Page 68 - Enabling National Initiatives to Take Democracy Beyond Elections

Common Blocker: “It won’t solve the problem” 66 A Project of the UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF) Common blockers Below are some common reactions that come up when trying to start a long form deliberative process. We’ve provided answers that will help you explain the positive and complementary role these types of processes can play in public decision-making. Answer: If the methods that you have previously used have worked, then you have no need for a long form deliberation. But if you are stuck and your previous approaches haven’t yielded a conversation that is helpful and considered then it is worth trying something new. This process (if done fully) will bring unusual voices into the room, and start to unpack the issue in more depth. New perspectives bring new ideas forward that can assist in easy, quick and implementable options and provide insightful long- term guidance. You will receive highly informed recommendations to explore – giving elected officials a starting point to work from and providing strong guidance around what the community wants.