Pilot workshop: ‘Citizens´ Assembly’
Many people would like to see greater political participation. Citizens’ assemblies are a good way of achieving this, but there is no experience of them in Hamburg.
Even if Mehr Demokratie succeeds in setting up a climate citizens’ assembly in Hamburg, no more than 100 people will be able to take part. Many people are completely unfamiliar with the concept of a ‘citizens’ assembly’. In collaboration with STADTKULTUR Hamburg and a local community centre, Mehr Demokratie aims to change this with the ‘Testing Citizens’ Assemblies’ initiative.
Everyone who has already experienced a Citizens’ Assembly has been enthusiastic about the experience. “For once, I finally felt that I was being taken seriously and valued…”.
The pilot event will take place on 13 June 2026 at the Freizeitzentrum Schnelsen. The residents have chosen the topic of “communication”. With an expert introduction and professional facilitation, the participants will spend four hours discussing how good communication can be achieved in the neighbourhood. What approaches are suitable? Who uses what? What needs to happen, and how could we implement this politically, for example by submitting a proposal to the district assembly?
This is democracy in action. In large groups and small table discussions, everyone is allowed and encouraged to express their opinions and ask questions. Everyone treats one another with tolerance and openness. The gathering concludes with a shared snack. Further events on different topics will follow in other neighbourhoods this autumn.