Symposium Public Participation Center: in search of the 'silent middle'

The third symposium of the Public Participation Center on inclusion in citizen participation took place recently in Vinkhuizen (Groningen). Wytse Gorter , researcher at the University of Groningen and initiator of the symposium, reflects on the event. 'Finding the right language to reach more citizens remains the million dollar question.'

The symposium focused on involving citizens in the various transitions, including the energy transition. Some groups are hard to reach and do not participate in the discussion on these transitions, says Gorter. 'We often see the same kind of people during gatherings on public participation. Often white, highly educated and male. The 'silent middle', a large part of the population, is not participating.'

Vinkmobiel

For good reasons, the symposium was organised in Vinkhuizen, the UG researcher continues. 'It is one of Groningen's neighbourhoods where people sometimes feel excluded.' To illustrate how things should be done, Gorter mentions the Vinkmobiel (Vink Mobile), a sustainable and affordable taxi operated by and for residents in Vinkhuizen. ‘This initiative was set up together with the residents and those involved are responsible for keeping the taxi running. It is a great example of public participation in transitions, but at the same time there is still a lot to be achieved.'

Engaging vulnerable groups

The symposium featured several lectures by researchers and experts in the field of public participation. Also, a workshop on inclusion and sustainable transitions led by Peter Bootsma, Groningen's Green Mayor, was held in the afternoon. Bootsma led a role-play focusing on engaging vulnerable groups. For this, he used the practical model of 'Task Democracy' to bring different groups in society to the same table. 'As scientists, you don't always get to deal with practical issues, which is why this was such an inspiring session.’

Communities

The presentations also focused on engaging citizens. UG PhD student Fleur Goedkoop shared her insights on inclusion in the energy transition. She discussed the differences between socio-demographic groups in their involvement in energy communities, which include citizens, businesses, local authorities and other stakeholders cooperating to promote sustainable energy. Franzisca Bos-Beeken, also a PhD student at the UG, discussed religion and citizen participation. Religious organisations, as close-knit communities, can play an important role in sustainable transitions. During her presentation, however, Bos-Beeken stressed the importance of a good network to reach religious communities.

According to Gorter, the presentations and workshop provided an excellent opportunity to learn from each other. ‘Still, it is difficult to reach certain groups in society,' the UG researcher acknowledges. 'That also became clear during the symposium. The language is often scientific, and therefore difficult to understand. Finding the right language to reach more citizens remains the million dollar question.'

The Public Participation Center is a collaboration between the Wubbo Ockels School for Energy & Climate and the New Energy Coalition. This initiative actively involves citizens in various transitions.