Question 1

Citizen Review Panel (CRP) method

Accepted Answer

The CRP method builds on the CIVISTI method, developed in 2008-2011 within the CIVISTI project, funded under FP7. The method was tested and further improved in a number of countries for engaging citizens in reviewing existing regional/local policies and proposing new policy measures and instruments. The CRP method is based on a deliberative approach (Elstub & Escobar, 2019[1]), which advocates for meaningful citizen engagement in policy deliberations. The method’s focus is on the active participation and direct contribution of citizens in policymaking.
  
 By allowing individuals to share their values, opinions, knowledge, and life experiences in the policy debate, Citizen Review Panels seek to ensure that citizens are as much a part of the change process as policymakers, stakeholders, and experts. The discussions with citizens offer a more practical and unbiased understanding of the policy areas. This deliberative method is beneficial for both citizens and policymakers. Citizens provide policymakers with direct input, enhancing their awareness of issues, concerns, and potential solutions from a different viewpoint. Citizens are also able to increase their understanding and acceptance of policy measures and instruments by expanding their knowledge, which in turn may inspire them to make improvements in their communities.[2]

[1] Elstub, S., & Escobar, O. (2019). Defining and Typologising Democratic Innovations. In Handbook of Democratic Innovation and Governance (pp. 11-31). Massachussetts: Edward Elgar Publishing.
 [2] RRI Leaders - CITIZEN REVIEW PANEL MANUAL - Methodological guidelines for the organisation of citizen review panels.

Question 2

Legislative theatre

Accepted Answer

Legislative Theatre is a participatory approach for improving people’s lives by developing policy and practice through a performance based on people’s lived experiences. It was developed in Latin America by Augusto Boal in the 1990s. Through an inclusive mix of play and reflection, participants engage with each other’s experience of oppression and identify structural causes and collective responses. During the Legislative Theatre performance, an audience of community members and policymakers play the crucial role of spect-actors interacting with the scenes to identify problems and explore solutions. The audience finally vote on policy priorities. A team of policymakers and professionals with influence on the issues explored in the play is invited to the performance and, by working with the actors and team, they commit to implement feasible actions to support positive change. Following the performance, the actors and the policymakers meet again to finalise the required policy actions and agree on a clear roadmap and deadlines.
Legislative theatre brings fun and laughter into policymaking spaces; it creates a shared space where the community and policymakers can understand better experiences and perspectives that are often marginalised, working collectively towards more equitable and just policies.

Question 3

Living Lab approach

Accepted Answer

Living labs are characterized as user-centred, open innovation ecosystems that integrate research and innovation processes in real communities and locations. They are built on a systematic user co-creation methodology (Ruijsink, S., Smith, A. 2016[1]). The European Network of Living Labs[2] (ENoLL) (https://enoll.org/)highlights five essential elements that should be present in a living lab: 1) active user involvement, 2) a real-life setting, 3) multi-stakeholder participation, 4) a multi-method approach, and 5) co-creation. While not formally required, there is typically a significant emphasis on utilizing digital technology and data in practice.
Recently, government agencies and private organizations in Bulgaria have shown interest in the prospect of citizen engagement to address complex policy issues. Combining the Living Lab approach with the Citizen Review Panel will offer a strong participatory framework that encourages innovation, enhances policy formulation, and ensures that the recommendations (for amendments of the national labour legislation) proposed by the Citizen Review Panel are user-centred and responsive to the needs of the target group. Moreover, it would help encourage participation in group discussions and support the group in gaining a better understanding of the policy they will be discussing.
 
[1] Ruijsink, S., Smith, A. (2016) Transformative Social Innovation: European Network of Living Labs : summary report. TRANSIT: EU SSH.2013.3.2-1 Grant agreement no: 613169.
[2] https://enoll.org/task-forces/living-labs-as-regulatory-learning-tools/

Question 4

Photovoice

Accepted Answer

Photovoice  is  a  method  in   which  participants use  photos  and stories about their photos to identify  issues   that   are   important   to them,  letting   researchers  better   understand   the issue  they   are studying . Fostering greater intersectional equality, photovoice   can   be   used   together  with  best practice evidence  to  develop   effective and comprehensive strategies  for   addressing  complex social issues in a  meaningful  way  for  communities. Through a process of expressing their voice, participants can learn how to express their demands, organise and act together to promote their interests. This experience can increase their confidence and active participation in community decision-making.
Photovoice is an innovative and creative approach to strengthen marginalised voices in participatory policymaking. Upon   releasing   photo   stories,  results  are shared  with their communities  to   enable   rapid knowledge exchange ,  which is  essential  for  developing   ecological and community-based interventions  for   optimal  social wellness.

Question 5

Participatory Performance Lecture

Accepted Answer

Participatory Performance Lecture combines simulated practice integrated with an art-based teaching strategy. This includes firstly a presentation of the problem by the facilitators using both artistic and cognitive tools (sound design, light design, dance, argumentation, schemes presentation, critical analysis). The art-based argumentation opens and frames the so-called “facilitating environment” or “participatory playground” for the audience. Participants are then offered to share, express and discuss their standpoints, doubts, experience within the frameworks and discover their personal resources for resilience, problem shooting, collaboration, trust and well-being together with others.

Intersectional Spaces of Participation:
Inclusive, Resilient, Embedded

Concept Vault

Intersectional Spaces of Participation: Inclusive, Resilient, Embedded

Concept Vault

Intersectional Spaces of Participation:
Inclusive, Resilient, Embedded