Get Involved

We've had it in Sheffield, those of us who read the council policies and marketing. Empowerment, then engagement, then involvement. Despite pondering these words for much time I'm not much wiser about the distinctions. There has to be some suspicion that what started off as a policy of Citizen Empowerment then by gradual degrees becomes presented as Community Involvement could mean that those in power are having second thoughts.

Consultations are where you are granted the opportunity of 'Having Your Say' and 'them up there' listen to what you say (we hope) then selectively edit what they hear to present to a Committee of elected representatives a plan or strategy which they recommend. This rarely if ever looks any different to what they wanted to do in the first place but there can be some awkward hurdles for them on the way if too many public responses articulate ideas totally contrary to the official view. So it's crucial to have control over who is consulted. The Moors consultation recently finished was not well publicised except among a selected group of stakeholders. Awkward people like me complained about this several times enough to make a nuisance. Stupidly, we thought how can we be empowered, engaged or even involved if we don't know about things? So it may be regarded as a minor achievement that posters for the meeting on 11th September are to be seen at Blacka Moor and at Burbage. I've not yet checked if posters are in the local libraries and notice boards. That might be taking involvement a bit far?