Citizens' Assemblies Discover democracy that works

What is a citizens’ assembly?

A citizens’ assembly is a group of citizens that is selected at random in such a way that the composition of this group reflects selected demographic or social features of the whole society. In other words, it constitutes a city or a country in miniature. A role of a citizens’ assembly is an in-depth analysis of a given issue, a deliberation over different solutions, hearing of the pros and cons, and then, making informed decisions.

Citizens’ assemblies are the foundational element of new democratic systems. They can be employed to create laws and make other legally binding decisions. They may be used to elect key figures in the management of the country, such as ministers or judges. Publications written by Marcin Gerwin show how it can work.

Latest publication:
• Deliberative Café: An Easy to Organise Citizens’ Assembly

Why organize citizens’ assemblies?

1.

High-quality decisions developed with involvement of citizens.

2.

Common good is at the heart of the process.

3.

Decisions are developed by an independent group of citizens, thanks to the process of random selection.

4.

Decisions are made after learning about the issue and listening to people with diverse perspectives. The process includes deliberation phase and consultations with experts.

5.

High level of consent for decisions made – at least 80 percent support of the citizens’ assembly.

6.

The process of organizing a citizens’ assembly encourages institutions and organizations to search for solutions and to prepare their recommendations.

7.

New possibilities and solutions may appear thanks to the nature of the process, which involves presentation of a wide range of views and perspectives.

8.

It is a transparent way of making decisions.