Broaden the spectrum of participation (ESMD0005)

Commitment ID

ESMD0005

Commitment Title

To broaden the spectrum of participation by developing specific programmes aimed at those sectors of the population with less participation such as the elderly, children and young people, and other vulnerable groups.

Problem

Decide Madrid should reach people who are usually further away: the youngest and the elderly. At present, children, young people, and the elderly participate through different channels of the Madrid City Council. These include various participation bodies such as the Sectoral Council for Youth, the Sectoral Council for the Elderly, the Participation Commission for Children and Adolescents of the City of Madrid, and the Participation Commissions for Children and Adolescents (COPIAS), as well as an important network of youth associations, associations dedicated to children and adolescents, the elderly, etc.

On the other hand, participation must be inclusive, giving a voice to everyone, particularly those who do not have the means to make themselves heard, and ensuring that no one is left behind, especially the most vulnerable groups.

Status quo

The City Council's current model of digital participation is most popular among the 36-47 age group, with lower participation among the over-65s and people aged 16-30. Those under 30 years of age barely represent 6% of the registered users of Decide Madrid. People over 65 years of age represent 17% of the registered users of Decide Madrid. The causes of this low participation can be of various kinds and should be analysed and solved.

Action

Broaden the spectrum of participation, developing specific programmes aimed at those sectors of the population with less participation, such as the elderly, children, young people and other vulnerable groups, improving the usability of the Decide Madrid portal, making it more accessible, user-friendly and adapted to the language, needs and interests of these groups, also reducing, where necessary, the digital divide and through different types of activities that contribute to facilitating their participation.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

It contributes to covering the needs detected through:
- The implementation of participation, training, and informative programmes and the development of new technological tools aimed at children and young people.
- The implementation of participation programmes aimed at the elderly and vulnerable groups, bringing participation channels closer to the most remote sectors.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

It promotes, strengthens and improves the quality of participation in public management, allowing citizens to participate in public decision-making, with the aim of achieving greater democratic quality. It broadens the target public that participates in the improvement of public policies and guarantees the participation of children, young people, and the elderly in matters of interest to them. It raises awareness of the values of Open Government, favoring the collaborative design of public policies. It prepares children and young people for adult life, contributing to the formation of a more active, supportive, and committed citizenship with democratic values and public affairs.

It facilitates the participation of older people by accompanying and training them in online participation tools. By involving older people in participatory processes, it makes the most of their collective intelligence, the fruit of their experience and knowledge.

Primary Policy Area

Inclusion, Other/NA

Primary Sector

Public Services (general), Other/NA

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?