Promotion of policies that generate improved living Civil Society and Democracy: A Vision for the Future Civil society has been defined in many way

Promotion of policies that generate improved living Civil Society and Democracy: A Vision for the Future Civil society has been defined in many ways. For the sessions civil society was defined broadly to include nongovernmental and not-for-profit organizations, as well as the media, labour unions, students, and academics. standards and provide opportunities for communities. Such work would in turn help build the social fabric of democracy at the grassroots. Undertake Analysis and Develop Policy Options Closely connected to the need for dialogue and citizen inclusion in decision-making, participants emphasized the need for CSOs to undertake thorough analysis and develop well-articulated and feasible policy and program ideas. Many CSO efforts to date have focused on accessing decisionmakers. However, CSOs have expertise that is valuable to governments and international bodies and must take better advantage of their knowledge and present stakeholders with coherent proposals. The work of analysis and advocacy was flagged as a weak area for many CSOs who, for lack of capacity or information about political processes, do not always advocate productively. Discussions underscored the importance of a constructive attitude, careful research and the need for a better understanding of the appropriate lobbying channels and methods. Presenting a transparent and concrete agenda is a basis for productive cooperation and adds to organizations’ credibility and legitimacy. Educate For a number of reasons many citizens lack the knowledge or information necessary to be active participants in their democracies. Hand in hand with research and policy development, CSOs must continue to educate the public about their rights and responsibilities, their national government and how proposed policies and decisions will affect their lives. Similarly, where appropriate, CSOs should provide more public education about regional issues and institutions, as well as information about the international agreements, treaties and conventions that their governments have signed. Ongoing dissemination of and education about the Democratic Charter, its provisions and the rights and responsibilities it contains was repeatedly underscored as a priority in the promotion and protection of democracy.