"Public Participation for 21st Century Democracy: Rethinking our Civic Infrastructures.”  Tina Nabatchi, Associate Professor in Public Administration and International Affairs at the Maxwell School, Syracuse University. Democracy is often described as ‘government of the people, by the people, for the people.’ We can easily recognize how representative democracy deals with the ‘of’ and ‘for’ – but where are we when it comes to ‘by’? What could government and residents gain in terms of better public policy and more effective program and service delivery if we encouraged and harnessed the many voices of ordinary people? Filled with examples, this presentation explores the forms of public participation, and explains how giving good process, activating local leaders and networks, using the building blocks of participation, and providing systemic supports can help us rethink our local civic infrastructures and advance governance for 21st century democracy.

Conversations in Conflict Studies is a weekly educational speaker series for students, faculty, and the community. The series, sponsored by PARCC, draws its speakers from Syracuse University faculty, national and international scholars and activists, and PhD students. Pizza is served. Follow us on Twitter @PARCCatMaxwell, tweet #ConvoInConflict.

If you require accommodations, please contact Deborah Toole by email at datoole@syr.edu or by phone at 315.443.2367.