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Page 1: The Digital Democracy Debate Exploring New Ways of ... · The Digital Democracy Debate Exploring New Ways of Reconnecting Parliament & Citizens Hosted by the Digital Society Network

The Digital Democracy DebateExploring New Ways of Reconnecting Parliament & Citizens

Hosted by the Digital Society Network at the University of SheffieldThursday 25th September 2014

Recent polls have shown decreasing levels of confidence and trust in Parliament and a growing sense of disconnection between the public and politics. The University of Sheffield’s Digital Society Network and the Parliamentary Speaker’s Commission on Digital Democracy present a two-part event inviting you to contribute to current debates on how online technologies could be used to re-engage citizens and Parliament.

The event will take place in the heart of the city in the interesting and iconic Castle House as part of the University of Sheffield’s Festival of the Mind. SpeakersNick Ellison, Professor of Social Policy, University of YorkCristina Leston-Bandeira, Commission Member & Senior Lecturer in Politics, University of HullHelen Milner, Commission Member & Chief Executive of the Tinder FoundationCharles Pattie, Professor of Geography, University of SheffieldYael Shafritz, President of Sheffield Student’s UnionMichael White, Assistant Editor of The Guardian

Page 2: The Digital Democracy Debate Exploring New Ways of ... · The Digital Democracy Debate Exploring New Ways of Reconnecting Parliament & Citizens Hosted by the Digital Society Network

Programme Registration and refreshments from 2.30pm

Making laws in a digital age: 3pmThe first part of this event will be a fun, engaging event focusing on the law-making process. Should you need to be a lawyer to understand an Act? Could digital technologies and new media, such as mobile internet, Twitter and Facebook, improve people’s access and input into how legislation and laws are made? How could these technologies be used to include people’s views into the law-making process? Members of the commission will showcase their initial findings from public consultation on this topic and you will be able to contribute, engage and shape these debates in lively activities.

A light buffet will be served from 5pm

Engaging with politics online: 6pmHow might social media, e-petitions, on-line voting and other technologies improve the electoral and political landscape in the UK? How might these tools engage the public with political issues? How might new technologies help overcome the growing sense of a political divide between London and the rest of the UK?

Politicians, commission members, journalists and academics will debate these important issues and the audience will be able to join in the debate by asking questions and joining in the Twitter debate.

This is your chance to get your ideas in to the Commission’s final recommendations to Parliament. Take part in a lively debate, speak to members of the commission, and have your say at these interactive and engaging events for all people, of all backgrounds, and all ages.

RegistrationAll welcome and attendance is free. Places are limited, please register on the eventbrite registration page: http://the-digital-democracy-debate.eventbrite.co.uk

More informationThe Speaker’s Commission on Digital Democracy is tasked with advising Parliament on how digital technologies can improve political and democratic engagement and make Parliament more accountable to the public. The Digital Society Network draws together expertise at the University of Sheffield to explore how digital technologies are being used in contemporary society and the implications of these in everyday life.