Building Civic Assemblies: A Collaborative Approach in Washington State

Join New America’s Political Reform program on October 16th from 12 pm to 1 pm ET for a panel discussion with leaders from the People’s Economy Lab, Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), and Front and Centered, who are at the forefront of implementing civic assemblies across Washington State. This webinar offers an opportunity to learn firsthand about one of the most promising innovations for engaging residents in participatory and collaborative decision-making across the country.

The civic assembly model in Washington State emerged from the 10-Year Plan to Dismantle Poverty. The plan seeks to enhance economic stability, opportunity, and mobility, with a focus on ensuring that historically marginalized communities have an equal voice in shaping policy, programs, and funding decisions.

Moderated by Michelle Barsa from Omidyar Networks, this panel will feature Faduma Fido, lab leader at People’s Economy Lab, Deric Gruen, Co-Executive Director at Front and Centered, and Lori Pfingst and Lindsay Morgan Tracy at DSHS. They will share their unique experience of what collaboration between state agencies and local organizers looks like as they work together to carry out community assemblies.