Let's Make a PACT: Engaging Congregations in Neighborhood and Community Development via Participatory Democratic Structures

Abstract

Participatory democracy is a form of governance in which all of the people govern themselves in at least some public matters at least some of the time. This report explores how participatory democratic structures can be used in order to invigorate civic participation. This report will focus on developing policy recommendations for Partners Achieving Community Transformation (PACT), a 501(c)(3) engaging in neighborhood and community development in Columbus, OH. These development initiatives are place-based initiatives targeted in an 800 acre area known as the Near East Side (NES). PACT is interested in building partnerships with the numerous congregations located in the NES. This report leverages an in-depth literature review, case studies, and interviews with congregational leaders to advise PACT on how to use participatory democratic structures to achieve this goal.