The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, may soon have a more structured channel for citizens to participate in regional decision-making. West African civil society groups are coming together to develop a model of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council, ECOSOCC, for the region. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the connection between ECOWAS and the people it serves by creating greater opportunities for citizens and civil society organisations to contribute to conversations around democracy, development, security and regional integration.