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"This title was first published in 2000. Drawing upon fieldwork conducted with Amnesty International, the Labour Party, Tenants' Associations and the Exodus collective, this work examines the nature of political activism. The author combines Habermasian theory and empirical fieldwork to critically analyze the nature of the political public sphere. While adopting a Habermasian approach, Clark recognizes the problems and limitations associated with notions of civil society and communicative action. An empirically formed critical stance is maintained throughout the work. Three main themes are drawn from this research: an analysis of structures of political participation; presentation of a typology of political activism?; analysis of the public process of participation. Essential reading for those studying public participation and its relationship to activism, as well as for students of politics, public policy and sociology."--Provided by publisher.

A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the Faculty of Humanities, University of Luton ; The past decade has seen an upsurge ofacademic and popular interest in the political activity undertaken by citizens. This thesis presents a predominantly qualitative analysis ofthe nature of voluntary political participation, and subsequently addresses a number of key concerns about the current state of democracy in Britain. It is argued that existing analysis of political participation tends to focus on quantitative questions such as the levels and socio-demographic composition of political activity, with little attention being given to the experiences of those citizens who engage with political organisations. The analysis utilises the theoretical work of JUrgen Habermas in order to consider the potential role of both state mechanisms of participation and structures of civil society within the development of rational and deliberative democracy. The primary research draws upon sixty interviews conducted within the British Labour Party, the British section of Amnesty International, two Tenants' Associations, one Residents' Association and an alternative lifestyle collective known as Exodus. Three main themes are addressed in the form of a comparative study. Firstly, the thesis considers the nature of the various organisations and their membership policies. Secondly, a typology ofpolitical participation and activism is presented. Finally, analysis is provided of the experiences ofthe respondents of the actual process ofparticipation. Addressing these themes enables the thesis to explore the nature of the discourse that occurs within spheres ofvoluntary political participation, and to provide some insight into the dialectical relationship that exists between structures of participation and the activity that develops within such contexts. It is concluded that a range of conflicting tensions currently inform voluntary political participation. These factors raise a number of serious questions about the role of civil society within processes of democratisation.

English
Although the past decade has seen an upsurge of interest in ideas of public participation and democratisation, relatively little is known about the nature of voluntary activism. This article draws on interview data collected within the Labour Party, Amnesty International, tenants' and residents' associations, and the Exodus collective in order to examine the nature of voluntary participation within the UK. Using the work of Habermas and theorists of social capital, we argue that the data calls into question the potential within civil society for the development of deliberative tendencies.

To monitor the progress of the COVID-19 outbreak, ensure equitable access to testing and treatment, and provide up-to-date information to Indigenous decision-makers engaged in setting up measures to protect their communities, the Manitoba Inuit Association (MIA) mobilized to work with the First Nation Heath and Social Secretariat of Manitoba, Ongomiizwin Research, and the Manitoba Government to identify Inuit in COVID-19 diagnostic tests, including Inuit who reside in Manitoba or those who come from Nunavut to the province to access health services. Provincial work was already underway to add Indigenous identifiers into provincial clinical health information systems; however, it was apparent early in April 2020 that reporting to Indigenous organizations on identified COVID-19 cases for First Nation, Metis, and Inuit People would be also be required in order for remedial measures to occur. This article describes the governance considerations needed to establish an information-sharing agreement with the Government of Manitoba and the role of the MIA in overseeing this process. Further background information is provided in addition to an extended discussion around the context in which Inuit are identified and receive healthcare services in Manitoba.

Manitoba is home to approximately 1,500 Inuit, and sees 16,000 consults yearly from the Kivalliq region of Nunavut to access services. The purpose of our study was to develop detailed profiles of Inuit accessing services in Manitoba, by using administrative data routinely collected by Manitoban agencies, to support the development of Inuit-centric services. This study was conducted in partnership with the Manitoba Inuit Association, and Inuit Elders from Nunavut and Manitoba. Findings shows that the Inuit community living in Manitoba is fairly stable, with only approximately 5 percent of Inuit moving in and out of Manitoba on any given year. Inuit settle primarily in Winnipeg, and a significant proportion depend on social programs such as Income Assistance and housing support. A significant number of Inuit children have contact with the Child Welfare System. Our results support the need for more Inuit-centric programming, including family support and language programs.