Thorsten Sterk
@thorstensterk.bsky.social
📤 1813
📥 1021
📝 2933
It‘s the democracy, stupid! www.buergerrat.de/en
pinned post!
Hello BlueSky, I made a starter pack of riders of the deliberative wave. Anyone missing?
add a skeleton here at some point
over 1 year ago
15
45
24
reposted by
Thorsten Sterk
On 30 May 2026, the “Rheinisches Revier” Citizens’ Assembly has started, providing residents with an opportunity to play an active role in shaping their region and to put forward ideas for structural change.
www.buergerrat.de/en/news/shap...
#CitizensAssembly
loading . . .
Shaping the future in the Rhineland mining area
Since 30 May 2026, the “Rheinisches Revier” Citizens’ Assembly has been meeting, providing residents with an opportunity to play an active role in shaping their region and to put forward ideas for str...
https://www.buergerrat.de/en/news/shaping-the-future-in-the-rhineland-mining-area/
about 22 hours ago
0
2
3
On 30 May 2026, the “Rheinisches Revier” Citizens’ Assembly has started, providing residents with an opportunity to play an active role in shaping their region and to put forward ideas for structural change.
www.buergerrat.de/en/news/shap...
#CitizensAssembly
loading . . .
Shaping the future in the Rhineland mining area
Since 30 May 2026, the “Rheinisches Revier” Citizens’ Assembly has been meeting, providing residents with an opportunity to play an active role in shaping their region and to put forward ideas for str...
https://www.buergerrat.de/en/news/shaping-the-future-in-the-rhineland-mining-area/
about 22 hours ago
0
2
3
In December 2025, the Netherlands’ first national Citizens’ Climate Assembly had presented 13 recommendations to the government. On 29 May 2026, the government announced that it would implement at least half of the citizens’ proposals.
#CitizensAssembly
loading . . .
'Your voice has been heard'
In December 2025, the Netherlands’ first national Citizens’ Climate Assembly had presented 13 recommendations to the government. On 29 May 2026, the government announced that it would implement at lea...
https://www.buergerrat.de/en/news/your-voice-has-been-heard/
3 days ago
0
7
3
In autumn 2026, a randomly selected Citizens’ Panel will discuss measures to strengthen democracy in the European Union (EU). Until the end of the year, anyone interested can submit their questions and ideas on the subject online and at events dedicated to the topic.
#CitizsensAssembly
loading . . .
EU Citizens’ Panel to strengthen democracy
In autumn 2026, a randomly selected Citizens’ Panel will discuss measures to strengthen democracy in the European Union (EU). Until the end of the year, all EU residents can submit their questions and...
https://www.buergerrat.de/en/news/eu-citizens-panel-to-strengthen-democracy/
4 days ago
0
5
3
Modern politics feels chaotic. Broken. Irrational. But what if it’s actually functioning exactly as human psychology predicts it would?
loading . . .
This Man Discovered Something Dangerous About Humans
YouTube video by Michael Button History
https://youtu.be/FSoeJoFaPX0?is=Ab7eXWvcYpjLIpCe
4 days ago
0
1
5
Governments should not strive for greater efficiency, but rather for the empowerment of citizens, says democracy activist Jon Alexander. On 1 June, he will present his ideas at an online event organised by the Harvard Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation.
loading . . .
Beyond Efficiency: Reimagining Democracy Through Citizen Power – Ash Center
https://ash.harvard.edu/events/beyond-efficiency-reimagining-democracy-through-citizen-power/
5 days ago
0
8
5
reposted by
Thorsten Sterk
People Powered
7 days ago
A citizens' climate assembly in Nigeria created a new government office for citizen participation. On June 2, hear from the practitioners behind this and more stories from India and Brazil. 📅 June 2 | 9–10:30 a.m. ET | 1–2:30 p.m. UTC | 6:30–8 p.m. IST Register:
us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
0
3
2
In the Berlin district of Marzahn-Hellersdorf, a citizens’ jury has drawn up 28 recommendations on the topic of ‘heat protection’ in Marzahn-Nord. In a residents’ survey, the majority supported the jury’s key recommendations.
#CitizensAssembly
loading . . .
Heat protection for Marzahn-Nord
In the Berlin district of Marzahn-Hellersdorf, a citizens’ jury has drawn up 28 recommendations on the topic of ‘heat protection’ in Marzahn-Nord. In a residents’ survey, the majority supported the ju...
https://www.buergerrat.de/en/news/heat-protection-for-marzahn-nord/
6 days ago
0
4
3
Between March and May 2026, 150 citizens selected at random from all 27 EU Member States discussed the topic of preparedness in a Citizens’ Panel. This resulted in 18 recommendations.
www.buergerrat.de/en/news/citi...
#CitizensAssembly
8 days ago
2
8
3
People in the UK feel that politics is something that is done to them, not with them. This must change,
@ippr.org
says. Citizens‘ assemblies could help.
#CitizensAssembly
loading . . .
Reimagining lawmaking: How to rebuild trust in parliament | IPPR
All too often citizens are merely spectators as decisions are taken and laws are made in Westminster that shape their lives. This must change. People must
https://www.ippr.org/articles/reimagining-lawmaking-how-to-rebuild-trust-in-parliament
8 days ago
0
4
4
“It always seems to happen when you sit down at a table and bring lived experiences and solve a problem together – it’s like magic. This is a table apart from yelling, from politics as usual – it’s its own environment,”
#CitizensAssembly
loading . . .
Elected officials don’t always understand their communities. Can civic assemblies bridge the gap?
US cities are turning to randomly selected residents to help resolve divisive policy debates
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/21/elected-officials-civic-assemblies-la
10 days ago
0
5
2
What if democracy's crisis isn't a bug - but a feature? When the architects of the US Constitution met in 1787, they knew the difference between sortition (democratic) and elections (oligarchic) - and deliberately picked the latter. The system wasn't broken. It was built this way
#CitizensAssembly
loading . . .
“Democracy” Was Never Designed to Work — But Something Better Is Emerging
The crisis of democratic legitimacy is a design problem—and better alternatives already exist
https://jeremylent.substack.com/p/democracy-was-never-designed-to-work
11 days ago
0
6
3
In an upcoming new essay Jon Alexander argues, that governments around the world need to step into the opportunity for drastic, wide-ranging transformation of their operations. What they need to do is direct that transformation not at government efficiency, but at citizen empowerment.
loading . . .
Don’t DOGE. DOCE.
A call for Departments of Citizen Empowerment at all levels of government
https://substack.com/home/post/p-198397876
12 days ago
0
3
0
The documentation "Goodbye Elections. Hello Democracy." asks a radical question: What if we replaced politicians and elections with ordinary people - chosen by lottery? Learn more about the film in a sneak peek with director Adam Cronkright on May 27.
#CitizensAssembly
loading . . .
Sneak Peek: Goodbye Elections. Hello Democracy.
The documentation "Goodbye Elections. Hello Democracy." asks a radical question: What if we replaced politicians and elections with ordinary people - chosen by lottery? In 2020, as COVID and a bi...
https://www.mehr-demokratie.de/en/mehr-wissen/citizen-assemblies/events/details-view/sneak-peek-goodbye-elections-hello-democracy-6975
12 days ago
0
10
4
In Belgium, the Senate, one of the country’s two parliamentary chambers, is being dissolved. The organisation G1000 is calling for the Senate to be replaced by a permanent citizens’ assembly.
#CitizensAssembly
loading . . .
Citizens’ assembly instead of Senate
In Belgium, the Senate, one of the country’s two parliamentary chambers, is being dissolved. The organisation G1000 is calling for the Senate to be replaced by a permanent citizens’ assembly.
https://www.buergerrat.de/en/news/citizens-assembly-instead-of-senate
13 days ago
0
7
5
In the German city of Moers, a citizens’ jury on the topic of public participation has led to the formation of an association dedicated to addressing this issue. We asked the chairman, Steven Range, a few questions about it.
#CitizensAssembly
loading . . .
'A great enrichment'
In Moers, a citizens’ jury on the topic of public participation has led to the formation of an association dedicated to addressing this issue. We asked the chairman, Steven Range, a few questions abou...
https://www.buergerrat.de/en/news/a-great-enrichment/
14 days ago
0
1
1
On 18 – 19 November, democracy enthusiasts are gathering in Vienna to face the new reality. Engaging citizens is no longer an option – it's a necessity. Proposals for workshops can be submitted until 17 July.
#CitizensAssembly
loading . . .
FIDE Forum 2026: From novel to normal
On 18 – 19 November, democracy enthusiasts are gathering in Vienna to face the new reality. Engaging citizens is no longer an option – it's a necessity. The Deliberative Wave has demonstrated the c...
https://www.mehr-demokratie.de/en/mehr-wissen/citizen-assemblies/events/details-view/fide-forum-2026-from-novel-to-normal-6883
15 days ago
0
4
1
How can climate citizens’ assemblies be better promoted to the general public? This is the topic of an online event organised by the Knowledge Network on Climate Assemblies (KNOCA) on 12 May.
www.knoca.eu/events/commu...
#CitizensAssembly
25 days ago
0
2
1
Baden-Württemberg leads the way among the federal states in terms of the number of citizens’ assemblies. In their coalition agreement, presented on 6 May 2026, the Greens and the CDU agreed to continue the “policy of being heard”.
www.buergerrat.de/en/news/reso...
#CitizensAssembly
26 days ago
0
6
4
How can the quality of facilitation in citizens’ assemblies be improved? This is the topic of an online event organised by
@europe.fidemocracy.org
and
@wedodemocracy.bsky.social
on 29 April at 4 pm.
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/2aacb7...
#CitizensAssembly
about 1 month ago
0
4
2
In Berlin, a randomly selected Citizens’ Forum has drawn up a “Citizens’ Charter for the Olympics”. This was presented to the Senate on 21 April 2026.
www.buergerrat.de/en/news/citi...
#CitizensAssembly
about 1 month ago
0
2
0
The main threat to democracy today isn't military coups, it's elected leaders who systematically dismantle democratic institutions from within. This is what Susan Stokes argues in her latest piece for the Journal of Democracy, 'Why Elected Leaders Subvert Democracy'.
muse.jhu.edu/article/986019
about 1 month ago
0
6
2
In the German state of Thuringia, a state-wide citizens’ assembly will begin on 21 April 2026 to discuss the topic of “peace and diplomacy”. The mini-public is intended to give a voice to the “silent majority”.
www.buergerrat.de/en/news/givi...
#CitisensAssembly
about 1 month ago
0
10
3
Citizens' assemblies are one of today's most exciting democratic innovations. Yet challenges remain. So how can citizens' assemblies evolve to live up to their promise? Join this workshop on April 28 in Munich to find out.
www.mehr-demokratie.de/en/mehr-wiss...
#CitizensAssembly
about 1 month ago
0
6
5
In the US city of Lexington, a Civic Assembly has drawn up recommendations for amending the urban county charter. On 27 April, those involved will discuss the process in an online event.
www.mehr-demokratie.de/en/mehr-wiss...
#CitizensAssembly
about 2 months ago
0
2
2
Citizens’ assemblies could offer
@europarl.europa.eu
the chance to live up to its own claim to be the centre of democratic debate, writes historian
@steinbri1.bsky.social
on
@foederalist.eu
#CitizensAssembly
loading . . .
Between crisis narratives and limited power: Deliberative forums as a way out of the European Parliament’s structural dilemma
Ein Blog über die Demokratie in Europa
https://www.foederalist.eu/2026/04/european-parliament-deliberative-forums.html?m=1
about 2 months ago
0
4
4
Flensburg is the first local authority in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein to hold a Citizens’ Jury followed by a referendum. The focus is on the future of mobility in the Baltic Sea city.
www.buergerrat.de/en/news/citi...
#CitizensAssembly
about 2 months ago
1
2
4
“Intergenerational Public Services” is the theme of the first statewide Citizens’ Assembly in North Rhine-Westphalia. Participants will begin their deliberations on April 17, 2026.
www.buergerrat.de/en/news/citi...
#CitizensAssembly
about 2 months ago
0
1
0
Citizens’ Action for Democracy (CitiDem) invites you to an online, multi-stakeholder event on 20 April 2026, where European citizens from diverse backgrounds will come together to shape the future of democracy in Europe.
www.mehr-demokratie.de/en/mehr-wiss...
#CitizensAssembly
about 2 months ago
0
1
1
On April 17, 2026, a Climate Council composed of representatives from academia and associations will begin its work in Lower Saxony. A panel of randomly selected citizens will monitor the work of the Climate Council.
www.buergerrat.de/en/news/clim...
#CitizensAssembly
about 2 months ago
0
2
1
Brussels will become the European Capital of Democracy in 2027. One reason for this is its extensive use of sortition. Congrats,
@g1000.bsky.social
!
#CitizensAssembly
loading . . .
#g1000 #democracy #citizenparticipation #brussels #deliberativedemocracy #citizensassembly | G1000
🏆 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕! Brussels can now call itself the European Capital of Democracy. A recognition for a city that has been investing in democratic innovation for ...
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/g1000-democracy-citizenparticipation-share-7448298322253156352-Ftmy
about 2 months ago
0
4
1
The most dangerous moment for a civilisation isn’t when it’s weak: It’s when it feels safe.
loading . . .
The Pattern That Destroys Civilizations
YouTube video by Michael Button History
https://youtu.be/6MRNbD_Y2xI?is=JR2Cp6yTejh7Kx1S
about 2 months ago
0
0
0
In the midst of war, local governments in Ukraine turn to citizens with three new assemblies They received a record-high response rate, and their deliberation has just started. Find out more 👉
www.fidemocracy.org/news/deliber...
#CitizensAssembly
2 months ago
0
2
0
Following the banking collapse in 2008, the people of Iceland drew up a draft for a new constitution. However, the changes were never incorporated into the constitution. Learn more about this reform process from Prof Jón Ólafsson on April 3rd.
www.mehr-demokratie.de/en/mehr-wiss...
2 months ago
0
0
0
Am 14. September 2025 trafen sich ehemalige Mitglieder verschiedener Bürgerräte in Bonn, um sich über ihre Erfahrungen und Lehren daraus auszutauschen. Ein Video lässt Teilnehmerinnen und Teilnehmer der Veranstaltung zu Wort kommen.
#bürgerrat
loading . . .
Reflexionsveranstaltung in Bonn I #besserlernen
YouTube video by besserlernen
https://youtu.be/ApWkj4BUATk?si=2j-QEjF3FUcnCmRB
2 months ago
0
4
2
Ich bin ein wenig stolz,
@linusstrothmann.bsky.social
von
@esgehtlos.bsky.social
zu dieser neuen Video-Serie zum Thema Bürgerbeteiligung inspiriert zu haben. Das wird gut!
youtu.be/YCRRsRFZJQg?...
loading . . .
Was ist Völlig Losgelöst? Channel Trailer
YouTube video by völlig losgelöst
https://youtu.be/YCRRsRFZJQg?is=6o0RcnQwrdQ8d9c3
2 months ago
0
1
1
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed enormous challenges for the state and society in terms of health, the economy, social issues and politics. Randomly selected dialogue forums are intended to help come to terms with the pandemic.
www.buergerrat.de/en/news/dial...
#CitizensAssembly
2 months ago
0
0
0
What happens when young people are given the space, trust, and respect to rise to the occasion of democratic decision making?
#CitizensAssembly
loading . . .
Children and young people’s assemblies: The next generation of democracy
What happens when young people are given the space, trust, and respect to rise to the occasion of democratic decision making?
https://substack.com/home/post/p-192084184
2 months ago
0
4
2
What can our world, characterised by extreme inequality, learn from the emergence of ancient Greek democracy? On March 27, the
@hannaharendtcenter.bsky.social
welcomes Irad Malkin, author of the book “Drawing Lots: From Egalitarianism to Democracy in Ancient Greece”.
#CitizensAssembly
loading . . .
Democracy Innovation Academy with special guest Irad Malkin
What can our insanely unequal world learn from the emergence of ancient Greek democracy? How and why did the use of government by lottery emerge there? For the second installment of our monthly Democ...
https://hac.bard.edu/democracy-innovation-academy-with-irad-malkin
2 months ago
0
5
2
Following racism and corruption scandals in Los Angeles, the LA Charter Assembly has proposed the introduction of a randomly selected Citizens’ Assembly. The position of chair of the city council is also to be filled by lottery.
www.buergerrat.de/en/news/comb...
#CitizensAssembly
2 months ago
0
3
2
Since 20 March 2026, 150 randomly selected citizens from all 27 EU Member States are discussing the topic of preparedness in a Citizens’ Panel.
www.buergerrat.de/en/news/eu-s...
#CitizensAssembly
2 months ago
0
7
3
In Berlin, a randomly selected Citizens’ Forum will draw up a “Citizens’ Charter for the Olympics” between 14 and 28 March 2026. This is to be incorporated into the state’s bid to host the Olympic Games.
www.buergerrat.de/en/news/citi...
#CitizensAssembly
2 months ago
0
2
0
In their book „Democracy’s Second Act“,
@petermacleod.bsky.social
and Richard Johnson offer a hopeful, clear-eyed vision for a democracy that builds on creating new institutions that tap into the talents, judgment, and capabilities of ordinary people.
#CitizensAssembly
loading . . .
Democracy’s Second Act | Why Politics Needs the Public
In Democracy’s Second Act, Peter MacLeod and Richard Johnson show how citizens’ assemblies and civic innovation are transforming democracy. A hopeful, story-driven book from University of Toronto Pres...
https://www.democracyssecondact.org
2 months ago
0
4
1
On 8 March 2026, a European Youth Citizens' Assembly in Brussels adopted recommendations for the protection of pollinating insects. Among the proposals is the creation of a permanent Young Citizens Assembly on Biodiversity.
www.buergerrat.de/en/news/perm...
#CitizensAssembly
3 months ago
0
1
1
In their coalition agreement published on 4 March 2026, the SPD and CDU in Brandenburg agreed to hold a citizens' assembly on the reform of public service broadcasting.
www.buergerrat.de/en/news/citi...
#CitizensAssembly
3 months ago
0
2
1
On 22 March 2026, twelve parties will contest the state elections in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Four of them promise in their election manifestos to promote citizens' assemblies.
www.buergerrat.de/en/news/rhin...
#CitizensAssembly
3 months ago
0
1
2
On the recommendation of a citizens' jury, the parliament of the British Channel Island of Jersey voted on 26 February 2026 to legalise assisted dying.
www.buergerrat.de/en/news/assi...
#CitizensAssembly
3 months ago
0
3
3
Some great public names champion the idea of randomly selected groups of ordinary people taking decisions in the public interest.
#CitizensAssembly
loading . . .
Who's afraid of citizens' assemblies? These leading lights endorse them
Some great public names champion the idea of randomly selected groups of ordinary people taking decisions in the public interest
https://substack.com/home/post/p-189001520
3 months ago
0
0
1
Across the world, many are calling for change in how we ‘do’ democracy. There’s a need for ordinary citizens to be included in decision-making. In this article, CRIN shares key developments for children’s rights and deliberative democracy over the last year.
#CitizensAssembly
loading . . .
Making (Deliberative) Waves: Reimagining democracy with and for children<br/> — CRIN
In this article, we share key developments for children’s rights and deliberative democracy over the last year. We also include an invitation to join CRIN’s ‘Children and Democracy Network’, a global ...
https://home.crin.org/readlistenwatch/stories/making-deliberative-waves-reimagining-democracy-with-and-for-children
3 months ago
0
2
0
In the German municipality of Werbach, a randomly selected citizens' forum developed proposals for the municipal budget. On February 24, 2026, the recommendations were presented to the municipal council.
www.buergerrat.de/en/news/budg...
#CitizensAssembly
3 months ago
0
0
0
Load more
feeds!
log in