Beyond Elections

Beyond Elections

Trust in democracy is near an all-time low in countries around the world. We’re inspired by an emerging network of pro-democracy activists who argue that one way to save liberal democracy is to return to democracy’s roots: to encourage public participation in the democratic process.

We’ll write about participatory democracy from all angles, exploring models like participatory budgeting, citizens’ assemblies and legislative theater that give everyday people a chance to decide over the future of their communities.

Read:

Sign up for our newsletter, Beyond Elections, here.

Stories

Popular Stories

Democracy Starts With How You Live

Democracy Starts With How You Live

Integrity starts with how we live our lives; so does democracy
We Need a "Just Transition" for Democracy

We Need a ‘Just Transition’ from One Democracy to Many

We need to move to a healthy ecosystem of diverse democracies
Zimbabwe NGO Helps the People Take Charge of Climate Resilience

Zimbabwe NGO Helps the People Take Charge of Climate Resilience

Zimbabwe’s climate strategy isn't responsive to rural communities; Green Institute engaged citizens to change that.
The New Citizen Project: Seeing People as Citizens, not Consumers

Seeing People as Citizens, not Consumers

Jon Alexander on how “circular power politics” could help politicians buy in to citizen participation
We Can Do Public Meetings Better

We Can Do Public Meetings Better

Disastrous town hall meetings are becoming a familiar part of the American fabric. It doesn’t have to be that way
Introducing… Beyond Elections

Introducing… Beyond Elections

What if democracy could be so much more than what we think it is?
When Will the United States Start Taking Citizens’ Assemblies Seriously?

When Will the United States Start Taking Citizens’ Assemblies Seriously?

Citizens’ assemblies are increasingly popular in Europe and Canada. But not in the United States. How come?
In Conflict Zones, Could Democracy Work Without Elections?

In Conflict Zones, Could Democracy Work Without Elections?

Iain Walker offers on the role of participatory democracy in areas without a working government – and why attempts to solve conflicts often fail
You Don’t Have to Choose One: Let’s Integrate Participatory Budgeting and Citizens’ Assemblies

Let’s Integrate Participatory Budgeting and Citizens’ Assemblies

The two most important democratic innovations of the last 30 years have developed in parallel but not in unison
Humanqind's Vision: Children Co-Designing Safer Streets

Humanqind's Vision: Children Co-Designing Safer Streets

Ruchi Varma has a vision for designing safer school zones that involves asking children as young as nine what they should look like
A participação pode ajudar a reavivar a confiança na democracia brasileira?

A participação pode ajudar a reavivar a confiança na democracia brasileira?

Meses após o ataque ao Congresso Nacional, o Presidente Lula está apostando em uma nova plataforma para dar voz aos cidadãos em sua democracia
What Tool Should I Use to Survey My Community?

What Tool Should I Use to Survey My Community?

A new "Consumer Reports" for digital participation platforms, from People Powered
Can Participatory Budgeting Revive Trust in Brazil's Democracy?

Can Participatory Budgeting Revive Trust in Brazil's Democracy?

Months after the attack on the National Congress, President Lula is betting on a new digital platform to give citizens a voice in their democracy
A Novel Way to Predict the Weather in Malawi

A Novel Way to Predict the Weather in Malawi

Can Malawi's participatory weather forecasting project change the game in a changing climate?
Can Real Participation Save Liberal Democracy?

Can Real Participation Save Liberal Democracy?

Three ideas for how to reengage citizens in democracy beyond elections, and revive trust in the democratic process
Should Street Protesters Partner with Democracy Reformers? Extinction Rebellion Says Yes

Extinction Rebellion Is Calling for Citizens Assemblies. Here's Why.

Citizens' assemblies are on the agenda for the political group

Have anything to add to this page?

Reach out! Send us an email at hello@proximate.press, we’d love to chat.
Proximate
privacy policy
© 2023 PROXIMATE ® ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.