Now live: the New Digital Participation Guide! — And more September happenings
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Now live: the new Digital Participation Guide
We’re just launched the updated Digital Participation Guide — your go-to resource for designing inclusive, effective online participation programs. First developed in 2022 with input from People Powered members around the world, the guide now includes new research on artificial intelligence, fresh global case studies, and a revamped digital portal to help you choose the right tools, platforms, and strategies.
Created in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), FNF Global Innovation Hub, and Civic Tech Field Guide. and grounded in real-world practice, the guide reflects a fast-changing digital landscape. Whether you're working in government, civil society, or philanthropy, this is your one-stop resource to do digital democracy better, and with care.
Poland's first youth citizens’ assembly: Designing a Safer Digital Future
What happens when young people are asked to shape national digital policy? Earlier this year, 34 youth delegates in Poland came together for the country’s first national citizens’ assembly with young people, focused entirely on creating a safer, more supportive internet for their generation.
With support from People Powered, Fundacja Pole Dialogu led the process, guiding the young participants as they developed bold policy recommendations on online mental health, data protection, AI, and digital education. The proposals were delivered to the Ministry of Digital Affairs (Ministerstwo Cyfryzacji), which is expected to issue a formal response soon. But the impact is already being felt — from growing youth confidence to national media coverage.
Inspired to run or improve a participatory program but need support? — Apply for Mentorship!
We’re offering expert coaching for government officials, staff, and advocates who want help with a participatory process. We know it’s challenging for governments and organizations to find relevant, practical guidance to launch or improve participatory programs. With Rising Stars Mentorship, you’ll be matched with an expert mentor for six months who will support you towards actionable solutions.
Apply by September 30 to join the next cycle beginning in October!
From grassroots to government: how public officials are reimagining democracy
What does it look like when civil society values don’t stop at the door to government? Two People Powered members are showing how participatory democracy can thrive inside public institutions. In Richmond, United States, Matthew Slaats helped lead the city’s first People’s Budget — a participatory budgeting process years in the making. In Monterrey, Mexico, Alekz Aguila played a key role in launching the country’s first Citizens’ Climate Assembly, giving voice to communities most affected by the climate crisis.
These stories show how civil servants and public officials can shift power by centering inclusion, trust, and community voice - and how People Powered supports them in this work.
75+ new members (and counting)
Our community keeps growing: more than 75 new members have joined People Powered in the last year. From Argentina to Zimbabwe, they’re helping grow our global hub for participatory democracy, bringing new ideas, energy, and expertise into our shared work.
And we’re still growing: dozens more members are joining in the coming weeks. We’re excited to share their stories soon, so stay tuned for the next wave of welcomes!
Why Narratives Matter – New podcast episode with the Global Democracy Coalition!
🎙️The Thank You Democracy podcast is back! Season 3 kicks off with a powerful conversation on the Democracy Narratives Campaign — exploring how storytelling can inspire more inclusive, resonant visions of democracy. Hear from Josh Lerner (People Powered) and Diana Dajer (Fundación Corona) on how narratives can shift civic power and connect with communities left behind by traditional politics.
September 24: Different AI Horses for Different Courses: Matching Tools to Purpose
September 24–26: The Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa 2025
October 7–9: Open Government Partnership Global Summit (Spain)
October 9–10: Digital Democracy The Hague
October 15–16: 2025 Democracy R&D Conference: Democracy at a Crossroads (Belgium)
November 5–7:World Forum for Democracy 2025 (France)
Here are some resources to help you design digital processes and level up your participatory programs:
Spaces for deliberation: Eight spatial qualities for designing deliberative assemblies: This study discusses guidelines and principles around the organization of physical spaces and environments to aid deliberation and participation.
Beginner’s guide to digital community engagement: A guide on using digital tools to complement offline engagement, improving decision-making and fostering inclusivity:
Designing online deliberation: This resource includes guidance for recruiting, preparing participants, technology access, and other aspects of designing an online deliberation process.
European Endowment for Democracy: Funding for local democracy organizations in the Eastern Partnership, Middle East and North Africa, the Western Balkans and Turkey. (Rolling deadline)
Consul: Expressions of interest for pilot users of a free Consul instance for limited-resource organizations. These organizations will be able to enjoy the full suite of features of the platform, without any of the costs. (Deadline: September 30)
Transparency International: Funding and capacity building opportunity for civil society organisations in Sub-Saharan Africa, up to $15,000, for financial and legal support for legal casework. (Deadline: October 5)
Commonwealth Foundation: Call for proposals for projects in the Commonwealth that promote constructive engagement between civil society and government for health justice, freedom of expression, or climate justice, up to £60,000. (Deadline: October 23)
Democracy at Work Fund: Call for proposals in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, South Africa, Argentina, and Brazil, awarding grants up to $80,000 for efforts that build worker power, especially among informal workers, women, and underrepresented groups. (Deadline: October 27)
