstantiated assertion and hyperbole.

Political literacy matters in a society whose values are wisdom,

justice, compassion and integrity, one which demands equalities and

fairness for all, and one which cherishes the right of every citizen to

make up and express her/his own mind.

Page 6: Engaging Communities with the democratic process

Questions?Does CLD have a

role in developing political literacy?

Has this role diminished in the last 20 years

Should CLD practitioners seek to develop this role if so then how?

What is CLD’s role if any in encouraging participation in the Referendum debate?

Are there examples of good practice?

What role will CLDMS members play?