GIST Conversations put dialogue, interaction and informal knowledge-sharing at the heart of a day of exploring ideas, research and experience around a given theme.  A cross between the speakeasy and a seminar unconference, but altogether more relaxed and human-scale, the programme for the day is decided by participants.  The first GIST Conversation explores the theme of participation.

When: Wednesday 2 June 2010 from 10:30am.

Where: Showroom Cafe Bar, Paternoster Row, Sheffield, UK, S1 2BX

Twitter: @gistwire 

Tag: #gcparticipation

The Agenda

The following list is by no means exhaustive. There is plenty more to discuss, and everyone has the opportunity to set the agenda and steer the discussions in multiple sessions throughout the day.  

• What does participation really involve? Is it the same as engagement?
• How does 'being interested' get converted to 'participating'?
• Is fear the key to getting people to participate, or are carrots better than sticks? 
• What are the barriers to participation? Are these barriers really different when we talk about participation in the arts, third sector, business and social enterprise,  voluntary sector and politics? 
• In a 24/7 economy, do people have the time or inclination to participate fully? 
• Is turning up for work the extent of participation we can (should) expect in the workplace?
• Is there a civic or social imperative to participate?
• Can anyone participate, or should the right to participation be earned?
• Is apathy related to mediocrity, and is participation an abject exercise in compromise?
• How can technology address some of these issues?
• Is being potentially available all the time turning people off participation?
• Are there risks or dangers to greater participation? Do governance and planning get stymied? Does the wisdom of crowds really win out? What is - if any - the place for authoritarian leadership?

Why should I join the Conversation?

As the Conversations unfold you'll get a better understanding of how to 

• effectively encourage participation and active engagement from customers, service users, volunteers, employees and stakeholders.
• leverage this involvement to design, develop and deliver better services and products.
• apply this to your sector, whether you operate in public, community, voluntary or third sectors, academia, art and culture, business and social enterprise, broadcasting or government.