Citizen juries, more commonly known as citizen assemblies have been proven to result in more long-term sustainable thinking, and this is what we need with the climate emergency. After reading The Assassin, you should understand the concept of citizen juries well, although in reality, these won’t include attempted murders! Citizen Juries also crop up as a solution in Climate Gamers.
Citizen Juries/Citizen Assemblies
Citizen juries have been proven to result in more long-term sustainable thinking, and this is what we need with the climate emergency. Change Agents UK has outlined how these citizen assemblies/juries can work in practice to lead to better decision-making on their website.
Citizen assemblies are being currently used in the UK to address the climate crisis, which Extinction Rebellion have been advocates of for a long time. You can watch this documentary to find out how ordinary people can help to address this issue.
Participedia provides a very extensive explanation of how a citizen jury works, its purpose, origins, how to recruit participants, how it works and lessons learned from our experience so far. You can read it here.
You can also listen to this BBC Radio 4 programme where Sangita Myska hears from David Van Reybrouck, co-founder of one of the first permanent citizens’ assemblies in the world.
Find out details and a video of the Southampton citizens’ assembly on climate and transport here.
How can I progress this idea further?
The Sortition Foundation campaign for citizens’ assemblies. Sign up here. Watch and share their latest video
Democracy Next also provide information and campaign on this topic. Follow them on LinkedIn
The Foundation for Democracy and Sustainable Development are another great group to follow for information and inspiration.
Encourage theatre groups and schools to put on the dramatic monologue (30 mins) or full whodunnit version of the play ‘Murder in the Citizens’ Jury‘ as a fun way to raise awareness of the idea. Although in reality citizen’s assemblies have been noted for their non-confrontational atmosphere rather than murder! Contact Green Stories or Denise Baden for details.
