How do you engage diverse and marginalized communities in participatory budgeting and planning?

1 Understand the context

Before launching a PBP process, you need to understand the context and needs of the communities you want to engage. This means conducting a thorough stakeholder analysis, mapping the existing assets and challenges, and identifying the potential benefits and risks of PBP for different groups. You also need to be aware of the historical and cultural factors that may affect the participation and representation of marginalized groups, such as discrimination, violence, or exclusion. By understanding the context, you can design a PBP process that is responsive, relevant, and respectful of the diversity and realities of the communities.

2 Build relationships and partnerships

Engaging diverse and marginalized groups in PBP requires building relationships and partnerships based on trust, respect, and mutual learning. This means reaching out to the leaders and organizations that represent and serve these groups, such as community-based groups, advocacy groups, or service providers. You can collaborate with them to co-design and co-implement the PBP process, ensuring that their voices and perspectives are heard and valued. You can also leverage their networks and resources to mobilize and support the participation of their members and beneficiaries. By building relationships and partnerships, you can create a sense of ownership and empowerment among the diverse and marginalized groups.

3 Adapt the methods and tools

Engaging diverse and marginalized groups in PBP requires adapting the methods and tools to their needs, preferences, and capacities. This means choosing the appropriate formats, languages, and channels for communication and information sharing, such as flyers, radio, social media, or SMS. It also means ensuring that the venues and times for meetings and events are accessible, safe, and convenient for different groups, such as women, youth, or people with disabilities. Moreover, it means using participatory and creative methods and tools to facilitate dialogue and deliberation, such as storytelling, mapping, or games. By adapting the methods and tools, you can enhance the accessibility and inclusiveness of the PBP process.

4 Provide support and capacity building

Engaging diverse and marginalized groups in PBP requires providing support and capacity building to enable them to participate effectively and meaningfully. This means offering training and mentoring on the PBP process, the budget cycle, and the project development and evaluation skills. It also means providing logistical and financial support to cover the costs of transportation, childcare, or translation. Furthermore, it means creating spaces and platforms for peer learning and exchange among different groups, such as workshops, forums, or online communities. By providing support and capacity building, you can increase the confidence and competence of the diverse and marginalized groups.

5 Ensure transparency and accountability

Engaging diverse and marginalized groups in PBP requires ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process. This means sharing clear and timely information on the goals, rules, and results of the PBP process, as well as the feedback and evaluation mechanisms. It also means involving the diverse and marginalized groups in the monitoring and oversight of the PBP process and the projects funded by it, such as through participatory audits, surveys, or committees. Additionally, it means recognizing and celebrating the contributions and achievements of the diverse and marginalized groups, such as through awards, certificates, or stories. By ensuring transparency and accountability, you can foster trust and legitimacy among the diverse and marginalized groups.

6 Learn and improve

Engaging diverse and marginalized groups in PBP requires learning and improving from the experience. This means collecting and analyzing data and feedback on the participation and impact of the PBP process on different groups, such as through indicators, reports, or testimonials. It also means reflecting and dialoguing with the diverse and marginalized groups on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges of the PBP process, as well as the lessons learned and best practices. Moreover, it means applying the learning and feedback to improve the design and implementation of the PBP process in the future, as well as to advocate for more inclusive and participatory policies and practices. By learning and improving, you can sustain and deepen the engagement of the diverse and marginalized groups.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?