Citizens’ Assemblies: the role of process guidance for ‘the good conversation’
Citizens’ assemblies are hot! More and more municipalities and even the national government are showing interest in this new form of citizen participation. Right now, the first National Citizens’ Assembly for Climate is taking place. An important step, but how do we ensure that citizens’ councils really have the influence citizens deserve?
We believe there is a lot of potential in Citizens’ Assemblies as a valuable addition to our democracy. However, in their current form, they often get no further than an extended form of consultation. But citizens’ assemblies are precisely meant to give citizens a greater say in the social issues that affect them. How can we ensure that citizens are not only heard, but can actually exert influence?
At Perspectivity, we believe that ‘the good conversation’ is the foundation for effective participation. We challenge facilitators of citizen councils to emphasise process design and group dynamics so that the conversation can really lead to the desired changes.
Want to know how we can strengthen civic participation and work together to build the democracy of the future? Read our essay and find out how process facilitators can help develop this powerful form of civic engagement. Read here: ‘Doing the right thing for ‘the right conversation’ in the citizens’ assembly’. Original written in Dutch by our wonderful colleagues Petra, Lisette, Monique, Elien and with illustrations of María. In this link we have translated the essay to English.
In collaboration with EMMA, the essay is published the bundle “A gift for democracy? Perspectives on the development of citizens’ assemblies”, published by Boom Publishers.
More information?
- Read the essay here: ‘Doing the right thing for ‘the right conversation’ in the citizens’ assembly’.