The Democratic Society works towards a more and better democracy, creating opportunities for people to become involved in the decisions that shape their lives and for them to have the skills to do so effectively. The Democratic Society works with governments, parliaments and any organisation that wants to involve citizens in decision making to be transparent, open and welcoming of participation. We have extensive experience and expertise in stakeholder participation and engagement, which we bring to all of our projects, ranging from our work on engaging citizens in decisions around climate action to exploring how citizens can have a greater voice in constructing a firmer democratic and institutional foundation across Europe.
Key personnel
Anthony Zacharzewski – President founded the Democratic Society in 2006, and since 2010 he has led practical democracy projects and research from village councils to the European Commission. Recent and current project partners include the European Commission, the Open Society Foundations, the Scottish Government, the Serbian government, the Council of Europe, and the UK’s Health Foundation. He is involved in numerous European networks including the Club of Venice, SEECOM, and the World Forum for Democracy’s Democracy Incubator. From 1996 to 2010, he worked for the UK’s Treasury, Cabinet Office, and Department of Health, and led the strategy function for the city of Brighton & Hove.
Nadja Nickel, Country Lead Germany, and Project Manager PaCE, The Democratic Society
Kelly McBride – European Network Manager Kelly leads the office of The Democratic Society in Brussels and is working on projects to develop participatory and deliberative democracy across Europe. Kelly has a decade’s experience designing and facilitating participatory and deliberative events and processes, working at all levels across governments and institutions, public bodies, and communities. She brings additional experience of leading community and non-formal education projects and working with young people. Academic interests include learning for democracy and futures education.
Elizabeth Wiltshire, European Programme Officer, The Democratic Society
For more information about the Democratic Society, please visit their website.