In 2002, the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) saw the completion of the construction of the Simhadri Thermal Power Project (STPP), a coal-fired power plant, in the Vizag District of India. The construction of the STPP, while having promised potential benefits and opportunities for local residents, had instead served to compromise their existing economic wellbeing. This case presents the latter’s response to their predicament through a public hearing with the participation of relevant actors, including civil society actors.
As of 2010, Portsmouth, New Hampshire (population 20,000) has sustained the practice of organized, public dialogue and deliberation for over ten years. Since 1999, diverse community groups in Portsmouth have organized at least six rounds of large-scale dialogue-to-action circles (study circles) initiatives. This case study provides brief descriptions of four of these initiatives from 1999 through 2004. Descriptions of Portsmouth’s later public engagement initiatives will be added to this entry at a later date, or posted as separate entries.
MySociety.org is a project of a registered charity named UK Citizens Online Democracy. It was founded by Tom Steinberg in 2003. The organization designs and runs most of the best-known e-democracy websites in the UK. It is supported by donations and relies on a community of volunteers.
Sopinspace is a private firm, founded in 2004 by Philippe Aigrain. The firm designs innovative software tools and organizes online debates and consultations in Europe.
Everyday Democracy works with individuals in communities throughout the United States to improve local democracy by creating and sustaining public dialogue and problem solving. Everyday Democracy’s mission is “to help communities develop their own ability to solve problems by exploring ways for all kinds of people to think, talk and work together to create change."
