It has to be competent to debate issues, make judgements and to choose the best possible representatives. As a general rule informal educators find it easier to work in open and democratic settings and societies. However, there are many examples where they have and do operate in undemocratic, even oppressive environments. At one level this has involved adapting practice to work in prisons and schools. At another it has led to educators in directly challenging oppressive regimes by creating opportunities for dialogue in order to create social movements committed to democracy.
Informal educators can have a special role.
First, our focus on conversation expresses and fosters values, and ways of being with each other, that are central to democracy. These may not be open or used - but they are there. They provide a chance for learning, and for engaging in politics. In doing this, however, informal educators have to address the relations of power in which they are involved. Education Now Books, pages 35-36.