Module 5 - Representivity
Hi All
This week we will deal with the last module of the Stakeholder Participation course. Participation seemed to have dwindled a little bit in module 4 but lets aim to end this course on a good note.
Module 5, entitled representivity, reinforces some of the key aspects learned in the other modules on how the one participating in the the
stakeholder process can ensure they have a stronger voice (through community leaders, NGO support etc) and also how the stakeholder practitioner can ensure that all his/her stakeholders have adequate
representivity (through stakeholder analysis, info sharing etc).
It elaborates on the topic where we highlighted that not everyone has the same voice.
Please download and read through the notes and I will recap them in the end of this week.
Oriana
Module 5
After reading the module, i find it interesting that it links with all the other modules we dealt with earlier. Representivity is representing a community as here we need equal participation we need to identify who, how and where to represent and what one is going for e.t.c with all this then we can represent our community and and participate as expected. We can not represent without knowing the reasons and benefits. Good that it is from representing that one is involve, from there you give out your voice, then you communicate and then involve in decision making process.
Nice reading....
Module 5
Dear Bubacarr, thank you once again for your participation. It is indeed really important to know who and how we can represent.
We are walking to the end of this round, and I would like to see more comments from the other participants? We are ending this week, so please if you want to contribute, make comments, questions, send any ideas, quizzes, please do.
I will request all of you to send me the final assignment for this course. Please start writing on what you have learned from this course, what benefits did you get from it, how it can be improved, what can you say to the others, and if you want, you can also post something on the general discussion thread.
Regards
Oriana
Module 5
A comment from Mr. Vikash:
"Dear Oriana
I have read through Module 5 and wish to bring some experience from Mauritius that work well in obtaining good representation at discussions, meetings etc.
For discussions that involve fishermen, tour operators and skippers, scheduling the meeting when these stakeholders have lots of work/business or during the day does not reap much attendance. However, doing so after 5/ 6 pm, when these stakeholders have finished with the day's work is best. This may not fit with the work schedule of other stakeholders who may be more on a 9-4 job!
If the meeting is held during the day, when the stakeholders ought to be earning their daily bread, then the best is that the project provides a stipend that covers an expected day's work. Thus, good representativity of groups that do not have a fixed income can be obtained.
I also know that some marginal groups must have their voice heard and are assisted by prominent, respected or trusted community members who become their voice. They represent the views of the community, assuming that the community is not divided over the issue at hand, which is often the case and means that the representative has the difficult task of representing the community.
Caucusing is something that is done at all levels from community groups up to businesses. One may not realise it, but one often goes into a discussion after having discussed the issues in great depth with a wide range of persons.
I also feel that there must be a strong willingness of the SP practitioners to engage the marginal(ised) groups, and to adopt a bottom-up approach. I have witnessed cases where the stakeholder group felt little concerned by the discussion (thus were poorly represented) or felt that their presence was more for formality. Their participation was also weak as their heart was not in the process. I have on the other hand known where such groups were motivated by SP practitioners to make their voices heard, and their stand made clear and concise. When such groups are organised, they earn the ears and respect (and often admiration), of all present.
Finally, I loved the wise words from Madiba!
Regards
Vikash