Frequently asked questions
If you cannot find the answer, write to us.
About Bema
What is Bema?
A web platform where people in a municipality describe problems, make proposals and decide together which ones matter most. Every municipality has its own public page, and the first pilot is in Cardedeu.
Is it binding? What happens to the proposals?
It is not binding. Bema cannot force the town council or any other administration to act. It shows openly what the town wants and, when a proposal has enough support, sends it to whoever is responsible. If the administration decides to take it on, it must say so publicly and we record it.
Does it cost anything?
No. Taking part is free and there are no ads.
Who is behind Bema?
A small founding team. We are not a registered organisation yet: we are setting one up. In the meantime, the person responsible for the platform is listed in the legal notice. Read more in About us.
Is Bema linked to any political party?
No. Bema is independent of parties and electoral lists.
Taking part
Who can take part?
Anyone aged 14 or over who signs up in their municipality. You can take part in open municipalities; every other one already has its public page. If yours is not open yet, sign up there: the Bema team will get your request and we will email you when it opens.
What is a diagnosis?
It describes a problem or a need in the town, before anyone proposes a solution. It makes sure proposals start from a real problem. You can see examples on the municipality pages.
Why can I only make one proposal a month?
So that everyone picks the idea that matters most to them and the platform does not fill up with posts. If your idea already exists, support it: that way you keep your proposal for the month.
How does support work?
Each month you get a limited number of supports. Each support is worth 1 on the first day, 2 after a week and 3 after two weeks. Steady support counts for more than a last-minute campaign.
What does the artificial intelligence do?
It helps make texts clearer, translates them into Catalan, Spanish and English, and spots similar proposals. It does not decide anything or rank proposals: people do that with their supports.
Does everything you describe already work?
Not yet. Bema is built in phases. For the pilot we have switched on the basics (diagnoses, proposals and support), and we will add citizen review by lot, merging proposals and sending them to the administration. We explain it in How it works.
Your data
Will my name be shown?
Your email address is never shown. Your username identifies your account and does not appear next to the proposals and diagnoses you publish.
How can I delete my account?
Write to info@bema.cat from the address you registered with and we will delete it. Full details are in the privacy policy.
Do you use tracking cookies?
No. We only use the cookies needed to keep you signed in and remember your language. See the cookie policy.
For your town
Can my town have Bema?
Yes. Every municipality already has its public page: find yours. If it is not open yet, create an account and choose it as your municipality: the Bema team will get your request and we will email you when it opens. If you are a local group or the town council, write to us and we will talk.
I am from a local organisation or the town council. How can we work together?
We want to work with local organisations and institutions, as we already do with the Fòrum Obert de Cardedeu. Get in touch and let’s talk.