Thank you for this, Hugh! A narrow comment on response rates:
As more assemblies are institutionalized, we should also consider solutions that, while NOT mandating participation in assemblies, DO mandate attendance at selection ceremonies. All in the initial pool would be required to appear and hear about the assembly's remit and process before deciding whether they are willing to participate. (This is similar to jury systems that require full pool attendance prior to selection.)
Presumably this would improve response rates and promote understanding of assemblies while avoiding most of the problems of mandatory participation.
So much of the discussion about effectiveness of Citizen Assemblies revolves around politicians taking action on them. I'm far more eager for citizens to have real political power, not dependent on politicians. Pols are unfortunately operating according to their incentives - they'd rather than undermine the other side than solve a problem. https://hopefordemocracy.org/citizens-assembly.html
I'm far more eager for citizens to be the only political power! A random sample is a statistically valid representation of the population, and isn't that supposed to be the point of elections?
Boom! This is the answer. We shouldn't have to rely on rulers, the people should be the rulers. Are you part of the organization on your post? Would love to connect.
Awesome, Michael. Yes I am, and we have a broad coalition (top US org's in the space) signing off on the strategy. There's a button to book 30 minutes with me on that website- feel free!
Thank you for this, Hugh! A narrow comment on response rates:
As more assemblies are institutionalized, we should also consider solutions that, while NOT mandating participation in assemblies, DO mandate attendance at selection ceremonies. All in the initial pool would be required to appear and hear about the assembly's remit and process before deciding whether they are willing to participate. (This is similar to jury systems that require full pool attendance prior to selection.)
Presumably this would improve response rates and promote understanding of assemblies while avoiding most of the problems of mandatory participation.
So much of the discussion about effectiveness of Citizen Assemblies revolves around politicians taking action on them. I'm far more eager for citizens to have real political power, not dependent on politicians. Pols are unfortunately operating according to their incentives - they'd rather than undermine the other side than solve a problem. https://hopefordemocracy.org/citizens-assembly.html
I'm far more eager for citizens to be the only political power! A random sample is a statistically valid representation of the population, and isn't that supposed to be the point of elections?
Boom! This is the answer. We shouldn't have to rely on rulers, the people should be the rulers. Are you part of the organization on your post? Would love to connect.
Awesome, Michael. Yes I am, and we have a broad coalition (top US org's in the space) signing off on the strategy. There's a button to book 30 minutes with me on that website- feel free!