Recently Populytics CEO, Shannon Spruit was interviewed by the magazine Democracy in Action. In the article she explains how Participatory Value Evaluation can support local decision-making. Ending with this comprehensive list of tips, and the benefits of PVE for municipalities and residents:

Benefits for municipalities:

• PVE makes mass participation much easier and therefore more attainable.
• Decision-makers reach residents who do not normally participate in activities.
• The silent middle group becomes visible.
• The identified values are relevant beyond the issue at stake in the consultation.

Benefits for residents:

• Residents can choose when and where they participate and are included in difficult policy decisions.
• They can step into the shoes of a decision-maker and discover the complexity behind policy choices.
• In a safe environment residents are able to voice their opinions without bias.

Tips for municipalities:

• Think about your goals. This form of participation is most valuable if you really want to involve people in the policy and not only inform them.
• Manage expectations. If they exist, make consequences clear for the participating population.
• Think about the follow-up. Do not see participation and the use of this method as a one-off, but as a step towards improving the future relationship with your residents.
• Take the time to determine the right questions, how will you learn the most from your participants.

Read more here: https://lokale-democratie.nl/groups/view/e90f7550-889d-4cbc-8087-ec19de6f7eee/democratische-energietransitie/blog/view/f3ae0c05-dac2-4190-bb02-c6fc49fa7afa/inzicht-in-waarden-van-inwoners-bij-het-energiebeleid-van-sudwest-fryslan-dankzij-pwe-methode