Introducing People Powered: Global Hub for Participatory Democracy

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of People Powered: Global Hub for Participatory Democracy! In 2019, we began our work as the Global Participatory Budgeting Hub. Now, we’re growing into a new organization, People Powered, which will host the Global PB Hub and other work. 

We’re a people powered organization building people powered government. Here’s what that means, and why we’re launching People Powered:

Why People Powered 

Government decisions are typically made by and for those with the most power. Most people are left on the sidelines. Government without the people is leading to failed policies and widespread mistrust. It is literally killing us - especially people with the least power, as tragically exposed by the COVID-19 and racial injustice pandemics. We need new ways for the people to govern. 

Thankfully, hundreds of organizations around the world are building a more participatory democracy. A democracy where all people have the power to make the government decisions that affect their lives.

Earlier this year, we brought together 58 participatory democracy leaders from 28 countries, to ask what would take their work to the next level. Here’s what we heard: 

• There are lots of papers and reports, but it’s hard to find accessible and relevant guidance.

• There are good international conferences, but not enough support for solving common problems. 

• There are amazing local champions, but their work is not aligned around shared goals.

• These challenges are greater for organizations in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America.

We hope that People Powered can be a collective space to address these challenges.  Our mission is to expand people’s power to make government decisions, by supporting organizations and governments that are building participatory democracy around the world.

Who We Are

We are a people powered organization. 

Our member organizations and boards decide what we do. These are the leaders powering the global movement for participatory democracy. 

People Powered member organizations

Global PB hub board

Our staff and Board of Directors are a global team, from eight countries. We are planners, designers, facilitators, technologists, researchers, and organizers. We have worked inside and outside of government, and led national and international organizations. 

Staff, top row: Josh Lerner (Executive Director), Clara Bois (Program Manager), Mariana González Ruiz Velasco (Program Associate). Board of Directors, bottom rows: Ahmad Rifai, Brittany Giroux Lane, Diego García-Preciado Jauregui, Ellen Haustein, Duncan Otieno, Fiona Garven, James Muraguri, Panthea Lee.

What We Do

We build people powered government.

We build the power and impact of leaders who are championing participatory budgeting, participatory policy-making, citizen assemblies, and other participatory democracy practices. We focus on supporting leaders with the greatest needs, especially those in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America.

We share resources 

We make practical participatory democracy resources more accessible to governments and organizations. 

We compiled the most useful videos, guides, and other materials, in our online resource center. Now we’re producing new participatory democracy resources focused on climate change and inclusion - see our RFP for a designer.

We build power

We provide international learning opportunities and support to build the capacity of participatory democracy leaders. 

We’re launching a mentorship program - apply now to get free coaching on participatory budgeting.

We change policies

We advocate for the shared goals of participatory democracy organizations. 

We developed a Global PB Research Agenda, to identify and advance the research that is most helpful for practitioners. 

This work is made possible by our funding partners at the William & Flora Hewlett Foundation and the Ford Foundation. And hopefully also by you.

What You Can Do

• Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and by signing up for our newsletter.

• Apply to our mentorship program, organizational membership program, or design RFP.

• Share this blog and social media posts with your networks.

We can’t wait to work with you to build a more participatory democracy!