This article presents the results of research designed to test participatory democracy assertions that high-quality public participation can affect participants' beliefs in desirable ways. It examines the relationships between exposure to quality participation and participant beliefs about the trustworthiness and responsiveness of a public agency and the value of including different viewpoints in public meetings. (continue)

This user's guide gathers information and tools for EPA staff to use in generating feedback on the effectiveness of EPA Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) Committees. (continue)

This user's guide gathers information and tools for EPA staff to use in generating feedback on the effectiveness of public listening sessions and the effectiveness of follow-up after them. (continue)

This user's guide gathers information and tools for EPA staff to use in generating feedback on the effectiveness of public hearings and the effectiveness of follow-up after them. (continue)

This user's guide gathers information and tools for EPA staff to use in generating feedback on the effectiveness of public meetings and the effectiveness of follow-up after them. (continue)

This user's guide gathers information and tools for EPA staff to use in generating feedback on the effectiveness of small discussion groups. (continue)

This user's guide gathers information and tools for EPA staff to use in generating feedback on the effectiveness of Community Advisory Groups (CAGs). (continue)

This 116-page guide was developed for public bodies such as local authorities, government departments or other statutory agencies who commission or deliver participatory processes; those with similar roles in the voluntary and private sectors; and people who want to know what to expect when they get involved in decision-making processes. This document is the first publication from UK-based Involve. It is based on research funded by the Home Office Civil Renewal Unit during 2004/5. Involve aims to create new systems that enable people to influence decisions and get involved in actions that affect their lives. (continue)

Public participation has become a central plank of public policy-making. Increasingly, decision-makers at all levels of government build citizen and stakeholder engagement into their policy-making processes. Activities range from large-scale consultations that involve tens of thousands of people, to focus group research, on-line discussion forums and small, deliberative citizens juries. This guide to evaluating public participation is intended to help those involved in planning, organising or funding these activities to understand the different factors involved in creating effective public participation. (continue)

This one-page chart developed by Marie Strom outlines the different answers to questions such as "What is the definition of democracy?", "Who's in control?", "Who initiates?", "What is the aim?", and "What is pattern of interaction between citizens and government?" when looked at through the lens of "public participation" versus the lens of "citizen agency." (continue)