Democracy 21: Let's Build A Democracy Fit For The 21st Century

This major national conference starts with the premise that people should have collective power to make good things happen for themselves and their communities and to stop bad things happening. This is a simple definition of power. Democracy is the most equal distribution of that power possible.

The purpose of the event is to bring together citizens, activists, community groups, campaigns and unions to think about the challenges for democracy in the current political, social, and technological context and to attempt to collectively imagine the evolution of our current thinking, institutions and practice of democracy.

We will reach out to community groups, democratic innovators, academics, legislators, local and national politicians, civil servants, civil society activists, community organisers, political activists, futurists, artists and creators to imagine a new democracy. Paul Mason will address the conference - more speakers will be announced in due course.

From this we aim to build an active community of people in Scotland and connected internationally who are interesting in helping create an improved version of democracy fit for a changed society. This network will be a source of shared experience, learning and advice for reformers inside and outside the state as well as a source of pressure for change to current practices and institutions.

We will also launch a declaration that will shape the Local Democracy Bill. Developed by and for community activists - to advance an ambitious local government reform agenda.

SPEAKERS INCLUDE

Paul Mason, Journalist
Willie Sullivan, Electoral Reform Society
Katherine Trebeck, Wellbeing Economy Alliance
Adam Ramsay, Editor, Open Democracy
Kirsty Styles, Tech Nation
Kyle Taylor, Director Fair Vote
Amanda Burgaur, Scottish Rural Action
Geehan McLeod, Gal Gael
Vince Mills, Red Paper Collective
Neil McInroy, Centre for Local Economic Strategies
Pauline Grandison, Coalfields Regeneration Trust
Robin McAlpine, Director Common Weal
Doreen Grove, Open Government Partnership
Elena Tarifa Herrero, Community Engagement Executive, Barcelona en Comu
Darren ‘Loki’ McGarvey, Author, Poverty Safari
Sofi Taylor, Equality and Diversity lead, NHS Greater Glasgow
Nick Mahoney, Compass
Linda Somerville, Director, NUS Scotland
Layla-Roxanne Hill, Head of Engagement, The Ferret
Sarah Collins, Senior Policy Officer, STUC
Peter McColl, Nesta
Lesley Riddoch, Broadcaster and veteran local democracy advocate
Talat Yaqoub, Director, Equate Scotland

PROGRAMME

REGISTRATION OPENS FROM 9AM

OPENING PLENARY 10:30am- 11am
Democracy 21: The Race For The Future

BREAKOUT FORUMS 11:15 - 12:30
In The Shell Of The Old: Envisioning Our New Democratic Life

(Choose 1 of 4 forums)

1. Technology And Democracy: After Cambridge Analytica, how can we make it work?

2. Imagining Institutions: A Vision For New Democratic Infrastructure

3. The Power Of The Local: Turning Place Into Power

4. The Democratic Idea: What Makes Good Governance?

LUNCH 12:30-1:15

MIDDLE PLENARY 1:15PM - 2PM
Barriers To Change: The Anatomy Of The Democratic Crisis


BREAKOUT FORUMS 2:15PM - 3:30PM
Understanding The Problem: A Road Map

(Chose 1 of 4 forums)

1. The Crisis Of Representation: Roots And Discontents

2. The Collapse In Trust: People, Politicians and Parliaments

3. Communication Breakdown: Politics in the era of Fake News

4. What is Populism? Analysing New Shocks

CLOSING PLENARY 3:45PM-4:30PM
The Democratic Spring