Consultation and civil society capacity building

Analysis question:
Consultation between governments and community is part of the process of participatory democracy
and fosters strong civil society. From the readings provided, as well as your own research, analyse and
discuss the processes and types of consultation, its role in building or strengthening civil society, and
how to determine when enough consultation has taken place.

Theoretical concepts:
? Social inclusion
? Participation
? Peak bodies
? Consultation
? Information
Readings:
Arnstein, S. (1969) “A ladder of citizenship participation”, Journal of the American Institute of Planners,
Vol.35, No.4

Cuthill, M. (2002) “Developing local government policy and processes for community consultation and
Participation”, Urban Policy and Research, Vol.19 No.2

Staples, J. (2007) “Why we do what we do: the democratic role of the sector in society”, Paper
presented at Community Sector Futures Task Group

Shergold, P. (2009), “Been there, done that, still hoping for more”, Griffith REVIEW Edition 24:
Participation Society