Communication and participation

Good communication practice is essential to the success of any process of participation. However, not every process that makes claim to good standards of communication and participation can, under closer scrutiny, be said to be fit for purpose. There is a clear distinction to be made between genuine participation and simply providing information and commissioning expert opinions and evaluations. Participation means that those involved are not just invited to join in the discussion but involved in the decision-making process. This may, in some cases, take the form of self-organising groups.

An extensive range of competencies can be granted to the participants and, thus, it is of the utmost importance that, from the outset of any participation process, the conditions, possibilities and competencies are defined. This is essential, not least to avoid the process failing due to participants’ unrealistic expectations.

Communication and participation must be appropriate to the target group and the goals of the project in question. To this end, ARSU uses a variety of the tools, methods and materials developed over the past few years and selects the most appropriate format for any given event. This includes digital formats and programs ideally suited to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic.