Our latest thoughts & news

Our staff and members contribute to the growing discussion on modernising democracy. Discover some of our recent contributions here.

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Climate Resilience Needs Community Roots

Maintaining food, protection, homes for wildlife, and improved air quality is our gift to future generations. These acts of preservation are apt metaphors when thinking about the impact our actions have on the climate around us.

Youth-led Participatory Budgeting in North Ayrshire

We spoke to Donna Anderson, Participation and Democracy Officer and Youth Work Lead for North Ayrshire Council about the youth-led PB processes happening in North Ayrshire.

#TheEuropeChallenge launched 9th May 2021 at 14.30-15.30 CEST

How are public libraries and their communities solving big challenges in Europe? #TheEuropeChallenge launched on 9th May 2021 at 14.30-15.30 CEST! During this live event we introduced the Europe Challenge, and discussed how this new initiative works towards big and small solutions to the most pressing issues of our times. What is the Europe Challenge? Watch a short animation to find out here: https://youtu.be/zynuru0-mKo

Scotland Democracy Lab- continuing the conversations

On 30th April 2021 we ran an online workshop through Zoom about democracy in Scotland through the lens of present challenges including decision making throughout the pandemic. Although the workshop has now concluded there is a public online discussion space for you to contribute your ideas and thoughts to these topics: https://pace-democracy-lab-scotland.yrpri.org/community/3210

Upcoming events

Scotland’s Climate Assembly brought together people from different walks of life across Scotland, to learn about and discuss the question: ‘How should Scotland change to tackle the climate emergency in an effective and fair way?’ Join us on 29th April to discuss the process and outcomes from the Climate Assembly with Kelly McBride, Director of Scotland, at the Democratic Society

The Orléans Métropole - putting down roots

A case study of the Orléans Métropole, a grouping of 22 local councils participating in the EIT Climate-KIC Healthy, Clean Cities Deep Demonstrations project.

Can COFOE be a friend of democracy?

Ten ways to make the Conference on the Future of Europe a good thing for European Democracy

Making democracy work better for everyone in 2020

We would like to say a massive thank you to all our staff at Democratic Society, partners, funders and participants for all their hard work throughout 2020.

A Creative Response to A Climate Assembly

Pauline Rutter, Artist in Residence at the Adur & Worthing Climate Assembly shares her reflections on the process, and how art can help people connect with climate and social justice issues.