José Carlos Vaz
Sao Paulo, Brazil
LogoLink Latin American - Learning Initiative on Local Governance,
at Polis Institute

Biography:

Jose Carlos Vaz holds a PhD in Technology of Information and a Master Degree in Public Administration (Fundação Getulio Vargas - Sao Paulo, Brazil). He works as consultant in municipal management and coordinates the LogoLink Latin American - Learning Initiative on Local Governance Network at Pólis Institute, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he is the general coordinator.

Main interests: Internet Use of Municipal Governments, Economic Aspects of Local Economic Development (LED), Strategic Planning, Facilitation and Moderation in Collective Processes of Decision-making, Municipal Public Policies.

What is "community" and why is it important to you?

For me, community is more than a group, but a shared sense of belonging even if the members disagree. A community has some kind of boundaries (not necessarely physical), is recognized as a community by their members and others. A community has some issues of general interest that have some influence over it´s members own interests. So, it has also a decision agenda, in a conflict and cooperation process.

2-3 questions or issues that you hope we'll address at the "Deepening Online Deliberation" meeting?

- How to encourage groups to use online deliberation tools?

- Specific resources for local governments

- How to link online deliberation tools to face-to-face processes?