Participatory democracy & THE PUBLIC SECTOR: IDEAS AND Q&A

Participatory democracy & THE PUBLIC SECTOR: IDEAS AND Q&A

The 'Participatory Democracy - Exploring Experiences' session at the IPAA Public Sector Week 2017 featured active, experiential learning and an interactive discussion with a group of diverse panellists. 

Attendees experienced a mini, deliberative discussion, answering the question: 'what are the biggest challenges facing the public sector when it comes to gaining trust in the community?'.   The group then engaged in an energetic Q&A with the panel which included specialist consultants and public sector representatives with extensive experience in using deliberative engagement to help tackle major public policy challenges.

Facilitated by MosaicLab, the workshop saw great ideas generated and invaluable knowledge shared.  The discussion was relevant to anyone working in the public sector (and beyond), so, today we're sharing a snapshot of the ideas generated and a summary of the Q&A discussion - a fabulous, free resource for anyone interested in quality engagement or participatory processes. 

Upcoming events & opportunities across Aus

Upcoming events & opportunities across Aus

The second half of 2017 is shaping up to be very busy for MosaicLab, with events left, right and centre.  In fact, we're so busy, we have created a new events page where you can peruse all of the events and training opportunities we are currently involved in or hosting. 

There's something for everyone, and, with events taking place from coast to coast, we're looking forward to connecting with old friends and new faces right across Australia.  

From the engagement practitioner who wants to hone their skills, to those wanting to champion quality engagement in their organisations.  From those looking to network and connect right through to those simply interested in a conversation around 'doing democracy differently.  We'd love to see you there. 

#MonthlyMyth: Tables enhance conversation

#MonthlyMyth: Tables enhance conversation

We are often drawn towards what we know – it’s comfortable sticking to what we are used to doing, seeing and experiencing.  However, when it comes to engagement, sometimes comfortable doesn’t equal effective, and this month’s myth is a perfect example.

First look: New immersive deliberation training experience

First look: New immersive deliberation training experience

Earlier this year, MosaicLab trialled an exciting new training concept based on participatory learning.    Hosted by Public Libraries Victoria Network and State Library of Victoria and facilitated by MosaicLab, the experience gave participants an in-depth understanding of, insights into and skills in deliberative engagement.

Following foundational engagement training sessions, and some online learning and discussion, PLVN representatives from across the State came together to experience a mini (but very real), 2-day deliberative process.

This exciting, in-depth training opportunity is now available for other organisations to experience.

(Invaluable) deliberation insights 2 - decision makers

(Invaluable) deliberation insights 2 - decision makers

Did you see last month's invaluable deliberation insights post?  We shared a video chock full of ideas and advice from project managers who had been through a deliberative journey.  

This month, we're sharing the second video in this series - insights from decision makers who have led their organisations though a deliberative engagement experience. 

#MonthlyMyth: Build it (online) and they will come

#MonthlyMyth: Build it (online) and they will come

Online tools are an important part of the modern engagement landscape.  They offer a broad range of benefits from ease and flexibility of access to handy data analysis options.   They can be absolutely worth the investment, and are integral parts of most successful, contemporary engagement processes. 

However, it's a mistake to think that a great online platform or tool alone will solve all your engagement problems or attract high levels of participation - no matter how much you spent on building it or how long you spent on perfecting it. 

This monthly myth touches on a mistake that is pretty easy to make and can catch organisations out, leaving them without much of a return on what can be a significant investment.

Join us! Participatory democracy - exploring experiences

Join us! Participatory democracy - exploring experiences

Join us for an interactive forum at IPAA Public Sector Week 2017!  If you have ever wondered 'what is participatory or deliberative democracy' and 'how do I include these ideas in my work' then this is the session for you.


You will have the opportunity to experience some of the key tools used in deliberative engagement processes and understand the complexity and opportunity that comes from navigating a diverse group of people around a complex issue and facilitating the decision-making process. 

(Invaluable) deliberation insights 1 - project managers

(Invaluable) deliberation insights 1 - project managers

In June 2017 we ran our first ever Deliberation Ready Training session for leaders, managers and decision makers in Melbourne.    The day was designed to help participants get themselves and their organisation ready for a successful journey into deliberative engagement.  

Because we love to share resources and are always seeking to help others to improve their engagement skills and processes, we are giving you free, exclusive access to one of our fabulous Deliberation Ready Training resources our participants had access to during their session.

#MonthlyMyth: Tight communication reins = risk minimisation

#MonthlyMyth: Tight communication reins = risk minimisation

Many organisations try to minimise risk by 'holding the reins tight' when it comes to communicating with their communities and stakeholders around engagement processes and major projects/decisions. 

This so-called 'risk averse' approach tends to include carefully constructing tightly worded (yet often very uninformative) key messages and strictly withholding any information deemed potentially inflammatory or uncomfortable - even when inextricably relevant to the issue at hand.

There's also approval processes applied to the release of any information, which can slow down communication activities - sometimes to a considerable extent - depending on how rigid or intricate these processes are. 

While organisations tend to feel comfortable with this well-worn approach, the promise of 'safety' through control is generally just an illusion.  

Deliberation Ready: New 1-day training opportunity

Deliberation Ready: New 1-day training opportunity

Considering or about to embark on a deliberative engagement process?  It's time to get ready. 

MosaicLab's new training experience for managers, leaders and decision makers has been designed to help you, your organisation and your community/stakeholders to get the most out of your upcoming journey into the world of deliberation.

Learn how to overcome the challenges, avoid the pitfalls and embrace the opportunities of a deliberative processes at this exclusive, one day event to be held in the Melbourne CBD on the 28th June.