Notwestminster is a free event for everyone who has something positive to say about local democracy and anyone who is up for the challenge of making it better.
Wish that our democracy was in finer fettle? If we want to assemble a stronger local democracy, we all need to work together as citizens to help create it. Notwestminster is about finding the people, ideas and energy we need, so that we can use our skills and experiences for a common purpose. Together we can improve our local democracy.
If you’re up for the challenge, please join us for two days of workshops, quick-fire talks, practical activities, conversations and inspiration in Huddersfield. Notwestminster is a free event and everyone is welcome to take part. All we ask is that you are interested in making our local democracy better, and willing to do something to make it happen.
Citizens Assemble
Our local democracy is a shared endeavour, often a shared frustration, but above all a shared hope. We believe that citizens working together have what we need to create a stronger local democracy.
Notwestminster is a place where everyone who cares about our local democracy can share ideas and ask questions. It’s a safe space where we can grow our understanding by taking things apart and putting them together again. It’s somewhere that all of us can come to solve issues and find solutions.
We’ve always known that it’s the amazing mix of people who take part in Notwestminster that make it special. We also know that there are lots of other ways in which citizens can (and do) assemble to make a difference. If you’re part of something that really works on a local level, if you’ve tested out any method of collaboration, or if you’re just interested in working with others in different ways, please come along and get involved.
We think that our local citizens are the mightiest heroes in our own corner of the Earth. So we aren’t waiting for someone else to fly in and fix our democracy. We are using our own superpowers for civic good and encouraging others to do the same. Everyone who cares about the place where they live has some of those powers.
Workshops & Lightning talks
Our lively workshop sessions, all led by our participants, are at the heart of our main event.
Our main event also includes a series of lightning talks to give you different perspectives on local democracy.
The day will close with an Ideas Bazaar where you can sign up to work on some of the ideas, and drinks whilst you talk with other participants.
Register now
So if you’re up for the challenge, please join us at Notwestminster and bring along your superpowers of knowledge, experience, enthusiasm, openness and the willingness to listen to others and figure things out together.
No superhero suits required.