Peter Black AM, Liberal Democrat, Assembly Commissioner with responsibilities for ICT and communication kicked off the event talking about how the Welsh Assembly is proud to host the event plus they understand it is the people on the margins of society we must focus heavily on in terms of access and inclusion. He's interested to hear how the partners at the event are going to serve these communities.

Fiona Lennox, from Ofcom chaired the 'Contextualising e-democracy' portion of the event. Discussed the vast rate of change with new media and technology plus how it has embedded itself into society through online services and opportunities for leisure, entertainment etc. Media literacy has become 'critical'. Danger of groups becoming disenfranhcised through lack of technology onwership/understanding. Dicussed Ofcom's definition of media literacy. They work to produce informed consumers and active citizens. Talked about a new website called 'Media Literacy Matters'—yet to be launched. Gave a couple of previewes from the Media Literacy Audit data (due out this spring)—(Ed: can't wait for the full report).

Anne MacIntosh, Professor of Digital Communications, Institute of Communications Studies, University of Leeds discussed how edemocracy is the new way forward. The potential of a more participatory citizens who do far more than just vote—through a variety of channels now open to all. Evoting is not about getting people re-engaged into the political process but given more options to those who are already involved. Eparticipation is about this re-engagement from the public. There is a belief that technology can help elected assemblies re-engage with citizens. Examples of edemocracy is webcasting, econsultations (online discussion forums which the Irish government utilise) and e-empowerment through online petitions (Scottish system). The big questions: are elected assemblies re-engaging with the public and is eparticipation enabling this engagement? Anne says NO! There are barriers though: digital divide, e-methods not e-tools and role of elected representative does not include this remit.

Andy Williamson, Director e-democracy programme, Hansard Society talked about the most important part of edemocracy, the people. Cited a case study from New Zealand (where he is from) and the comparisons between the cultures and government. New Zealand had catalysts for change: Local Governemt Act 2002, Citizens and internal influencers. Equally it had barriers: gatekeepers, lack of knowledge and inherent risk aversion. Technology raises expectations of doing more things like paying for a car park charges via text. We have to look at how we do government differently in terms of not on your own and do we have a grounded leadership system (both horizontal and vertical plus provide bridging/linking different stakeholder groups).

The Keynote speaker was the Deputy Minister for Regeneration, Leighton Andrews AM: the second blogging politician in Wales who has a YouTube channel, Facebook profile and create websites around issues in his constituency plus utilise mobile phone technology. The Welsh Assembly is growing its services and operations online to become more transparent and contactable. Funded a citizen account project so people can log on and access the range of services for that local authority. Says you can't have edwmocracy without improving services and bridging the digital divide is essential. 200 projects funded by £6million focussed on digital literacy and inclusion. Now focussing on the revised curriculum in Wales via a range of new IT skills and resources for children and young people. Must take inspiration from other countries regarding their creative and accesibile edemocracy practises. This whole agenda needs to be taken more seriously. Embrace the opportunity of possibilities.

The next portion of the event was 'E-democracy in the Welsh context—current practice in the community?' and the chair Richard Spear, Director NIACE Dysgu Cymru included the speakers Cathryn Allen, Head of Broadcast Development, BBC Cymru Wales, Tim Hartley, Head of Corporate Affairs, S4C,, Matthew Blyth, ITV Wales, Alun Burge, Communities@One Programme Director and Graham Benfield, Chief Executive WCVA—we have to thank Tim Hartley for playing the MediaSnackers Explained video as part of his talk.

Didn't write in depth about the above as all speakers illustrated how their organisation encourage/support edemocracy through examples.

After the workshops there was an informal panel of the following Welsh Assembly members describing their edemocracy habits: Peter Black AM (Liberal Democrat, Assembly Commissioner with responsibilities for ICT and communication), Alun Cairns AM (Conservatives), Alun Davies AM (Labour), Bethan Jenkins AM (Plaid Cymru).

It was great to hear how many of them have blogs plus utilise other technologies and online platforms such as Facebook. It provides an opportunity to have a voice and stay in contact with supporters or critics. One of the members even attempted hosting an online surgery by using a webcam. They highlighted the issue you have to keep up to date with things but also keep up to date in producing content—you can't start and then stop. There are expectations. Also, the technology have constraints as it's sometimes quite hard to use and utilise. The assembly is faciltating that access and enabling their utilisation of new media and technology by giving encouragement and also blackberries.

Closing remarks, John Griffiths AM Deputy Minister for Skills: kept it brief and talked about the widespread aggremeent of the importance of edemocracy and using new media and technologies. We need greater participation and engagement across Wales. Also very important there is broad access and opportunities. It's vital we make a connection with the community.

My take: edemocracy should be about we-democracy. Technology and online platforms are just part of the rich opportunities in which we all should be engaged with the political process. The two biggest barriers are ensuring universal access and universal literacy.

Check out the full flickr set.

Related post: Wales Media Literacy Network