Introduction:For a change of pace from some of the collaboration-focused conversations I’ve been having so far on the podcast, this episode dives into the arena of deliberative democracy with Dr. Lyn Carson. ‘Carson’ is currently the research director at the newDemocracy Foundation and a former professor in applied politics at the University of Sydney Business School. We explore some of the important aspects of deliberative democratic process with an eye to how they connect to collaboration I’ve been highlighting throughout the various episodes.

It often seems that the political systems we have in place to represent our voice in policy and decision making are falling short, but Carson points to another path that has been shown to be effective all over the world. She is an expert in the deliberative approaches that give citizens a voice in decision making, which makes this conversation one to listen to.

During this episode we discuss:* Introducing Carson * Examples of deliberative democracy * Which came first – trials or theory * Collaboration versus deliberation * Bragging about success * Random selection * Interrogating expert knowledge * Good books

Resources mentioned in this episode: Citizen’s Assembly in British Columbia * Australian Citizens’ Parliament * Carson’s podcast – Facilitating Public Deliberations * UK Citizen’s Assembly * Democracy R&D * newDemocracy Foundation * newDemocracy Foundation project: City of Melbourne People’s Panel (2014) * newDemocracy Foundation project: Local Government Victoria – Democracy in Geelong (2016) * The Irish Citizens’ Assembly * Book by Benjamin R. Teitelbaum - War for Eternity: Inside Bannon's Far-Right Circle of Global Power * Book by David Van Reybrouck – Against Elections, The Case for Democracy * New Zealand Prime Minister – Jacindra Ardern * Quote: Be the change you wish to see in the world.* Mahatma Ghandi

Now it’s your turnAbsolutely look up the newDemocracy Foundation, where Carson is a research director, and read through some of the fascinating projects and research they’ve undertaken.

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any of the cool collaboration content and then share with your friends and colleagues. Don’t forget to sign up for other interesting collaboration tidbits at Collaboration Dynamics.

I’d love to hear your stories about collaboration success. Send me a note at scott.millar@collaboration-dynamics.com.