Participatory Democracy as a Tool for System Change

In partnership with Cooperation Sheffield

Join us for an introduction to the work of Cooperation Sheffield, a local participatory democracy movement aiming to rebuild democracy from the ground up and foster a solidarity economy in Sheffield. At this laid back and welcoming session, we’ll be discussing the principles of our movement, our use of peoples’ assemblies as tools of democratic change, our radical roots, and what we are currently working on.

We hope to offer an exciting vision of possible alternatives to our failing political and economic systems. These will be alternatives firmly rooted in the needs of local communities, created and sustained by those communities, offering true democracy and resilience in an age of crisis.

As a participatory democracy movement, we also want to hear from you about how you think we might reinvigorate our communities, so there will be plenty of time for discussion and to find out how you can get involved.

Event Format & Information

• Doors open 6pm, start time 6:30pm
• 5 minute ice breaker activity at tables of 6. Participation is expected.
• 25 minute talk from the front of the room. People are expected to sit and listen but can move around if they need and are welcome to interject with questions at any point
• 5 minute individual or small group reflection
• 15 minute Q&A
• 10 MINUTE BREAK - free hot drinks and snacks
• Breakout groups of roughly 6 for attendees to discuss prompted talking points. Each group will have a trained facilitator. There will be two 15 minute breakout groups with 10 minute whole group feedback between each one
• 10 minutes for concluding remarks
• End time 8:30pm

Accessibility

Accessibility information for City of Sanctuary can be found on AccessAble. 

• Seating: Unreserved seating is available at this event, but if you’d like us to reserve a seat for you or you have specific requirements eg. front row seat, end of aisle, please get in touch.
• Masks: FFP2 masks will be available for free.
• Audio: Microphones will be used at this event.
• Quiet space: A dedicated quiet space will be available for attendees at this event. 

If you have any questions regarding accessibility for this event, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].