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

In a time of crisis, we need everyone 

We can all feel the crises. For many people this is all they have ever known, and for many others, crisis is increasingly on the horizon. The cost of living is rising, services are breaking down, international wars are impacting food supplies, and there are increasing threats, like the prolonged and extreme heat this summer, from climate breakdown.

This is not something to be 'fixed' individually. And we have power.

We can turn up for each other, right here, right now and start building the connection, agency and togetherness we need to bring about change; and at the scale necessary for ourselves, our neighbours and our town.

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. Bringing people from different communities and walks of life together 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 asking for people from across Stroud to join in. It is not what you know that matters, but that you want to be present and make connections. What you care about, what you want to see change is part of the foundations of a community: sharing what we love, what we fear and what we want to do, so we can create and demand change. This event is a beginning and we hope you will join us and bring your voice and your perspectives into the conversations.  

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 – 1.00 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 what we love and fear about these times in Stroud.

1.00 – 1.45 Lunch, provided.

1.45 – 3.00 Coming back together: identifying common themes and establishing some sense of priorities which we will take into a follow up assembly for a deeper dive into how to make change happen

3.00 – 4.00 Next steps and time to say farewell till next time.

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. 

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

Everything starts with hello.

About Lifehouse Stroud

We are a grassroots organisation building community resilience and seeding transformation as we navigate ecological and social breakdown. We are reclaiming our power through practical, social and emotional preparedness, mutual aid networks, and grassroots democracy where everyone has a voice. Central to our vision for Stroud is a standing Citizens’ Assembly and Implementation Network in dialogue with a network of local people’s 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