ACTIVATING CITIZENSHIP AND DEMOCRATIC RENEWAL THROUGH DELIBERATION

Case Study: Victoria Saanich Assembly on Amalgamation

FIDE North America’s latest case study evaluates an assembly asked to consider the amalgamation of British Columbian municipalities Victoria and Saanich. The 48-member assembly issued its final report in July 2025.

Read the case study
New publication on Voice Insecurity

Mapping the Consequences of Institutional Exclusion & Charting a Path to Democratic Renewal with Citizens’ Assemblies

Download here
Innovation Fellowship Application Open!

We’re recruiting a part-time Innovation Fellow for Fall 2025. The anticipated start date for this position is Monday, September 8. Apply by August 18.

Read more & apply here
CA School Builds Momentum for Assemblies in Akron and Dayton, Ohio

Our latest newsletter tells the story of our latest Citizens' Assembly School in Akron, which convened more than 40 people from nine states to learn process, exchange experience, and think deeply about what deliberative democracy can do for their communities.

Read here
Insights from Yukon

Over the summer of 2024, Canada’s northern province of Yukon convened a major Citizens’ Assembly (CA) to deliberate on reforms to its electoral system.
One feature of the assembly critical to its success was the presence of an Oversight Committee. We spoke to Sarah McPhee-Knowles, Chair of the Citizens’ Assembly, to understand the importance of the Chair and the Oversight Committee for a successful process.

Read here
For new generations of American lawmakers, can citizens’ assemblies help break the gridlock?

April Newsletter
According to data from the Future Caucus, only 25 percent of state legislators today are younger than 45-years-old. But there’s a big silver lining in the data: Those 25 percent are responsible for some 40 percent of bipartisan legislation that has been signed into law.
To understand better why that is, we spoke to Layla Zaidane, President and CEO of Future Caucus.

Read here
It's time for a fourth branch of government

Op-Ed in The Boston Globe
We all know one thing is certain - we need audacious transformations to seek a way out of the current democratic crisis. Featured in the Boston Globe, Marjan Ehsassi and Josh Lerner introduce a daring proposal to shift the conversation.
A new, fourth branch of government selected by Democratic Lottery. And yes, it is a practical proposal for today and an strategic vision for tomorrow.

Read here
An interview with Daniel Stid

March Newsletter
What will be some of the key breakthroughs for Citizens’ Assemblies in 2025? Perspective from a longtime leader in democratic reforms.

Read here
Spotlight: Boulder’s upcoming Assembly on urban planning

February Newsletter
The City of Boulder is launching its first-ever Citizens’ Assembly to reimagine urban living. A diverse group of 48 residents will meet to explore how to create 15-minute neighborhoods—where daily essentials are just a short walk or bike ride away. This innovative approach to urban planning is setting a new standard for community engagement.

Learn More
Four billion people voted in 2024. What happens now?

January Newsletter
In 2024, four billion people voted, but democracy doesn’t end at the ballot box. FIDE - North America is driving efforts to bolster public participation through citizens’ assemblies and deliberative democratic reforms. With growing demand for inclusive governance, how do we activate citizenship?

Learn more

CITIZENS’

ASSEMBLIES

An Introduction to Definitions & Guidelines

READ HERE

LEARNING

SERIES

To measure the impact of Citizens' Assemblies in a comprehensive and consistent way, we have partnered with the Institute for Democratic Engagement and Accountability (IDEA) to collect evidence-based data across North American Citizens’ Assemblies.

Our methodology includes the collection of surveys, researcher observations, and in-depth interviews.

Learn more

SUPPORTING

ASSEMBLIES

The Yukon Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform will be implemented in 2024. As a member of the Assembly's Advisory and Oversight Committee, we are providing technical guidance on the design and proceedings of the Assembly.

Learn more
The municipalities of Victoria and Saanich have commissioned a citizens' assembly on the Amalgamation of Victoria and Saanich. As the VSCA Chair's Advisory Group, we provided technical guidance and advice on design and implementation.
Lead implementing partner: MASS LBP

Learn more
Read FIDE North America’s case study
FIDE - North America is part of the Community Assembly Advisory Group
The Assembly convened 48 residents of Boulder city and county between April and October 2025 on 15-minute neighborhoods as part of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan update.
Read more: https://a-boulder-future-boulder.hub.arcgis.com/pages/community-assembly
The Canadian Youth Climate Assembly brought together 36 18-25 year olds to speak for a new generation. The group presented their recommendations to the Canadian Senate in September 2025.
FIDE - North America is evaluating the CYCA
Read more: https://www.climacan25.ca/