Encouraging participation
Strong, sustainable communities are an important building block for achieving positive social, economic and cultural outcomes for all New Zealanders. More and more, people are looking for that sense of connection that you get from being part of a community of people.
The community and voluntary sector helps people make connections. This relationship building and ‘connecting up’ of people can be referred to as ‘social capital’ – or the glue that holds our communities together.
‘Social capital’ is the measure of what we have between us – it’s what determines whether we feel safe in our communities, trust those in our neighbourhoods, or feel a sense of belonging in our communities.
It is part of our Kiwi psyche to pull together to make things happen in times of need, and volunteering is a real part of our national identity, but people also participate in society in a variety of other ways.
- By voting
- Making submissions on legislation, signing a petition, or demonstrating about issues
- Standing for a community board or local or central government
- By giving monetary or in-kind donations to people or organisations in need
- Writing letters to editors and MPs – or in blogs in cyberspace
Find out more about some of the ways to have your say and get involved:
- Explore Philanthropy NZ's Options for Giving
- Find volunteering opportunities at VolunteerNow
- See http://newzealand.govt.nz/participate to see how you can get involved and participate in government decision-making
- The Electoral Commission's Taking Part guides explain how decisions are made in New Zealand and how New Zealanders can help shape them by having their say – and not just at election time. Taking Part covers Decisions and laws of the country, Decisions and rules for where you live, and Important decisions you can make - enrolling and voting. There is also Express yourself - ways for having your say and being heard and a special version for new New Zealanders.
- Try Auckland City Council's Community game online and have a go at building your community.
- Visit Parliament’s website
- Use your imagination to 'Explore Parliament'
- Find out more about e-Government
- Read When Government Engages – The Guide to Online Participation
- Visit www.newzealand.govt.nz to see what legislation and discussion documents, government agencies are currently consulting on
- The Good Practice Participate website explains the continuum of relationship options - from simply providing information through to the most devolved end of the spectrum: community-based decision-making.
- Your local council can work even better for your community with your participation and feedback. Visit www.local council.govt.nz to find out ways your local council is working with your community to enhance social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being, now and for the future.
- Also visit www.communityoutcomes.govt.nz to see what people say is important in their local community now and in the future - and what processes are used to identify these priorities.
» Read more about government support for volunteering, the promotion of generosity, and building better government engagement.