partecipiamo

Partecipiamo is an Italian term meaning “we participate” and is used as the name of several civic participation initiatives in Italy. It most often refers to online or hybrid platforms that invite citizens to contribute to public decision-making, including proposing ideas, discussing policies, and sometimes voting on projects. The phrase functions as a label for participatory processes rather than a single, centralized organization.

Origin and usage: The concept gained traction within the broader open government and participatory budgeting movements in Italy from the early 2000s onward. Because different municipalities and organizations have adopted the name, “Partecipiamo” describes a family of mechanisms that share a goal—enhancing public involvement in local governance—while varying in structure and scope.

Functioning and processes: In typical implementations, residents can submit proposals on public matters such as urban planning, culture, or social services. A discussion phase allows comments and refinement, followed by a selection or voting phase to determine which proposals are advanced or funded. The degree of authority ranges from advisory to binding, depending on local rules. Many platforms combine online participation with offline events and align with broader budgeting cycles and transparency portals.

Impact and criticism: Supporters view Partecipiamo as a way to increase transparency, legitimacy, and responsiveness in public policy, helping to surface local needs. Critics warn of unequal access and digital divides, potential tokenism, and the risk that engagement does not always translate into meaningful changes.

See also: Participatory budgeting, Open government, e-democracy, Civic tech.