30 July 2009 Update: The BBGE reference group has produced two follow-up documents in response to the the consultation process. 'Talkback' is a summary of the written submissions and comments generated at the face-to-face workshops and on Bang the Table. It includes the BBGE group's responses to the feedback. 'From Talk to Action: Government Engagement with Citizens and Communities' contains the reference group's conclusions and recommendations to the government. Both documents are accessible online in the library and on the OCVS website (www.ocvs.govt.nz).
Background The BBGE project aims to improve government engagement with community and voluntary organisations and citizens in policy and service development processes. The project is itself an example of collaboration, with a reference group of people from the community sector and local and central government. 'It's More Than Talk' is the BBGE reference group's discussion paper. It discusses options for building knowledge, skills and values about effective community engagement within the public service. Formal submissions are due by 31 March 2009, and people with engagement expertise will meet to supplement written feedback. The BBGE group wants wide discussion on the ideas in 'It’s More Than Talk', so invites you to join this discussion online. Please contribute ideas and comments, and share your thoughts here for others to respond to. (You can choose to add your real name and organisation to your comments or simply identify yourself by a username known only to you and Bang the Table.) We encourage you to read the full 32-document before commenting, but have highlighted some key points on this site. Don’t feel constrained by the discussions we have started – please start new ones or contribute as you see fit.