A third step towards closing the gap between the perspectives of the public and officialdom on participation is to build capacity. Again measures within the authority will need to be taken to ensure that 'ownership' of the participation agenda is as deeply ingrained as possible. Building capacity may involve citizenship education, community development or targeted initiatives aimed at young people or other groups who are difficult to mobilise. The fourth step is to strengthen connections so that participation processes develop strong linkages with managerial and representative political processes within the authority. Closing the gap means that participation cannot be seen as an alternative to the representative political process but is rather seen as an essential element in that process and managerial and professional efforts to improve service delivery.
Participation needs to be linked to the wider environment of governance.
People want to influence more than services directly in the control of the authority. They have a part to play in defining the vision for their community, as well as a contribution to make in solving their own problems and those of the community.