Participation methods

Participation methodsExplore practical ways people can participate.

SignalMake support, opposition, or an issue more visible.

BoycottBring individual choices together to create economic pressure.A boycott asks people to stop buying from, using, or supporting a specific target. When many people participate, they can put economic or public pressure on the target.

Time commitmentOngoing

Effort requiredMedium

Coordination requiredMedium

Resource costLow

Visible public support

Mass participation

General public

DemonstrationMake a shared position visible in public.A demonstration brings people together in public to show a shared position. It can draw attention to an issue and show how many people support or oppose it.

Time commitment1–4 h

Effort requiredMedium

Coordination requiredVery high

Resource costMedium

Targeted influence

Individual contribution

Decision-makers

Letter WritingSend personal views and experiences directly to decision-makers.Letter writing allows participants to contact a chosen recipient with their own message. Many personal letters can show concern while giving each person space to explain why the issue matters to them.

Time commitment~10–20 min

Effort requiredMedium

Coordination requiredLow

Resource costLow

Showing public support

Mass participation

Decision-makers

PetitionBring many signatures together around one clear request.A petition lets people support a specific request by adding their name. Many signatures can show how much public support the request has.

Time commitment~1–3 min

Effort requiredLow

Coordination requiredLow

Resource costLow

InputCollect ideas, experiences, information, or feedback from participants.

Improving proposals

Community input

Affected people

ConsultationGive people a chance to improve a proposal before the final decision.A consultation lets people give feedback on an issue, plan, or proposal. Their feedback can show problems, suggest improvements, and help organizers make a better decision.

Time commitment~10–30 min

Effort requiredMedium

Coordination requiredMedium

Resource costLow

Technical evaluation

Specialist contribution

Experts

Expert ReviewUse expert knowledge to review and improve your work.An expert review asks people with relevant knowledge to review information, evidence, or proposals. They can find problems, identify risks, and suggest improvements.

Time commitment30–120 min

Effort requiredHigh

Coordination requiredMedium

Resource costMedium

Providing evidence

Individual contribution

Reviewers

SubmissionCollect useful documents, evidence, and information.A submission allows participants to provide material that may help an initiative. This can include evidence, experiences, observations, or information needed for research, review, or decisions.

Time commitment~15–60 min

Effort requiredMedium

Coordination requiredLow

Resource costLow

Collecting structured feedback

Community input

Affected people

SurveyCollect answers and find patterns across a group.A survey asks participants the same set of questions. Their answers can then be compared to find patterns in opinions, experiences, or knowledge.

Time commitment~5–15 min

Effort requiredLow

Coordination requiredLow

Resource costLow

InteractionCreate discussion, exchange, and cooperation between people.

Building participation

Small group or community

Individuals

OutreachBuild participation through direct conversations.Outreach connects people directly with an initiative. Personal conversations can explain the issue, answer questions, listen to concerns, and invite people to participate.

Time commitmentFlexible

Effort requiredMedium

Coordination requiredMedium

Resource costLow

Discussion and exchange

Group participation

Community

Public MeetingBring people together to learn, ask questions, and discuss an issue.A public meeting gives people a place to share information, hear different views, and discuss an issue together. Participants can ask questions, raise concerns, and speak directly with others.

Time commitment1–2 h

Effort requiredMedium

Coordination requiredMedium

Resource costMedium

Collaborative planning

Small group

Collaborators

WorkshopBring people together to develop something useful.A workshop brings participants together to develop ideas, plans, solutions, or other useful results. Instead of mainly discussing a topic, participants actively work together toward a clear result.

Time commitment2–4 h

Effort requiredHigh

Coordination requiredHigh

Resource costMedium

ExecutionTurn participation into practical work or coordinated action.

Testing solutions

Project team

Implementers

Pilot ProjectTest an idea in practice before using it more widely.A pilot project tests an idea or solution on a small scale in the real world. It can show what works, reveal problems, and provide useful information for the next step.

Time commitmentMulti-day or longer

Effort requiredVery high

Coordination requiredVery high

Volunteer TaskTurn participant time and effort into practical work.A volunteer task gives participants a clear piece of work to complete for an initiative. Tasks can be shared across many people and help move the initiative forward.

Time commitment30 min–4 h

Effort requiredMedium

Coordination requiredMedium

Resource costLow

Resource & capacityProvide funding, skills, time, or other practical support.

Generating resources

Individual contribution

Supporters

FundraisingCollect donations to support initiative work.Fundraising allows people to donate money for a clear purpose. Many individual donations can help pay for activities, projects, or other initiative needs.

Time commitment~2–5 min

Effort requiredLow

Coordination requiredLow

TrainingHelp people learn the skills they need to participate.Training helps participants learn useful knowledge and skills. It can prepare them for future roles, tasks, and activities within the initiative.

Time commitment1–3 h

Effort requiredMedium

Coordination requiredMedium

Resource costMedium