Toolbox

Based on the T12 Stakeholders' Mapping and the engagement and participation strategies previously defined in the Participation and Committees Formation (Activity 8), an actionable plan is developed to execute and guide the participatory process. In general, the characteristics, skills, and abilities of the stakeholders and other participants, the socio-political climate, and the technical and logistical capabilities of the technical team should be considered to define the most appropriate plan to obtain substantial and relevant inputs for the planning process. This plan should be comprehensive and include the activities associated with committees, technical experts, communities, and the general public. 

The Citizen Engagement Guide will serve as input for the development of the Participation Plan since with it, the team should establish the scope of the participation plan based on the three components for an inclusive and efficient participation process: Socialisation, Consultation, and Involvement. Each is described below.

Socialisation: It is considered the starting point since it is where the team's intention about the project is made known through different ways. 

Consultation: This is where different stakeholders are invited to validate ideas and establish plans. 

Involvement: Where the different stakeholders are requested to play a more active role in decision-making, whether in budgetary matters, project proposals or citizen plans. Depending on the context of the stakeholder, different groups require specific strategies and methods to involve and get their input.   

The citizen engagement guide has a catalogue of actions that can be taken to carry out the three components throughout the plan. 

Once the activities are clearly defined, it is important to convene and inform the stakeholders and the general public about the participatory activities relevant to them. The outreach section of the plan should respond to the characteristics and abilities of the population, presenting the information in a way that is accessible to all people, with particular attention to groups in vulnerable conditions and through the appropriate communication channels for the context. This outreach plan will be integrated into the Communication Strategy (Activity 10).

To ensure the participation of all population groups and stakeholders, especially those in vulnerable conditions, it is important to identify the risks of the participatory process, associated with the participants’ characteristics and the context in which the urban planning process takes place. These might include, among others, digital gaps, accessibility issues, lack of interest, and distrust. Once these are identified, mitigation strategies should be put in place to ensure an inclusive, substantial, and harmonious participatory process that reflects and responds to the different perspectives present.