Participatory Budget

The first participatory budget emerged in 1989 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and has since spread to hundreds of cities in Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and North America (Yves Sintomer et al., 2014). Often used at the municipal level, the participatory budget introduces an aspect of direct democracy, where the public can deliberate and vote on a part of the municipal budget, thus expanding citizen participation, fostering the inclusion of marginalized groups, and promoting social justice (Chateauvert et al., 2020). 

At the Atelier, we have a participatory budget for our members. Each year, we dedicate a set amount from our annual budget and members are invited to submit activities or projects they want to achieve. It is a democratic and participatory process, with members collectively deciding how to allocate funds according to their needs. The participatory budget is a financial support for our members and a mean for us to encourage and help them carry out projects fighting against social inequalities and various forms of oppression based on their interests.

References: Yves Sintomer et al., “Les budgets participatifs dans le monde. Une étude transnationale”, Engagement Global, n^o 25, 2014.