The ladder of self-governance for nation rebuilding: where are you?

The ladder of self-governance for nation rebuilding is a simplistic diagram that sets out the levels or rungs on the climb towards achieving genuine governing authority and responsibility that will support nation rebuilding.

In real life there are many more rungs and complications involved. The move from the standard approach to a nation-rebuilding approach is usually a slow and stop-start process.

Every rung needs to be accompanied by building the capacity to practically exercise the governing authority that has been secured.

The descriptions in this tool will help you decide where on the ladder of effective self-governance you feel your group, community or organisation is currently located.

Adapted from Sherry Arnstein, ‘A Ladder of Citizen Participation’, JAIP, Vol.35, No.4, July 1969, pp.216-224.