A proposal / plan for engaging citizens of Sault Ste. Marie in the upcoming municipal election. Can easily be applied to other communities. Led by ChangeCamp Sault - http://sault.changecamp.ca

1. Election Cafés 2010
Fun, engaging conversations between
citizens and electoral candidates
about the issues that matter

2. In an age of
participation
We need new models of engagement,
where everyone can participate equally,
where innovation and creativity can thrive

3. 1st Came ChangeCamp
One day event where those present
set the agenda, meeting in small
groups around topics that mattered
most to them. Energizing, inspiring.

4. Then ChangeSalon...
Conversations build on each
Innovative yet simple methodology for as people move between
other hosting conversations
about questions that matter. groups, cross-pollinate ideas,
discover new insights into
Conversations link & build on each other as people most important.
move
questions/issues
between groups, cross-pollinate ideas, discover new insights
into questions/issues most important.
As process, World Café can evoke & make visible collective
intelligence of citizens, increasing people’s capacity for
effective action in pursuit of common aims.

5. Introducing
Election Café

6. Civic Speed Dating
Fast, focused conversations
Experience how candidates
- listen
- work collaboratively
- share knowledge, passion

7. Dream, Build, Prioritize
We also get some work
done. Together we
decide what kind of
community we want,
concrete steps to get
there. Candidates learn
what matters most.

8. Why Election Café?
Help election candidates & citizens better understand
community priorities.
Help citizens decide who to vote for by experiencing how
candidates work with citizens and each other
Move from traditional electoral debates generating heat to
open, participatory ones full of creative, social fun
Engage people in local politics, in this election, feeling their
participation makes a difference.

9. Project Scope
Series of events: west end, central, east end, online
Host organizing team(s) do: event promotion, planning,
hosting, processing
ChangeCamp provides: Event design, facilitation, analysis
support provided
Events held in October

10. Next Step
Community creates an organizing team for each event:
ward candidate teams, organizations, citizens
Contact:
Email: sault@changecamp.ca
Web: http://sault.changecamp.ca
Twitter: @changecampsault