Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IOPD?

The International Observatory on Participatory Democracy (IOPD) is a network of over 800 of the world’s towns and cities, associations, organisations and research centres interested in learning about, exchanging impressions and applying participatory democracy experiences at a local scale, for the purpose of extending democratic practices in municipal governments. This is our webpage: https://oidp.net

How can I become a member of the IOPD?

If you want to be part of our network, you have to sign up for the online platform in the following link.

How can I receive updates about what’s happening on the online platform?

Activate notifications. In order to do this, just go to your account (click on your name on the top right corner of the webpage), then click on “notifications settings”, and activate/deactivate them.

What should I do if I have a question that is not answered here?

We are pleased to reply to any doubt you may have. Just send us an email to info@oidp.net and we will answer you as soon as possible!

Can I report problems or make suggestions about how to improve the platform?

Yes, you can. Send us an email to info@oidp.net and get in touch with us!

Can I take part on my mobile phone?

Yes, you can.

What can I do if I see improper comments, or if I discover that some members don’t share IOPD values?

You can (and should) flag the user by clicking on the flag icon next to their name. An admin will receive a message and deal with the case.

How can I delete my account?

Click on your username (at the top right end of the page), then click on “My account”, and then on “Delete my account”.

Questions about the 2020 IOPD Award

What is the IOPD Award “Best Practice in Citizen Participation”?

It’s an award given annually by the International Observatory on Participatory Democracy (IOPD) to recognize public policies implemented by local governments. Here you can find more information about it: https://oidp.net/distinction/en/

Can I participate?

In order to participate, you must meet the following criteria:

1. To be a local, municipal or supramunicipal government
2. To be member of the IOPD
3. To have launched a participatory democracy experience at a local scale

If this is your case, you may be eligible to submit your application! Just make sure your experience fulfills the requirements specified in section 2 of the terms.

I have launched a participatory democracy experience at a local scale. How can I apply for the distinction?

If you are already a member of IOPD, you need to sign up to the PARTICIPATE OIDP platform, and complete your profile. After that, just go to “Processes”, click on the 2020 Award process, and click on “New proposal”.

Make sure it fulfills the requirements specified in section 2 of the terms. The first stage of the distinction consists of replying to the following questions at the online form:

• Who submits the proposal? (maximum 100 words)
• Which practice/innovation is submitted and which is its purpose? (maximum 300 words)
• Why is it an innovative practice? (maximum 150 words)

Be aware, questions must be answered in three languages: Spanish, English and French. The deadline for proposal submissions is the 17th March 2020.

What if I can’t reply the answers in one of the required languages?

Don’t worry, we will help you to translate it. Send us the proposal to award@oidp.net before the 3rd March 2020 and ask us for help!

I have an innovative experience but it was implemented before 2020 or I already submitted it in a previous edition. Can I still participate?

Yes, you can participate if a substantial methodological innovation is submitted. In this case, the candidacy will submit this innovation and not the experience itself.

How many applications can I submit?

It’s recommended to submit just one application per city. In exceptional cases up to three applications may be submitted, as long as a different IOPD member does it.

Where can I find the terms of the IOPD Distinction 2020?

You can find them in this link.

You will find all the information about how to use the platform at the PARTICIPATE OIDP guide.