Addressing Democratic Deficits – The Role of Community Learning and Development
Thursday 15th Sept 1pm – 4.30pm (Registration from 12.30pm)
St. Andrews Building Glasgow University.
As a celebration of the UN’s International Day of Democracy, Education Scotland is delighted to invite you to the second in a series of professional learning sessions on Learning for Democracy aimed at community learning and development (CLD) practitioners from across the public, voluntary and community sectors.
It follows on from the very positive first session held at the Scottish Parliament in February which shared perspectives on the role of CLD to encourage democratic renewal and showcased a range of practice examples.
This session will focus on the impact of poverty and inequalities on our democratic system. Public involvement in democracy was one of the most talked about issues in the recent national conversation on Creating a Fairer Scotland. Democracy is only as strong as the political participation of citizens but evidence suggests that there is a political poverty gap in the UK. Plainly put, the poorer you are the less likely you are to vote. We also know that some groups in society such as BME communities and people with disabilities are underrepresented in our political institutions. Despite the rhetoric – these facts affect the policies and decisions of political parties and of governments .
The event will include several speakers and will discuss the following key questions:
– What groups are currently underrepresented in our democratic system?
– Why are these groups underrepresented and what impact does this lack of representation have?
– What role can community learning and development practitioners play to help communities address this situation and what steps must we take to support this role?
Booking to attend –
There is no cost to attend and places can be booked online at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BVBCNZ2
Please register asap as places will be limited.
Learning for Democracy is a short series of professional learning opportunities focused on the role that community learning and development plays in supporting in democratic and civic participation. It is a partnership project between Learning Link Scotland, Education Scotland, The Workers Educational Association, the Scottish Community Development Network, Edinburgh and Glasgow Universities.
