Deliberative Democracy - an international adventure

06/30/2022

Like all good tools, deliberative democracy is no silver bullet.
It needs to be used in the right circumstances.
And caution exercised in making guarantees about the outcomes.
As President Macron found out!

A citizens’ assembly tried to make policy -- and clashed with President Macron.

05/25/2022

The Cambridge Citizens’ Assembly prioritised better public transport, zero carbon transport and pedestrian and cyclist priority. It’s good to see this being put into practice with ample bike parking at key locations and new, wide, safe, shared paths.
Having walked and talked deliberative democracy several kilometres of it in Cambridge this week, I can attest to its quality!

05/24/2022

Ed Anderton is responsible for the Community Hubs in Redbridge Borough, London, and was very generous in sharing his knowledge of his local neighbourhood, community engagement and empowerment, and working with a highly diverse community.
Coffee in a community-run cafe in a local park was definitely a highlight.

05/24/2022

The Greater Cambridge area is growing fast with new housing providing many transport and liveability challenges. Just like Melbourne as I saw today!
The Greater Cambridge Partnership https://www.greatercambridge.org.uk - 3 councils, plus the University of Cambridge - has been formed as a local delivery body with central Government, bringing powers and investment, worth up to £500 million over 15 years to address these challenges.
On the key issues of transport and air quality, they commissioned a citizen's assembly who provided valuable advice to all 3 councils.
A great collaborative example of deliberative processes across several local governments.
https://www.involve.org.uk/our-work/our-projects/practice/how-can-congestion-be-reduced-greater-cambrid

The Greater Cambridge Partnership is the local delivery body for a City Deal with central Government, bringing powers and investment, worth up to £500 million over 15 years, to vital improvements in infrastructure, supporting and accelerating the creation of 44,000 new jobs, 33,500 new homes and 42...

05/23/2022

Sortition Foundation is very active in the UK, helping with selection of participants for citizens assemblies and other deliberative processes.
It has been great to talk to them about their involvement in Newham, Camden and Cambridge citizens assemblies and the importance of random selection for confidence in the process.

We promote and institute sortition in empowered assemblies, and envision a world free from partisan politicking, where a representative random sample of everyday people make decisions in an informed, deliberative and fair environment. Join us!

05/21/2022

Deliberative democracy has really taken off in the UK as a way to involve citizens more directly in decisions made by their governments.
There is a right tool for each task though.
Newham Council in London has established permanent citizens assemblies to provide continuous informed input on key issues.
Newly-elected Cr Ken Penton took time out this week to describe these - and demonstrate his nifty fold up bike!

05/21/2022

Newham Council in inner London has set out to be a beacon of democracy, setting up local citizens assemblies in local neighbourhoods to provide input on very local issues.
Commitment!

In 2018 Newham launched an ambitious Community Assembly programme to give residents more say in local decision-making and spending. This video tells the stor...

05/21/2022

Camden's second Citizen's Assembly on the climate crisis didn't stop there.
The 17 recommendations made were adopted by their Council, and a Camden Climate Citizen Panel, made up of 15 people who live and work in Camden, was set up to help review and advise on the progress of Camden’s Climate Action Plan.
The whole process was reviewed by University College of London.
A very impressive model. 👍

05/19/2022

Finally In London where deliberative democracy trials have taken off during COVID and much to learn.
First stop: Camden. One of the first councils to hold a citizens assembly on Clean Air Quality, bringing together the bigger air polluters and those affected by it.
Clamping down on vehicles idling was one positive outcome.

04/03/2022

Cracks are appearing in democracies world-wide.
But democracy as a form of governance has been around for centuries and has constantly evolved and adapted to the needs of society.
Deliberative democracy is one approach for the 21st century as this cartoon explains so well.

In this video, we explore the basic structure of deliberative mini publics and how they help governments incorporate citizens’ opinions into decision making....

03/30/2022

Two years ago I recorded this interview for "Leading in the Public Interest" with no idea what the world was about to face.
Deliberative democracy has ridden the challenge of COVID and thrived, globally.
I am re-starting this adventure next month, and look forward to sharing some of the best ideas around the world for protecting and reinvigorating local democracy -in the public interest!

Leading in the Public Interest Podcast 1

07/21/2021

This week, community members presented their Community Vision for 2035 to Yarra Council.
This vision was developed through a deliberative process, with 60 residents representing our diverse community over two months.
When participants walking into the town hall said "This is like a mini-Yarra" they were right!
Deliberative processes are hard work, reaching consensus requires trade-offs, but what an achievement. Thanks community!