Power and Influence

Since 2007 the Trust has undertaken a series of activities to examine power and influence primarily because of its interest in ‘voice’.  Participation and action has been at the heart of much of its work, through its various programmes, including the Young People Initiative (1996 to 2006), and the Rural Community Development Programme, which began in 2004.   The Democracy Initiative puts power at the centre of its work on voice and influence and aims to look beyond the formal political processes. 

What we have achieved so far

The Trust has invested so far in three activities:

• Literature review: a clear and conceptual understanding of what is meant by power, building on pre existing theories and research.  The review made clear that to explore power with a fresh and innovative approach, the Trust needs to look beyond the formal consultation process, and examine how citizens can create and claim their own opportunities to leverage power.
• Case studies: a series of stories to investigate how power is played out in practice in relation to public policy.  The case studies provide the Trust with a platform to run a series of workshops and events to encourage stakeholders to debate voice and participation through the lens of power.
• Power tools: this in-house research explores existing tools and resources to aid strategic thinking and action through the lens of power.  The research suggests that there is a need to further examine how civil society associations could use tools and resources to strengthen the engagement of those with least power in public decision making.

Each activity has enriched the Trust’s understanding of power and influence in relation to civil society and citizen engagement.  These activities suggest that they ways in which power can be organised and exercised can be very complex and will vary depending on the issue.  This has in turn shaped the Democracy Initiative’s workplans for 2009.   

What is planned for 2009

In 2009 the Carnegie UK Trust is undertaking work to examine if and how an improved understanding of power and influence can enhance citizens’ and civil society’s ability to influence change.  The Trust is partnering with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation to investigate power “tools” and resources, and how these could be usefully disseminated and developed in the interest of strengthening the voices of those who are perceived to have least power in society. This work intends to be rooted in practice and will lead to: 

• A project which aims to build the capabilities of civil society to engage with power.
• A fresh and innovative approach to an age old question – how can ordinary citizens strengthen their engagement on issues that are of concern to them?
• Promotion of creative philanthropy, working with various partners in order to enhance learning and influence on policy and practice.

The Carnegie UK Trust has begun to map existing tools and methods that can be used for this purpose and has produced an on-going resource that can be found at here.

To discuss this aspect of our work further, email soumountha@carnegieuk.org.