Akron has always been a city that rises to the occasion—literally and figuratively. Perched at the summit of the Ohio and Erie Canal, its very name comes from the Greek word for “high point,” a nod to both its geography and its enduring spirit of innovation.
From its days as the “Rubber Capital of the World” to its leadership today as a hub for entrepreneurship, sustainable polymers, and, healthcare, Akron has never shied away from reinventing itself.
Today, Akron’s energy is focused on building a more participatory future. That’s why we were thrilled to partner with Unify America to organize our Citizens’ Assembly School held in Akron on June 12 and 13, 2025.
You can find the full list of speakers and the program for the event on this webpage.
PROGRAM
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J. Cherie Strachan – the Importance of Civic Engagement
Marjan Ehsassi – The Case for Citizens’ Assemblies & Intro to FIDE – North America
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Peter MacLeod - Founder and Principal, MASS LBP
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Sarah Yaffe - Director, MASS LBP
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Morgan Lasher - Chief Community Officer, Unify America
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Victoria & Saanich Citizens’ Assembly on Amalgamation – Good Governance - the Critical Role of the Chair, the Experts and the Oversight Committee
Civic Assemblies from Petaluma to Deschutes and Fort Erie: How to Land with Administration and Impact Policy
Montrose Citizens’ Assembly on Childcare – Unify Montrose & How to Organize for Sustainability
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Amy Lee - Associate Director, IDEA, Ohio State University.
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(Four workshops will be offered both days; participants select two)
1. Deeper Dive into Deliberative Facilitation
2. Independent Evaluations, Case Sudies & FIDE - North America's Learning Series
3. Scaling CAs: the Case for Online Citizens’ Assemblies
4. From Ad-hoc to Institutionalized Citizens’ Assemblies
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SPEAKERS
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Executive Director - FIDE - North America
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Founder, Principal - MASS LBP
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Program Director - Healthy Democracy
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Director - Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics; Professor of Political Science - University of Akron
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Director - MASS LBP
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Program Director - Healthy Democracy
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Senior Director of Deliberation - Unify America
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Programme Manager - FIDE North America
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Chief Community Officer - Unify America
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Learning Series Research Coordinator - FIDE - North America
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Associate Director - IDEA, Ohio State University
REGISTRATIONS
School Ticket
Registration is closed.
$400
The School Ticket includes access to the program and catering during June 12-13, including the dinner on Thursday.
For Akron-based applicants we have a limited number of scholarships to offset the registration fee.
The capacity is limited, and every applicant will be notified about their status.
Venue: Bounce Innovation Hub 526 S Main St, Akron, OH 44311
Registration deadline: Friday, May 30th.
For program-related questions, get in touch at north.america@fidemocracy.org
For Akron-related questions, get in touch with Kate Tucker at Unify America.
What participants have to share!
Past Editions
Federation for Innovation in Democracy - North America
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