Welcome
At the Center for Blue Democracy we believe in quality-driven, inclusive, deliberative processes that put citizens in the center of decision making. By this we mean providing opportunities for citizens to get informed, to meaningfully interact with each other, and to express what they want. Deliberative democracy aims to both support, and empower people. In our design, citizens’ assemblies draw from the collective wisdom of the people by enabling them to think in the categories of the common good, long-term planning, and sustainability.
HOW TO START A CITIZENS’ ASSEMBLY ON A LOCAL LEVEL?
Guide for activists
Start by having a good understanding of how a citizens’ assembly works. You can read the guide about citizens’ assemblies or other materials. You don’t need to be an expert, but you should be able to freely explain to others what a citizens’ assembly is and why it is worthwhile to organise them.
Guide for civil servants
Citizens’ assemblies can be initiated not only from the bottom up, but also by a mayor or a city council. They are a different form of citizens’ egagement than open public meetings. Citizens’ assemblies include the learning phase, as well as time for deliberation and considering possible solutions to the topic they are addressing.