Another Democratic Future is Possible
Host: DemocracyNext
Most of us have never been genuinely asked to shape the decisions that affect our lives. Citizens' assemblies are changing that — but most people have never heard of them. In this participatory 90-minute session, Lucy Reid and Ruba Asfahani from DemocracyNext will introduce the principles of citizens' assemblies and deliberative democracy, explore why these powerful tools remain so little known, and ask a provocative question: who really gets to be in the room when decisions are made? Through a series of short, engaging exercises drawing on deliberative practice, you'll get a sense of what it feels like to move from instinct to genuine inquiry — and leave with practical ideas for how to bring more voices into decisions in your own organisation or community. Come ready to think, talk to strangers, and possibly change your mind.
Facilitators:
Lucy began her career in the arts and journalism, and went on to spend 16 years in senior roles at the National Trust, where she developed the NT’s first city strategy. She is Chief Strategy & Creative Officer at DemocracyNext and chair of Moseley Road Baths, in Balsall Heath, Birmingham.
Ruba started her career in the artworld, moving swiftly to non-profits and social enterprises. Becoming freelance in 2021 allowed for a work-life balance in supporting organisations doing good! Now, Ruba is the Communications Lead at DemocracyNext, and works on various other strategic projects outside of that - including Communications Lead for Marmalade Festival! She is the co-chair of YWMP, a trustee of Makespace Oxfordshire, a mum of two and a citizen of Oxfordshire.
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This venue has a capacity of 90.