Stimulating debate between citizens and decision-makers to increase the skills and confidence of learners to speak up in a public arena

A fitting finale of Take Part Exeter’s ‘Take a Lead in Your Community’ courses gave community leaders the chance to pose questions to local decision-makers during a debate about topics that affected them and their groups. Panel members were invited according to issues prepared in advance, and included:

• The Local Authority Community Engagement Officer
• Chief Executive Officer of Exeter CVS
• Members of Transition Exeter
• The Fawcett Society
• City Councillor
• Police Chief Officer

From this activity learners gained confidence by being able to formulate questions suitable for raising in a public forum, whilst developing listening and discussion skills. They also learnt to assess and respect diverse and conflicting views on various topics. The outcomes for panel members was an increased insight into the minds of ordinary citizens, and relating these to their work, organisational policies, strategies and values.