Overview

Kitchen Democracy strengthens democracy by providing a way for residents to interact with each other and their elected officials on the web. We call this the 'Kitchen Democracy Public Comment Process'.

Residents go to Kitchen Democracy to suggest, select and learn about issues, read what neighbors say and state their own positions. Elected officials use Kitchen Democracy to suggest issues, increase community participation, get feedback, and make more informed decisions. The Kitchen Democracy Public Comment Process empowers you and your community to participate in and influence your local democratic process from your own home on your own schedule.

Yes, yes. Read what they are saying about Kitchen Democracy:

• Pat Kernighan, Oakland Councilmember
• Gordon Wozniak, Berkeley Councilmember
• Bill Wright, Board Director, Kensington Police Protection and Community Services District
• Betty Olds, Berkeley Councilmember

No. Kitchen Democracy forums do not replace existing channels for dialog with your government - you will simply have more channels to choose from.

No. Decision makers may choose not to follow the tally on Kitchen Democracy. For example, decision makers may understand that the Kitchen Democracy tally was influenced by biased or incomplete information.

Both are opportunities for the public to help formulate policy.

• A survey measures public opinion without influencing the opinions of the respondents. Kitchen Democracy does not measure public opinion - rather, it provides all residents the opportunity to learn from - and persuade - each other.
• Information generally flows from respondents to the sponsor survey, whereas information flows in all directions on Kitchen Democracy.
• Survey respondents are scientifically selected, whereas the Kitchen Democracy Public Comment process is open to all residents.