lay participation

Lay participation refers to non-professional individuals, often citizens or members of a community, actively being involved in decision-making processes or governance. This can include voting, serving on advisory panels, or engaging in public consultations. The goal is to incorporate diverse perspectives, enhance transparency, and ensure that decisions reflect the interests and values of those affected. Lay participation helps create more democratic, inclusive systems by empowering ordinary people to contribute their knowledge and opinions in shaping policies and projects.