Debates

2.2.1 What is it for?

The "Debates" module enables citizens to make visible the topics that are important to them, and to find each other to debate or collaborate around these topics. It is a space for listening, but also for meeting and discussion.

Users can vote Debates up or down, which makes the top-rated Debates easily viewed.

The "Debates" module features a comment section, where users can talk and exchange messages and comments. Comments are also voted up or down ranking them organically.

Institutional representatives (administrators or evaluators on the platform) have verified profiles to be able to open the debates they deem appropriate, as well as to respond to any comments. These interventions are highlighted in order to make them stand out from user comments.

In practice, it is a module similar to the "Proposals" module, but it is not focused on collecting a specific number of supports, and it has fewer functionalities (see section 2.2.5 Differences between "Debates" and "Proposals")

2.2.2 Permissions and tipTipss

Permissions to participate in "Debates"
Create debate	Registered users
Support debate	Registered users

CONSUL DEMOCRACY TIPS - DEBATES

• The functionality of the “Discussions” and “Proposals” modules are very similar. Study your needs well in order to make an informed choice about which process to start.

• In case of opening both, explain well in the help sections what type of content you expect to receive from citizens in each section.

• Take advantage of the verified "Public officer" accounts (see 1.1) to establish direct contact between citizens and the technical and political managers of your organization.

2.2.3 How do I configure it?

The "Debates" module is a simple module that does not require any type of specific configuration.

Administration> Discussions

The "Debates" section of the administration interface shows a list of debates created by users.

Overview of “Discussions” within the administration interface

Administration > Settings > Global Settings > Features

The only issue to configure in “Debates” is to decide if we want to include a “recommendations” view. If enabled, the user can sort the debates (in addition to newest, most active, and top-rated) by a new tab, which displays the debates to users in a personalized way, based on their activity.

Overview of “Discussions” within the administration interface

2.2.4 GOOD PRACTICES - DEBATES

2.2.5 Differences between “Debates and “Proposals”

	Debates	Proposals
Allows you to establish a specific number of supports required for realization	X	V
Allows you to vote for or against	V	X
Allows the author to include photos, documents or videos	X	V
Administrators can provide the author with resources and actions to disseminate their content	X	V
A follow-up phase with various milestones can be included	X	V