Participation is a process by which we are endowed with an ability to influence the events, decisions and plans that concern us directly.
The aim of social participation is not to replace those in the position of power and responsible for decision-making, but to include all those whose situation depends on these decisions. Participation can come in various forms depending on the level of engagement of the participants.
Social or civic participation is a concept whose main assumption is that all the stakeholders take part in activities involving them as a whole and co-decide on matters affecting them because it is the most effective and beneficial for them. Grassroots activities initiated by citizens and not the authorities are an example of the concept in practice.
