The difference between Citizens', Community, and Peoples Assemblies

People’s, community, and citizens' assemblies allow people to have an informed and honest conversation, and express their opinions in an organised structured way. They are forms of deliberative democracy used to make recommendations. These assemblies vary in length, complexity, and cost, according to whether the decision affects a few people taking part in a small activity, or the population of an entire country.

Citizens' Assemblies

Many governments around the world use citizens’ assemblies to make difficult and long-term decisions. In a UK-wide citizens’ assembly, people will be chosen randomly, like a jury, to represent all of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England. They will spend several weekends learning about and discussing the issue, before making fair recommendations to the government. A citizens’ assembly is run by an independant specialist organisation.

Find out more about Citizens' Assemblies here

Citizens' Juries

A Citizens' Jury is a group of around 12 to 24 people from all walks of life, brought together to have an honest conversation & find common ground on an issue that matters. Those involved reflect the wider population in terms of demographics & relevant attitudes. They are particularly effective on value-laden and controversial questions, where knowledge is contested and there might be important ethical and social repercussions. The process generally takes between 2 and 7 days.

Find out more about citizens' juries here.

Community Assemblies

In a community assembly, members of the community and other interested parties such as business people and local councillors in a town or neighbourhood discuss a locally important issue. If the issue is water pollution, there are likely to be speakers from the water company, an environmental group and people affected. During an afternoon or evening, participants discuss and make recommendations which inform and put pressure on local politicians and create community connections. People and the media begin to understand deliberative processes, and that helps support our campaign for a UK wide citizens' assembly.

Find out more about community assemblies here.

People's Assemblies

A people’s assembly is on a very small scale. Perhaps a group of activists must decide whether to continue or change their protest. They hold a people’s assembly for everyone to discuss the pros and cons and make a joint decision. This takes 30 to 45 minutes.

You might take part in a people's assembly when you join an XR activity or meeting.