The objectives are to compare different modes of civic participation between countries, investigate conditions of engagement on an individual as well as on a macro-level and explain national distinctions in the extent of citizens’ involvement. In particular we aim at discussing recent trends in the area of participation and their consequences for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Civil Society in general. The conference targets scientific community as well as CSO members and decision makers.

The programme will be shared in two parallel sessions:

1.      Impacts on and effects of civic engagement

2.      Country specific aspects of participation and national comparisons

For more information about the programme, see the attached document.

 You are invited to submit an abstract until the 31^st of January 2008 to stefanie.bixa@wu-wien.ac.at.

Proposals should follow one of the two session topics suggested above and discuss research findings in relation to potential effects on CSOs and civic cultures (e.g. implications on volunteer management, political engagement, the influence of NPOs in political decision making processes, the quality of social services, public financial support etc.).

Costs

The conference will be free of charge for paper givers, although participants should cover their travel costs.

For further information contact:

Steffi Bixa, stefanie.bixa@wu-wien.ac.at

Research Institute for Nonprofit Organisations
Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration
Althanstrasse 51, 1090 Vienna, Austria