Lifehouse Stroud people's assembly: being here, together, is how we create change

A people's assembly for Stroud. Being here, together, is how we create change

Nothing to prepare - just come as you are

Lifehouse Stroud is holding its first people’s assembly and we would love you to join us. 

We are not experts and we are not handing down plans. We are hosts, alongside our hosts at Paganhill Community Centre. Bringing people together from across our community to meet, talk honestly and build new relationships. It starts with a collective conversation about how Stroud can respond to the needs of this time.

We are asking you to join in

We are starting to run a series of people’s assemblies in Stroud. This first one is about how to gather together and connect. We will explore how people feel about Stroud, their connection (or not ) to where they live; share and learn about what works in connecting with our neighbours and building community – honouring the valuable work that is already happening; and understand how assemblies can support this.

We are also looking for facilitators, note takers and general support on the day and for future assemblies.

What to expect on the day

11.00 – 11.30 Time to arrive and settle: a gentle welcome, tea and coffee and a chance to hear from the existing local groups who are hosting the event.

11.30 – 12.15 A “lay of the land” - what this assembly is and how we’ll gather - then small group discussions of about 8 people where each of us has a voice and time and space to share our sense of connection or disconnection, what we love and fear about these times in Stroud

12.15 – 12.30 Break

12.30 - 1.15 Explore people's sense of connection or disconnection with their neighbourhoods

1.15 - 1.45 Lunch

1.45 - 2.30 Share examples of what already helps people connect, including locally in Paganhill Community Centre

2.30 - 2.45 Break

2.45 – 3.30 Coming back together: discuss what assemblies might make possible, how they can support collaboration, action and decision making, what people might want to bring to them

3.30 – 3.50 Gather priorities and agree possible next steps 

3.50 - 4.00 Closing

Can’t make it? You can still be part of this

If you are not available on this date, or if we have reached capacity for this assembly, we would love to stay in touch with you for future events. You’re welcome to get in touch: email Jo at stroud.area.assembly@gmail.com. 

Some of you may be looking for or needing childcare in order to be able to attend; or to bring your child. For future assemblies, particularly an area wide Citizens' Assembly, our funding model includes budget for childcare provision /childcare expenses. We haven't been able to allocate budget for this assembly but you are welcome to get in touch to let us know your needs in case it is possible to accommodate. If you are thinking to bring your child with you, please get in touch at stroud.area.assembly@gmail.com so that we can discuss further - it may or may not be possible depending on age, how many people are asking. etc, as space is limited.  (as a side note, we are looking to include young people aged around 15 upwards in our area wide Citizens' Assembly in the future)

Even this interaction is the beginning of a conversation and a new connection.

Everything starts with hello.

About Lifehouse Stroud

Lifehouse Stroud aims to help build togetherness, resilience and power, across our town, in our neighbourhoods and on our streets. Practical and emotional preparedness, mutual aid, grassroots democracy, and implementation capacity are key - to be able to support our neighbours, make decisions and act together, and to be able to respond when there is a crisis. Central to our vision is a standing assembly for Stroud, connected with a network of neighbourhood assemblies. 

About people’s assemblies

A people’s assembly is a structured and purposeful way of gathering together in the service of building connection and agency: to discuss the issues that matter to us, make informed decisions and seek to bring those decisions to life.

Find out more

lifehousenetwork.earth

lifehousestroud.org.uk