We look for projects that are fun, interesting, and support the creation of positive public discussions and democratic networks. At the moment we are working on:
Participatory innovation: We are one of the main organisers of CityCamp Brighton, now in its third year, and this year we hope to expand its work into a city-wide innovation network, involving several other networks looking to create open, participative networks.
Open Policymaking: We are working with the Cabinet Office to run a discussion space on Open Policymaking – helping to use the Government’s commitment to “making policies open” to drive real openness and participation in government policymaking at local and national level.
Local Democratic conversations: Lewes District Council are working with us to create networks of environmental activists and civic influencers to support civic activism on recycling and waste. We are also facilitating independent consultations around major development proposals in Lewes town and in Newhaven.
A European Politics: We are working on a European Politics hackday, in London in the late spring, to support public engagement in European politics before the 2014 European Parliamentary elections.
Research and publication: We are preparing research papers for Sciencewise and the Local Government Information Unit on new models of participation in science policy, and on innovation in local democracy.
Previous projects
Financial case for engagement: A short white paper looking at the economic argument for democratic engagement.
The media democracy deserves: We are hosting discussions and a collaborative drafting exercise on what democracy needs from the media, and what regulation is needed, with the support of the Carnegie UK Trust.
We Live Here: We worked with Brighton & Hove City Council on the We Live Here project, which was of the Creative Councils finalists in 2012. The final pitch presentation is available on Slideshare.