Local Citizen Assemblies

Strengthening Communities and Economies with Decentralized People Power

Citizen Assemblies are forming in several localities worldwide. They provide an empowering venue for citizen engagement on several dimensions. Imagine your Local Citizens Assembly in a large space, perhaps a school gymnasium, community center or fire department hall.

The Citizens Assembly features:

A “pop” up exhibition of local artists work, including children’s art.

Displays of locally produced products.

Information about local small businesses and other services.

Displays and literature about local history, culture and achievements.

Open Mic sessions featuring local musicians, poets and other performers as well as opportunities for residents to share their thoughts and concerns.

Tables and chairs where people can talk and children do projects. Some tables have signs with suggested conversation topics.·

A key activity of the Local Citizens Assembly would be engagement in a “COWS” analysis of the community - challenges, opportunities, weaknesses, and strengths. The COWS analysis builds a vision and plan for a good way forward for improving the town/city/region.

Citizens fill out a contact information form that states:

We human beings are complex. We have numerous needs as well as abilities. Our human nature is expressed on four primary levels – body, emotions, mind, and spirit. This form is for you to say what help and support you need on one or more of these four aspects of yourself and also what talents, abilities, strengths and capabilities you are willing to offer to others.”

View localities as embedded in bioregions on up to the global level envisioning local-to-global citizen assemblies for world peace keeping and environmental restoration and protection.

Citizens Assembly image co-generated by Alanna Hartzok and EasyPeasy AI.