Democracy Network Annual Conference 2024 Programe

The

DEMOCRACY NETWORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE

TOGETHER WE CAN BUILD A DEMOCRACY FIT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY CONFERENCE PROGRAMME JANUARY 9TH & 10TH 2024

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DAY 1 9:15

C1.15-16 / Zoom

CONFERENCE AT A GLANCE

Welcome and Plenary Discussions • •

Introducing the Democracy Network Threats and opportunities to democratic renewal in the UK

10:45

C1.18 (Pavilion)

Networking for Democracy

13:00

C2.05, C2.06, C2.08, C2.10, C2.14

Afternoon Workshops Round 1 • Where next for democratic education?

• Where next for local democracy?

• Amplifying our voice in the Media

14:00

C1.15-16 / Zoom

Plenary Discussions • Integrity • Where now for representation?

15:55

C2.05, C2.06, C2.08, C2.10, C2.14

Afternoon Workshops Round 2 • In conversation: the role of independent media in a healthy democracy • Engaging The Missing Millions • Amplifying our voice online

18:00

C1.15-16

Networking & Socialising Extended networking with buffet, drinks, and ‘Democracy’s Got Talent’!

DAY 2

CONFERENCE AT A GLANCE

9:15

C1.15-16 / Zoom

Plenary Discussions • Introduction and welcome • ‘Power Outside of Westminster’ keynote speech from Cllr Andreas Kirsch • ‘Where now for Democracy?’ keynote speech from Florence Eshalomi MP

10:15

C2.05, C2.06, C2.08, C2.10, C2.14

Morning Workshops • Building a movement for PR • Harnessing the power of communities • Fundraising for democracy – how do we do it?

• Democracy academics & practitioners - collaborating for change

11:10

C1.15-16 / Zoom

‘Where now for Devolution?’ Plenary Discussions • Keynote speech from Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester • Panel discussion

12:30

C1.18 (Pavilion)

Lunch

13:30

C1.15-16 / Zoom

Plenary Discussions • ‘Democracy and The Nations’ panel discussion • ‘Lessons from Wales’ Keynote speech from Mick Antoniw MS

15:00

C2.05, C2.06, C2.08, C2.10, C2.14

Afternoon Workshops • AI and Democracy - meet the network (15:00 - 16:00) • Deliberative movement: converting the Delibwave into a movement (15:00 - 16:00) • Campaign development (15:00 - 16:00) • Offers & Needs (16:00 - 17:00) • Open Space (16:00 - 17:00)

17:00

C1.15-16 / Zoom

Closing thoughts and conference end

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WELCOME Dear Delegates, We are delighted to welcome you to the second Democracy Network Annual Conference. It is a pleasure and an honour to bring people and organisations from across the democracy sector together at this pivotal moment for UK democracy.

For those of you who are new to our work, The Democracy Network is a network of people and organisations working on issues of power, democracy and voice across the UK. To date, we have almost 1,100 subscribers, 425+ members, 54 organisations actively engaged in our decision making structures and we are still growing. Together, we are building a stronger democracy by: connecting people; supporting collaboration; increasing knowledge, skills and resources; and coordinating influencing strategies and action. Our Steering Group and Council of Reference is made up of incredible organisations from across our sector and has been fundamental in directing our work, co-creating our network and offering challenge and advice where needed.

We could not be here today without the ongoing work and support of our members, our funders and those in the sector who have tirelessly championed democracy in the UK over many decades.

As a sector our work could not be more crucial than at this very moment. With a General Election on the horizon, this year’s conference presents a timely opportunity for us to reflect, connect and collaborate to bring about the change that we need to see in 2024 and beyond.

The many achievements and accomplishments that we have seen throughout the past year from the incredible people and organisations that make up our sector have been inspiring, yet challenges remain. Only together can we build the democracy that we need.

This conference seeks to be a catalyst for the change we need to see. There is much work to be done and the stakes could not be higher. Throughout this conference, we hope that you will feel hopeful, as we do, that by working together, we can seize the opportunities that the year ahead holds to bring about a democracy that is fit for the 21st century.

Yours sincerely,

Jessie Jacobs and the Democracy Network Team

DAY 1 MORNING PLENARY SESSIONS

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DAY 1: TUESDAY 9TH JANUARY

9:15am - 12:15pm 9:15

C1.15-16

Introducing the Democracy Network Jessie Joe Jacobs introduces the Democracy Network and provides insights into its mission and objectives.

9:30

C1.15-16

Panel discussion: Threats and opportunities to democratic renewal in the UK Panellists Neal Lawson, Akiko Hart, Femi Oluwole, Hannah White, and Neal Lawson, led by Jess Garland, explore the threats and opportunities to democratic renewal in the UK and discuss key challenges and potential pathways for enhancing democracy.

10:30

C1.18 (Pavilion)

Tea / Coffee Break

10:45

C1.18 (Pavilion)

Networking for Democracy Facilitated by Jessie Joe Jacobs

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DAY 1 AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS

DAY 1: TUESDAY 9TH JANUARY

ROUND 1 - 1:00 - 1:55pm C2.05

Where next for democratic education?

Join Hattie Andrews from The Politics Project, along with speakers Matteo Bergamini of SOUK and Liz Moorse of the Association for Citizenship Teaching (ACT), for a conversation about the future of democratic education in the UK. Explore how to enhance citizen education and contribute to achieving democratic goals.

C2.06

Where next for local democracy?

Join Grace Pollard of New Local, Simon Duffy of Citizen Network, Cllr Marianna Masters of Fabian Women’s Network, and Sarah Allan of Involve as they discuss where are the opportunities for renewing local democracy and local government.

C2.08

Amplifying our voice in the media Join NEON’s Head of Communications, Kevin Smith as he gives a 60 minute masterclass on how we can amplify the voices of our movements through the media.

#DNCONF24

DAY 1 AFTERNOON PLENARY SESSIONS

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DAY 1: TUESDAY 9TH JANUARY

2:00 - 3:55pm 2:00

C1.15-16/ Zoom

Panel discussion: Integrity Ben Rich, Daniel Bruce, Jennifer Nadel, Paul Tyler, and Dr. Susan Hawley explore the challenges and opportunities related to maintaining integrity in political and civic processes.

2:50

C1.15-16/ Zoom

Panel discussion: Where now for representation?

Panellists, Helen Pankhurst, Zainab Asunramu, Lee Jasper, and Kamran Mallick, led by Hannah Stevens, discuss challenges and strategies for ensuring diverse and inclusive representation.

3:40

C1.18 (Pavilion)

Tea / Coffee Break

TOGETHER WE CAN

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DAY 1 AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS

DAY 1: TUESDAY 9TH JANUARY

ROUND 2 - 3:55 - 5:00pm C2.05

The role of independent media in a healthy democracy Join Joe Mitchell of Public Interest News and others as they explore the role of independent media in a healthy democracy.

C2.06

Engaging The Missing Millions Join Ellen Berry of JRRT, Mete Coban of My Life My Say, Lara Parizotto of Migrant Demos, James Kaguima of Skate Kabal and Gáibhin McGranaghan of United Response, as they share how they are ‘Engaging the Missing Millions’ with ideas, provocations and shared learning on how we engage more voters in elections.

C2.08

Amplifying our voice online Join Adam Mendum, The Democracy Network’s Communications Lead, to network with others and discuss how we can work together to amplify our voices online.

#DNCONF24

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DEMOCRACY’S GOT

T LENT ROUND 2 - 3:55 - 5:00pm JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF LAUGHTER, FUN AND CONNECTION

Join us for a special evening networking session with buffet, drinks, and ‘Democracy’s Got Talent.’ Whether it’s improv comedy, a musical manifesto, guitar solos or ballot ballet, this is your moment to shine!

C1.15-16 6.00 - 9.00pm

TOGETHER WE CAN

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DAY 2 MORNING PLENARY SESSIONS

DAY 2: TUESDAY 10TH JANUARY

ROUND 1 - 9:15 - 10:10am 9:15

C1.15-16/ Zoom

Introduction and welcome Lara Parizotto, Democracy Network Co-Chair, delivers opening remarks.

9:25

C1.15-16/ Zoom

Keynote: Power outside of Westminster Keynote speech by Cllr Andreas Kirsch, leader of Kingston upon Thames Council

9:45

C1.15-16/ Zoom

Keynote: Where now for democracy?

Shadow Minister for Democracy, Florence Eshalomi MP, addresses the current landscape of democracy and shares insights into the challenges and directions for the future of democracy

#DNCONF24

DAY 2 MORNING WORKSHOPS 10:15 - 11:10am C2.5

Building a movement for PR

The momentum behind Proportional Representation is building. A majority of the public now support it and many believe its introduction could be the single largest transformational change the UK has seen in decades. But there is still stiff resistance and this won’t be overcome without a vocal, well organised national grassroots movement.

This workshop with Tom Brake from Unlock Democracy, Frances Foley (Compass), Alex Gunter (Conservative Action for Electoral Reform), and representatives from Electoral Reform Society, Friends of the Earth, Labour for a New Democracy, and Make Votes Matter, will set out why PR would make a positive impact on people’s lives, how the campaign is developing and how you could be involved.

C2.6

Harnessing the power of communities Join Nick Gardham of Community Organisers in this workshop focusing on collaborative and capacity-building strategies. Discover community engagement strategies and ways to harness the collective power of communities.

C2.8

Fundraising for democracy - how do we do it?

Led by James Robertson, Jessie Joe Jacobs, Mohamed Alfridi, and Ellen Berry, this workshop addresses the challenge of under-resourcing in the democracy sector. Join the conversation on raising new income for the sector and ensuring diverse funding sources.

C2.10 Collaborating for democratic change Discussions with Graham Smith of Westminster University, Sonia Bussu of Birmingham University, George Bolton of Southampton University and Matt Ryan of Southampton University exploring ways academia can contribute to democratic change, foster engagement and collaboration in shaping alternative democratic realities for the 21st century.

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DAY 2 MORNING PLENARY SESSIONS

DAY 2: TUESDAY 10TH JANUARY

ROUND 2 - 11:10am - 1:30pm 11.10

C1.15-16/ Zoom

Keynote: Where now for devolution Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, will consider what sort of devolution should a future government be implementing, and how could Westminster properly devolve power down and out?

11:30

C1.15-16/ Zoom

Panel discussion: Where now for devolution Panel discussion with Jessie Joe Jacobs, Miriam Levin, Henri Murison, and Claire Ainsley, exploring the current status and future prospects of devolution in the UK, featuring insights from key figures in the field.

12:30

C1.18 (Pavilion)

Lunch

#DNCONF24

DAY 2 AFTERNOON PLENARY SESSIONS

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DAY 2: TUESDAY 10TH JANUARY

1:30 - 3:00pm 1:30

C1.15-16/ Zoom

Panel discussion: Democracy and The Nations Panel discussion with Willie Sullivan, Jess Blair, Aoife Clements, and Frances Crook, examining the role of democracy across the Nations of the UK.

2:25

C1.18 (Pavilion)

Tea / Coffee Break

2:40

C1.15-16/ Zoom

Keynote: Lessons from Wales Mick Antoniw MS from the Welsh Government delivers a keynote speech sharing lessons learned and insights from Wales’ democratic journey.

TOGETHER WE CAN

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DAY 2 AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS

DAY 2: TUESDAY 10TH JANUARY

ROUND 1 - 3:00 - 4:00pm C2.5

AI and Democracy - meet the network Join the conversation around the opportunities and threats of AI in creating a stronger democracy with Hannah O’Rourke of Campaign Lab, Edward Saperia of Nesta Civic AI Observatory, Isabella Roberts of ANTIPARTY and Flynn Devine of Collective Intelligence Project.

C2.6

Deliberative movement: converting the Delibwave into a movement Join Irenie Ekkeshis of New Citizenship Project, Rich Wilson of Iswe, and Sarah Castell of Involve for a round table discussion on growing the movement for deliberation, exploring the role of deliberation in democracy and strategies for expanding its influence.

C2.8

Campaign development Join Helen Wishart for an ideas generation and sharing session on how we campaign for a stronger democracy together. This workshop is designed to foster collaboration, active participation, and the exchange of campaign development strategies.

#DNCONF24

DAY 2 AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS AND CLOSE

DAY 2: TUESDAY 10TH JANUARY

ROUND 2 - 4:00 - 5:00pm C1.15-16

Offers and Needs Market What do you need, what can you offer? How can we work together to address the needs in the sector. Session facilitated by James Moulding.

C2.5, C2.6, C2.8

Open Space An open space for you to decide what you want to discuss! Vote on and add suggestions throughout the conference.

CLOSING THOUGHTS - 5:00pm C1.15-16

Closing Thoughts Closing thoughts from open space, workshop leads, and other contributors.

CONFERENCE ENDS

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THANK YOU! A special thank you to the University of Westminster for the kind donation of their space to hold the Democracy Network conference.

The Democracy Network is hosted by Involve, the UK’s public participation charity.

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An additional big thank you to to our funders and supporters, Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust, and The Open Society Foundation who all make the work of The Democracy Network possible