Civic participation is defined by its main ideas and the goals it seeks to achieve.
Main ideas of civic participation
Everyone has the right to civic participation, meaning that any member of the public affected by, or interested in a particular issue, has the right to express their opinion. Civic participation may be restricted, but only when this is justified, required by law and in exceptional cases, such as when the rights of other people are threatened or when national security, public order, or public health or morals are being put at risk.
Civic participation can take place at any time, including before a decision affecting you is taken, while it is being taken, or after it has been taken. Civic participation is another way of participating in democracy, in addition to voting.
Aims of civic participation
The main aim of civic participation is to encourage the public to take part in the making of public decisions, so that these decisions are in line with what the public needs and wants. It also aims to ensure that decisions taken are explained to and understood by those affected by them.
Civic participation helps to identify problems as they arise, to consider alternative solutions and to strengthen the effectiveness of a solution.