It is no longer enough that governments limit their democratic attention to voting and elections. The future of representative democracy is one where leading means listening to our communities, and representing means responding to their needs in between elections.
But a lack of government responsiveness has eroded people’s trust in the current democratic system, and corroded their belief in government as a force for good. Current world crises, the rampant ease of misinformation and party politics only serve to deepen those cracks.
The longer government appears static and unresponsive to people’s needs, the more likely people will not see government as representing their interests, and other options will appear attractive.
Since 2013, Engage2 has worked with governments and organisations around the world to strengthen the connection between their responses and people’s needs.
We help governments and organisations move beyond one-way, check-box consultation to genuine engagement with their communities and stakeholders — and ultimately to better outcomes.
We help them listen to, understand and work with their communities and stakeholders through:
We also work from the ground up to enable communities, industries and social change agents. Through our events and partnerships, we help them create innovative solutions to the challenges they face.
The future of representative democracy is one where government and institutions encourage constructive participation in decision-making and the delivery of change.
At Engage2, we believe if we are successful at what we do, everyone with an interest or concern will get a chance to participate in our society, the way it is governed and the shape of tomorrow.