Challenges for online participation formats at various levels 

Many of our clients are facing these challenges: How can citizen participation be kept alive during the coronavirus pandemic? What opportunities do online alternatives offer? What needs to be taken into account when planning coronavirus-compliant events and alternative formats on the internet? 

Three tips for public participation during the coronavirus pandemic

1. As much digital as possible, as much analogue as necessary – in some cases, in-person events cannot be replaced by online
   formats. Currently, the trend is to organise every event as an online format. However, this is not always the best solution: in some situations, an in-person event – naturally with strict hygiene protocols – remains the better choice. This is particularly the case when the event in question involves making initial contact with the citizens concerned. In this context, no online tool in the world can adequately replace face-to-face contact.
   An online format has different accessibility requirements than an in-person meeting. Some older people are not sufficiently familiar with using the internet to be able to participate in an online event without difficulty. If there are many older people in the target group, it is worth considering whether online participation might mean that many voices are left out.
   It is a matter of weighing up each individual case: can an online format offer the same as an in-person meeting? Or would participants prefer to be able to look each other in the eye? 
2. There is no single online tool that can do everything – tailored solutions are needed depending on the format, target group
   and requirements There is no such thing as a ‘jack-of-all-trades’ online tool that can be used for any online format without further planning or adaptation. That is why it is important to consider carefully in advance what the tool needs to achieve:
   Is a presentation planned, or an open discussion session? Should direct interaction with citizens be facilitated through one-to-one discussions where personal and confidential documents are discussed? Or is it a workshop where participants are to meet in various small groups at different times?
   Therefore, the rule is: first clarify the format, target audience and requirements, then select the appropriate tool from the wide range available and test it before use. 
3. Here to stay – online tools as a useful addition or sensible alternative in the post-coronavirus era
   When in-person events are possible again soon, this need not spell the end of online tools for public engagement – quite the contrary. The experience gained with them now will complement and enrich traditional public engagement through online tools in the long term. Online formats are now being put to the test; organisers, authorities, project leaders and many others are getting to know new territory in these weeks, which can bring many advantages. We hope they will come to love it too. Because if online formats prove their worth now, they can also be offered on a permanent basis in the future. 

Citizens want to, and should, continue to be involved in the planning of projects affecting their local environment, even during lockdown. Rather than declaring 2020 a lost year for participation, we see opportunities and possibilities for new perspectives and tools that point the way to the future.