This book brings together leading figures in democratic reform and civic engagement to show why and how better state-citizen cooperation is needed to improve democracy and achieve positive social change across a range of policy areas and in varied national contexts.

This book brings together leading figures in democratic reform and civic engagement to show why and how better state-citizen cooperation is needed to improve democracy and public service. It explains why the problem of civic disengagement poses a major threat and shows how obstacles to democratic cooperation between citizens and state institutions can be overcome.

IntroductionGovernment with the People ~ Henry TamPart One: Why We Need State-Citizen CooperationRealism and Democratic Renewal ~ Nick PearceThe Importance of Collective Control ~ Anna CooteDeliberative Engagement with Complex Policies ~ Simon BurallThe Road to Empowerment ~ Hazel Blears and David BlunkettPart Two: What Is Required for Effective EngagementLessons From Democratic Innovations ~ Graham SmithThe Potential of Community Development ~ Marilyn TaylorCommunity Action and Civic Dialogue ~ Barry QuirkOld Age and Caring Democracy ~ Marian BarnesYoung People and Everyday Democracy ~ James SloamPart Three: How To Expand Our Civic CapabilityImproving Citizenship Education ~ James Weinberg and Matthew FlindersRethinking Civic Roles ~ Jane RobertsPromoting the ‘Take Part’ Approach ~ Marjorie Mayo, Zoraida Mendiwelso-Bendek and Carol PackhamDeveloping Public-Cooperative Partnerships ~ Pat ConatyConclusionThe Renewal of State-Citizen Cooperation ~ Henry Tam