Meet the 80 new changemakers in the People Powered Accelerators and Mentorship

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We’re excited to introduce our most ambitious round yet of People Powered Accelerator and Mentorship cohorts.

This year, 80 teams of policymakers and civil society leaders from around the world are launching or expanding participatory democracy initiatives in their communities. From climate resilience to youth inclusion, gender equity to institutional trust, these reformers are co-creating solutions to meet today’s most urgent challenges.

They’re using a range of participatory methods — including policymaking, budgeting, and citizens’ assemblies — and many are blending tools to suit local needs. Over the next six months, they’ll receive expert mentorship, hands-on training, and access to People Powered’s global community of members. They will offer peer support with our cutting-edge resources developed through collective experience.

See how these new cohorts are building lasting infrastructure for public participation — and how past participants have turned shared support into real change.

Meet the Cohorts:

Climate Democracy Accelerator (CDA)

 

Helping teams launch participatory processes for climate action and just transition — with each team receiving a US $10,000 grant and the chance for an additional $20,000 award.

Run in partnership with OGP and Waverley Street Foundation

Learn more about the 5th CDA cohort and their focus areas:

  • Luanda, Angola: Fundacao Kissama, in partnership with the Angolan Ministry of Environment

    • Facilitate legislative theatre to address fire-management gaps and broader climate mitigation needs. This project builds multi-level leadership among community groups, traditional authorities, and officials through “legislative theatre” workshops that turn residents’ stories into policy proposals.

  • Buenos Aires, Argentina: Government of the City of Buenos Aires, in partnership with Potenciar Argentina Foundation

    • Facilitate citizens' assembly to strengthen climate adaptation and mitigation across solid-waste management, air quality and green-infrastructure planning. Citizens will co-define priorities, monitor progress with open-data dashboards and advocate for sustained funding.

  • Córdoba, Argentina: Fundeps, in partnership with the Human Rights Directorate of the Municipality of Córdoba

    • Convene a legislative theater to craft youth-centred adaptation policies that directly address how the climate crisis affects young people. Assembly deliberations sit alongside a training track and a “climate-champion” programme to embed youth leadership.

  • Mendoza, Argentina: ENCAI, in partnership with Mendoza Municipio

    • Convene a citizens' assembly to restore ecosystems and improve watershed management in this drought-prone region. Multi-sector round-tables map a shared vision and set up long-term governance arrangements spanning local, provincial and national actors.

  • Florianópolis, Brazil: Politize!, in partnership with the Government of the State of Rio Grande do Sul

    • Facilitate participatory policymaking to set state-level climate-resilience priorities. Public-policy laboratories and open assemblies diagnose the most pressing problems and generate actionable recommendations for Rio Grande do Sul.

  • Winnipeg, Canada: Climate Reality Project Canada, in partnership with the City of Winnipeg

    • Facilitate participatory policymaking to guide municipal investments in energy planning and sustainable infrastructure. Residents rank climate projects, allocate budget envelopes and track delivery through an open-government portal supported by provincial energy experts.

  • Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala: Municipality of Antigua Guatemala, in partnership with the Foundation for Ecodevelopment and Conservation (FUNDAECO)

    • Convene a citizens’ assembly to build resilience to earthquakes, floods, landslides and forest fires. Community forums prioritise adaptation measures, and citizen monitors oversee implementation in collaboration with disaster-risk agencies.

  • Kissidougou, Guinea: Cooperative for Agro-Pastoral Development (CODAPA), in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development

    • Facilitate participatory policymaking to combat drought, soil erosion and deforestation. Farmers, pastoralists and officials co-design land-restoration plans and track results with shared scorecards and satellite imagery.

  • Pune, India: Centre for Environment Education (CEE), in partnership with Salawade and Kelawade Gram Panchayats

    • Convene a citizens’ assembly to expand regenerative agriculture, organic farming and local climate-adaptation measures. Assembly outputs feed directly into village-development plans and are distilled into state-level policy briefs.

  • Magelang, Indonesia: Yayasan Tiga Pilar Pertiwi, in partnership with the Village Government of Tirto

    • Facilitate participatory budgeting to identify local climate priorities ranging from flood-control infrastructure to sustainable livelihoods. Deliberations merge ancestral knowledge with scientific expertise, producing an integrated adaptation roadmap.

  • Kakamega, Kenya: Girls to Women Organization, in partnership with the Kakamega County Department of Environment

    • Facilitate participatory policymaking to reduce the environmental and social impacts of small-scale mining. Gender-focused forums generate community scorecards and negotiate action plans with mine operators and county regulators.

  • Tepoztlán, Mexico: City Hall of Tepoztlán, Morelos, in partnership with Sarar Transformación S.C.

    • Facilitate participatory budgeting to reform water-governance rules and safeguard local aquifers. Activities include watershed walks, deliberation circles and the launch of a citizen-monitoring committee that publicises water-quality data.

  • Zapopan, Mexico: ProSociedad, in partnership with the Gobierno de Zapopan – Dirección de la Ciudad de los Niños y las Niñas

    • Convene a citizens’ assembly to co-design child-centred climate-resilience policies. Play-based workshops ensure children’s voices shape priorities in urban planning, public-space design and emergency-response training.

  • Hanang, Tanzania: EmpowerHer Tomorrow Initiative, in partnership with the Hanang District Council

    • Facilitate participatory policymaking to address water scarcity, foster climate-smart agriculture and reduce energy poverty. The project links community water-user committees with women-led micro-grids and agroforestry pilots.

  • Dar Chaabane El Fehri, Tunisia: Commune Dar Chaabane El Fehri, in partnership with the Tunisian Association for a Better Future

    • Co-create participatory solutions to manage coastal-erosion risks and adapt to rising sea levels. A series of deliberative “street theatres” tests policy options, revises municipal plans and monitors shoreline-defence upgrades.

Democratic Innovations Accelerator (DIA)

 

Supporting the next wave of democratic reformers who aim to implement participatory programs that transform Europe's democratic landscape, from the local to the regional level.

Run with our partner Coglobal as part of the Nets4Dem initiative.

Learn more about the 2nd DIA cohort and their focus areas:

  • Marseille, France: DU VOTE A L'ASSIETTE

    • Facilitate participatory policymaking to empower citizens to influence food policy through everyday choices. The campaign links media content and culinary workshops to show how voting and civic action shape the future of food.

  • Cologne, Germany: Youth Lead the Change Germany, in partnership with the cities of Hamburg, Wuppertal, and Mönchengladbach

    • Lead participatory budgeting to scale youth-led decision-making across municipalities. A “Youth Budget Program” lets young people allocate real funds and strengthens their connection to democracy.

  • Budapest, Hungary: Budapest 12th District

    • Lead participatory budgeting to give residents a direct say in district investments. The programme also teaches participants how public finance decisions are made.

  • Budapest, Hungary: City Hall of Budapest

    • Facilitate participatory policymaking to turn one-off engagement pilots into permanent structures. The city will embed regular citizen input across policy areas and departments.

  • Messina, Italy: Parliament Watch Italia

    • Facilitate participatory policymaking to update and monitor Sicily’s participatory budgeting law. The project expands “Spendiamoli Insieme,” which tracks how municipalities spend citizen-chosen funds.

  • Sassari, Italy: Prossima Democrazia, in partnership with Comune di Stintino, the National Research Council, Italia Nostra and Legambiente

    • Convene a citizens’ assembly to balance offshore wind plans with biodiversity protection and local interests. The process seeks common ground for Sardinia’s just energy transition.

  • Siena, Italy: Fondazione Monte dei Paschi di Siena, in partnership with Comune di Siena

    • Convene a citizens’ assembly to launch a Youth Council that fills a long-standing governance gap. Young delegates will research peers’ needs and present joint solutions to municipal leaders.

  • Kraków, Poland: Fundacja Optimum Pareto

    • Facilitate participatory policymaking to make local debates clearer and evidence-based. A digital deliberation tool maps arguments so residents can weigh policy trade-offs.

  • Lodz, Poland: Lodz City Hall

    • Lead participatory budgeting to refresh an existing scheme with stronger outreach and feedback loops. New digital tools will widen participation among under-represented groups.

  • Bratislava, Slovakia: DEMDIS

    • Convene a citizens’ assembly to test deliberative tools on national issues. Insights will shape Slovakia’s wider democratic-innovation agenda.

  • Bratislava, Slovakia: EDYN

    • Lead participatory budgeting to engage young leaders in community recovery projects. The model links micro-grants with mentorship from experienced civic activists.

  • Barcelona, Spain, Cooperative Colectic

    • Launch two community-based research programs on historical memory and digital rights, connecting CSOs, research centers, and public institutions to address local challenges through a participatory and transformative approach.

  • Chichester, UK, Safe Landing

    • Aviation workers worldwide promoting Workers’ Assemblies to lead the industry's just transition, aiming to decarbonise air travel and secure jobs through worker-driven, sustainable strategies.

  • Valongo, Portugal, Municipality of Valongo

    • Aims to co-create a participatory model that empowers social housing residents to shape local policies and priorities, tackling exclusion and strengthening civic engagement in vulnerable neighbourhoods.

  • Barcelona, Spain, Associació SVS (Sitges Voluntaris Socials)

    • Project IMPULSED engages citizens in transforming the city of Sitges into a diverse and inclusive community through participatory, rights-based initiatives that promote equity, shared governance, and social cohesion.

  • London, UK, Big Local Work

    • Leading a People-Power Regeneration in Bermondsey to ensure inclusive urban renewal by involving diverse residents in shaping local transformation through participatory tools, protecting community identity and equity amid gentrification.

  • Vinnytsia, Ukraine, Podolian Agency for Regional Development

    • Empowering veterans and IDPs in post-conflict areas by fostering their civic participation through community-led processes, using digital tools and training to integrate them into local decision-making and build inclusive, resilient communities.

  • Zviahel, Ukraine, Zviahel City Council

    • Aims to boost youth engagement in volunteering by increasing awareness, breaking stereotypes, and creating incentives that highlight personal and professional benefits, making volunteerism more accessible and appealing to young people.

  • La Palma, Spain: La Palma Renovable

    • Convene a citizens’ assembly to guide the island’s renewable-energy transition after volcanic disruption. Community priorities will inform investment and resilience planning.

Inclusive Democracy Accelerator (IDA)

 

Helping institutions remove barriers to participation for historically marginalized groups — especially women, youth, and displaced communities — by co-designing more inclusive programs.

Learn more about the 1st IDA cohort and their focus areas:

  • Dhaka, Bangladesh: SERAC-Bangladesh, in partnership with Rajshahi City Corporation and Mymensingh City Corporation

    • Co-create participatory solutions to overcome bureaucratic delays that block the formalisation of inclusive youth councils.

  • Recife, Brazil: Prefeitura do Recife, in partnership with Delibera Brasil

    • Co-create participatory solutions to bring vulnerable youth into climate action and political-education programmes.

  • Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso: Association Burkina Neeré Sooré (ABNS), in partnership with the Ouahigouya Municipal Council

    • Co-create participatory solutions to rebuild trust and involve marginalised communities in local decision-making.

  • Yaoundé, Cameroon: Action for Sustainable Development, in partnership with the Ministry of Forests and Wildlife

    • Co-create participatory solutions to give women and youth a meaningful voice in forest governance.

  • Nord-Kivu, Congo-Kinshasa (Democratic Republic): Aide et Action pour la Paix, in partnership with the CNREF Nord-Kivu Land-Reform Commission

    • Co-create participatory solutions to dispel elitist perceptions and cut cost barriers that keep citizens from land-policy deliberations.

  • Accra, Ghana: National Youth Authority, in partnership with the United Nations Youth Association – Ghana

    • Co-create participatory solutions to integrate green skills and climate opportunities into national youth-employment initiatives.

  • Semarang, Indonesia: PATTIRO Semarang, in partnership with the Local Development-Planning Agency of Semarang

    • Co-create participatory solutions to connect rural residents, women and people with disabilities to city policymaking spaces.

  • Kisumu, Kenya: Amazon Theatrix Ensemble, in partnership with the Kisumu County Government

    • Co-create participatory solutions to break cultural and systemic barriers that limit women’s and youths’ public influence.

  • Digos City, Philippines: Leaders United for Progress, in partnership with the Davao del Sur Provincial Youth Federation

    • Co-create participatory solutions to secure balanced gender and sector representation in local climate planning.

  • Kasangati, Uganda: Kasangati Town Council, in partnership with Innovations for Development

    • Co-create participatory solutions to manage high citizen expectations and build civic trust despite tight municipal budgets.

  • Kyiv, Ukraine: Center for Innovations Development, in partnership with Blyzniuky Territorial Settlement Council

    • Co-create participatory solutions to keep civic processes inclusive amid conflict-related disruption and chronic stress.

  • Lviv, Ukraine: NGO “Teple Misto Lviv”, in partnership with the Lviv City Council Youth Department

    • Co-create participatory solutions to involve displaced youth in post-war urban recovery and long-term city planning.

Mainstreaming Participation Accelerator

 

Supporting efforts to embed high-quality public participation across whole institutions and policy cycles, turning one-off pilots into permanent, system-wide practice.

Run in partnership with IPF Kenya and OGP

Learn more about the 1st MPA cohort and their focus areas:

  • Rosario, Argentina: Municipalidad de Rosario, in partnership with Asociación Israelita de Beneficencia de Rosario

    • Lead participatory budgeting processes to build trust and ensure inclusive participation in municipal decision-making.

  • Armavir, Armenia: Armavir Development Center, in partnership with OGP Secretariat

    • Facilitate participatory policymaking to overcome limited political will, funding shortages and resistance to open-government reforms.

  • Brasília, Brazil: Instituto Cidade Democrática, in partnership with the Directorate of Digital Participation (General Secretariat of the Presidency of Brazil)

    • Co-create participatory solutions to engage excluded users online and keep co-creation going despite scarce resources.

  • Canada: Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS), in partnership with the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue

    • Facilitate participatory policymaking to maintain momentum for engagement when election cycles and resource gaps threaten programme continuity.

  • Santiago, Chile: Fundación Momento Ciudadano, in partnership with Ministerio Secretaría General de la Presidencia (SEGPRES)

    • Co-create participatory solutions to overcome public scepticism after failed constitutional reforms and to secure sustained political support.

  • North Kivu (Goma), Congo-Kinshasa (Democratic Republic): Action Pour le Développement des Jeunes au Congo (ADJC), in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Family & Children (DRC)

    • Lead participatory budgeting processes to counter political resistance and clarify how deliberative tools fit into post-conflict governance.

  • Prague, Czechia: Ministry of Health – Promotion of Patients’ Rights Unit, in partnership with Agora Central Europe

    • Facilitate participatory policymaking to secure respect for patient-centred outcomes despite tight budgets and limited staff.

  • Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: Un techo para mi país

    • Co-create participatory solutions to overcome institutional resistance and legal barriers to affordable-housing initiatives.

  • Tamale, Ghana: Ghana Developing Communities Association, in partnership with the Right to Information Commission–Ghana

    • Facilitate participatory policymaking to beat public-awareness gaps and official resistance while expanding right-to-information practices.

  • Amman, Jordan: Partners Jordan, in partnership with the International Budget Partnership (IBP)

    • Lead participatory budgeting processes to strengthen accountability, include marginalised groups and secure long-term funding.

  • Iten, Kenya: Real Empowerment for Sustainable Transformation (REST) Hub, in partnership with Elgeyo-Marakwet County

    • Facilitate participatory policymaking to tackle youth unemployment and embed inclusive decision-making in county plans.

  • Laikipia, Kenya: Pathways Policy Institute, in partnership with Laikipia County Government

    • Convene a citizens’ assembly to give communities a voice in climate-resilient agriculture and environmental policy.

  • Merida, Yucatán, Mexico: Institute of Electoral & Citizen Participation of Yucatán, in partnership with Jornada de Derechos Humanos AC (Paz Factory)

    • Co-create participatory solutions to deepen citizen involvement in elections and democratic oversight.

  • Tepoztlán, Morelos, Mexico: Municipal Government of Tepoztlán 2025-2027, in partnership with Sarar Transformación S.C.

    • Convene community assemblies to protect local natural resources and embed sustainable participatory governance.

  • Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: Youth Policy Watch, in partnership with the General Election Committee of Mongolia

    • Facilitate participatory policymaking to counter youth disengagement from electoral processes and strengthen democratic culture.

  • Rabat, Morocco: SimSim-Participation Citoyenne, in partnership with the House of Representatives (Parliament)

    • Facilitate participatory policymaking to raise civic participation in parliamentary work and make legislation more responsive.

  • Netherlands: Directorate of Public Participation, Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management, in partnership with Stichting Burger en Overheid

    • Convene a citizens’ assembly to integrate public input into national water- and infrastructure-management decisions.

  • Abuja, Nigeria: Fundlink Aid International, in partnership with Plateau State Government

    • Co-create participatory solutions to widen access to basic services and embed inclusive development planning.

  • Freetown, Sierra Leone: National Council for Civic Education & Democracy, in partnership with Campaign for Human Rights & Development

    • Facilitate participatory policymaking to boost civic knowledge despite low trust, scarce funding and the digital divide.

  • Pretoria, South Africa (Gauteng Province): Department of Public Service & Administration, in partnership with CSIR – Centre for the 4th Industrial Revolution (C4IR)

    • Co-create participatory solutions to modernise public-service delivery amid rapid digital transformation and inequality.

  • London, United Kingdom: UK Home Office, in partnership with Involve

    • Convene community panels to strengthen local engagement in national-security and public-safety policies.

  • Downpatrick, United Kingdom: Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, in partnership with County Down Rural Community Network

    • Facilitate participatory policymaking to spur rural development and improve community voice in council decisions.

  • United Kingdom (national): Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, in partnership with Involve

    • Convene citizens’ assemblies to give residents a direct say in housing strategy and local-government reforms.

Rising Stars Mentorship

 

Offering expert coaching for government officials, staff, and advocates who want help with a participatory process. Mentors are comprised of People Powered members who bring expertise from across the glove.

Run with our partner Coglobal as part of the Nets4Dem initiative.

Learn more about the 2025/1 cohort:

  • Argentina: Valeria Avila, Comuna de San Carlos Sud | Mentor: Gisela Signorelli

  • Lithuania: Paulina Gudaité, Transparency International Lithuania | Mentor: Andrés Falck

  • Nigeria: Kohol Iornav, Promad Infotech Foundation | Mentor: Eliza Meriabe

  • Slovakia: Apolónia Pecka Sejková, CIKE – Creative Industry Košice | Mentor: Kaisa Schmidt-Thomé

  • Sweden: Philip Bärring, Skellefteå Municipality | Mentor: Eva Bordos

  • United Kingdom: Fatmata Bintu Sesay, Tamareneh Organisation | Mentor: Alain Metodjo

  • United Kingdom: Killian Troy-O'Donovan, Our Future | Mentor: Kaisa Schmidt-Thomé

  • United Kingdom: Robin de Brea, Humanity | Mentor: Saha Balaganesh

  • United Kingdom: Robyn Lovelock, Denbighshire County Council | Mentor: Saha Balaganesh

  • USA: Semira Zeru, NYC Civic Engagement Commission | Mentor: Katy Rubin

  • Zimbabwe: Hardlife Mudzingwa, Community Water Alliance | Mentor: Kudzaiishe Seti

Join the Movement:

Want to join the next wave of changemakers? Learn more about the current openings and apply for to join the next cohorts by July 6.

Whether you're working in government, civil society, or a grassroots movement, we invite you to apply—or share this opportunity with someone who should.

We will share the results of the our cohorts action plans in the coming months, so stay connected with us! In the meantime, learn more about the latest impacts of our previous cohorts.