With vivian example discuss the levels of participation as proposed by Sherry Arnstein in the ladder of participation and the relevancy of the level/levels which are applicable to your community?

Sherry Arnstein's ladder of participation outlines eight levels of citizen participation, ranging from non-participation to citizen control. These levels are:

1. Manipulation: Citizens are merely informed or manipulated by those in power.
2. Therapy: Citizens are given the illusion of participation through tokenistic measures.
3. Informing: Citizens are provided with information, but no opportunity for feedback or input.
4. Consultation: Citizens are asked for their opinions, but decision-making remains in the hands of those in power.
5. Placation: Citizens are given a voice, but ultimately decisions are made by others.
6. Partnership: Citizens and decision-makers work together to address issues and make decisions.
7. Delegated power: Citizens have the authority to make decisions within a defined scope.
8. Citizen control: Citizens have full decision-making power.

In the context of my community, let's take the example of Vivian, a resident who is actively involved in local initiatives and decision-making processes. Vivian's participation can be seen at different levels of Arnstein's ladder. For instance, if Vivian is only being informed about community projects without any opportunity for feedback or input, she would be at the "informing" level. However, if Vivian is actively engaged in partnerships with local authorities to address community issues, she would be at the "partnership" level.

In my community, the levels of participation that are most relevant are consultation, partnership, and delegated power. These levels allow for meaningful engagement of residents in decision-making processes, ensuring that their voices are heard and considered. By actively involving residents like Vivian in these levels of participation, the community can work towards more inclusive and effective governance.

Sherry Arnstein's Ladder of Participation

Arnstein's Ladder of Participation classifies the levels of citizen participation in decision-making processes, from lowest to highest:

- Nonparticipation: Citizens are not involved in any decision-making.
- Manipulation: Citizens are informed of decisions but have no real influence on them.
- Therapy: Citizens have some limited input, but their participation is primarily symbolic.
- Informing: Citizens are provided with information but do not have any influence on decisions.
- Consultation: Citizens' opinions are sought, but they have no power to influence decisions.
- Placation: Citizens are given the illusion of influence but real authority lies elsewhere.
- Partnership: Citizens share decision-making power with those in authority.
- Citizen Control: Citizens have full control over decision-making.

Vivian Example

Vivian is a community activist who has been involved in various participatory processes in her neighborhood.

- Consultation: Vivian was invited to a community meeting to discuss the proposed construction of a new park. She was able to share her opinions and concerns with the city officials, but she did not have any real influence on the final decision.
- Placation: Vivian was appointed to a neighborhood advisory committee that was tasked with providing input on local zoning decisions. However, she realized that the committee had limited power and that most decisions were made behind closed doors.
- Partnership: Vivian worked with a coalition of community groups to negotiate a community benefits agreement with a developer who was planning to build a new housing complex in her neighborhood. The agreement included provisions for affordable housing, job training, and community amenities.

Relevancy to Community

The levels of participation on Arnstein's Ladder that are most applicable to Vivian's community are:

- Consultation: Community members are often invited to participate in meetings and workshops to share their input on various issues, but they may not have a significant impact on decision-making.
- Placation: Community advisory committees and task forces are sometimes created to give citizens a sense of involvement, but they often have limited authority and their recommendations are not always implemented.
- Partnership: Resident-led organizations and coalitions have emerged as important players in negotiating with developers and city officials to secure community benefits.

Vivian's experiences reflect the challenges and opportunities associated with citizen participation in decision-making. By advocating for higher levels of participation, such as partnership or citizen control, Vivian and her fellow activists can empower their community to shape its own future.