The eParticipation and eDemocracy Network is now open to all interested in issues such as eEngagement, eDeliberation, eInvolvement, eLegislation and eVoting, as well as eDecision, eRule and ePolicy-making. Despite this broad remit, however, these issues are all inter-related and contribute to new concepts and practices for the governance of our societies. Thus, it is also important not to see ‘e’ tools as separate from traditional democratic and participatory processes, for example there are potentially fundamental impacts on the relationships between representative and direct democracy.
The community is an open platform for meeting and sharing experiences and knowledge, as well as for asking and providing support. It will encompass blog discussions, news items, good practices, promoting events and sharing documents and source material. It will also link to and help coordinate the various European Commission supported studies and projects directly relevant to eParticipation and eDemocracy.
Please get involved. This community will only be what you make it. And, the issues involved are potentially decisive for the future healthy democratic development of Europe. The impact of ICT tools on democratic and participatory systems will undoubtedly be huge, so we need you to contribute to the debate and put your effort into steering outcomes which benefit everyone.
Start by telling the community the main topics which interest you. You may also consider whether you want to propose yourself as an expert on a particular theme and thus a community facilitator, although please note this will mean some longer term commitment.
