1) What is a Citizen’s Assembly
2) Explanation in a nutshell
3) Progress Around the World
4) What is the UK’s progress so far?
5) Introductory guide to Citizens Assemblies
6) More about Citizens’ Assemblies
7) Further learning
1) What is a Citizen’s Assembly [Video 1.1mins]
Citizens Assemblies (=CAs) are a key mechanism of what is known as deliberative democracy or participatory democracy
2) Explanation in a nutshell [2-3mins read]
There are many different models of ‘deliberative democracy’, but one thing they all share is putting people at the centre of decision making. Every form of deliberative democracy involves everyday citizens like you and me discussing an issue in order to come up with suggestions or solutions together.
3) Progress Around the World
This section presents examples of citizens’ assemblies or similar deliberative democratic processes around the globe, these can be at a local, regional and national level.
USA, Texas [Video 3.3mins]
America in One Room was a deliberative democracy project where a group of voters selected from diverse backgrounds formed an assembly over a few days to explore and discuss critical issues facing the US. It was a historic moment. Click on the video link and scroll to the 3 minute video.
Ireland [Video 16mins]
Since 2012, two Irish citizens’ assemblies, deliberating several issues each, have been held to break political deadlock on issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage and climate change. This video shows the process of citizens deliberating over the sensitive issue of abortion.
Poland
In 2016, the Polish city of Gdansk was struck by major flooding, killing two people and causing millions of euros in damage. Experts warned that climate change would only increase the frequency of such extreme rainfall events. In response to the disaster, the mayor agreed to organise a citizens’ assembly, bringing together about 60 residents to hear expert testimony and design their own solutions. To promote transparency, the final stage of the random selection process was carried out by a die-roll that was live streamed. The mayor attended the start of the assembly and informed participants that decisions with at least 80% support among its members would be enacted in law. In 2017, the city flooded again, however, the municipality was able to respond effectively, thanks in part to the resolutions passed by the assembly. Further citizens’ assemblies followed which addressed pollution, civic engagement and LGBT rights. The 350,000 adults living in Gdansk are able to request a citizens’ assembly by collecting 1,000 signatures. If the number of signatures reaches 5,000, the mayor is obliged to run a citizens’ assembly on the proposed topic.
4) What is the UK’s progress so far?
SCOTLAND’s CLIMATE ASSEMBLY (2020-2021)
- Good stepping stone
- Our opinion: It was NOT independent from the Government because civil servants were able to influence the process
Website for the Scottish Citizens’ Assembly on Climate
XR Scotland on the Climate Assembly
Climate Assembly UK (CA UK) (Early 2020)
- Good stepping stone, good recommendations made
- Our opinion: No ecological urgency, insufficient agenda, plus from the start the Government had no obligation to review it so its outcome is being ignored
Website for Climate Assembly UK
More on our view on Climate Assembly UK
Watch ‘The People Vs Climate Change‘ – A documentary about experiences of the participants of Climate Assembly UK
Local initiatives in deliberate processes
- These are good for local engagement but they don’t have the necessary resources to hold a standard Citizen Assembly
- More details about how to run a local participatory process
The Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill
This Bill calls for:
- The UK to make and enact a serious plan
- Include our entire carbon footprint
- The protection and conservation of nature
- A Citizens’ Assembly
5) Introductory guide to Citizens Assemblies [28 pages PDF]
The Citizens’ Assembly Working Group have produced the Extinction Rebellion Guide to Citizens’ Assemblies which is a good introduction to the subject and also contains further reading recommendations.
6) More about Citizens’ Assemblies [14 short 1-2 mins videos]
Click on the series of very short videos where Manuel Arriage answers questions such as Why is Extinction Rebellion calling for Citizens’ Assemblies? And how do Citizens’ Assemblies relate to the global climate emergency?
7) Further learning
Our Frequently Asked Questions will hopefully provide even more insight but another way to learn more is to attend our regular educational presentations. The latest events are announced on our Latest Talks page. You can also join our mission to raise awareness and educate people about citizens’ assemblies by joining our Citizens assembly advocate network (CAAN).