People Power 101
What Is a People's Assembly?
Imagine a space where neighbors come together, talk about what's happening in their communities, and decide what they want to do about it. That's the idea behind a People's Assembly. It's about bringing everyday people into the conversations and decisions that shape their lives.
More than a meeting.
A way to build community power.
A People's Assembly is a space where community members come together to discuss shared concerns, develop priorities, and make collective decisions about what to do next.
Unlike a traditional meeting where residents may only have a few minutes to speak, a People's Assembly creates opportunities for people to listen, deliberate, and participate in shaping the direction of their communities.
Assemblies can help neighbors build relationships, identify solutions, organize around shared priorities, and hold institutions accountable.
The goal isn't simply to bring people into a room. It's to create an ongoing process where people can participate in decisions and work together beyond a single gathering.
βThe people closest to the issues should help shape the solutions.β
From conversation to collective action.
01
Listen
We bring neighbors together to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas. Everyone has something to contribute.
02
Discuss
We explore the issues affecting our communities, ask questions, and consider possible solutions. The goal is to understand different perspectives and identify common ground.
03
Decide
Community members identify shared priorities and determine what they want to work on together. The specific decision-making process should be transparent and agreed upon by participants.
04
Organize
We turn collective priorities into next steps. That might include working groups, community projects, public accountability efforts, or future assemblies.
The assembly doesn't end when the meeting ends.
The work continues through relationships, ongoing participation, and collective action.
Not just a seat at the table.
A voice in what happens next.
A Conventional Town Hall
- Often organized around a specific issue or public decision.
- Residents may listen to presentations and ask questions.
- Public officials or organizers typically establish the agenda.
- Participation may be limited to comments or questions.
- Follow-up may depend on the hosting institution.
A People's Assembly
- Centers community participation in identifying issues.
- Creates space for residents to discuss and develop priorities.
- Can establish community-led decision-making processes.
- Encourages ongoing relationships and organizing.
- Connects collective decisions to community action.
Both formats can serve useful purposes. People's Assemblies emphasize an ongoing process of community participation and collective decision-making.
Raleigh is changing. Our communities deserve a voice in what comes next.
Decisions about housing, neighborhood development, public resources, community safety, and youth opportunities affect our everyday lives. But meaningful community participation shouldn't happen only after decisions have already been made.
Raleigh's People's Assembly is an opportunity to bring residents together, understand shared concerns, and develop community-led responses.
We want to build a space where neighbors can connect, participate in shaping priorities, and work together on what happens next.
Featured Discussion Topics
Community safety and resources
Youth opportunities and public spaces
Housing and affordability
Neighborhood development and data centers
Community participation and accountability
These are examples of issues that residents may wish to discuss, not a finalized assembly platform.
You belong in the conversation.
You don't need to be a politician, policy expert, or experienced organizer to participate. Whether you're a student, parent, worker, longtime resident, or someone new to Raleigh, your experiences and ideas matter.
A People's Assembly depends on people showing up, listening to one another, and participating in the work of shaping their communities.
Show Up
Attend an assembly, meet your neighbors, and participate in community conversations.
Speak Up
Share your experiences, ask questions, and help identify the issues that matter to you.
Stay Involved
Help with outreach, organizing, future gatherings, and other opportunities as the assembly develops.
October 3 is a beginning, not the finish line.
Our October 3 gathering is an opportunity to bring people together, hear from our communities, and begin developing a shared understanding of what residents want to see.
But building community power takes more than one event. As Raleigh's People's Assembly develops, residents can help shape how we organize, make decisions, and continue working together.
Gather
Identify Priorities
Develop Next Steps
Stay Connected
Our long-term organizing and decision-making structures are still being developed. We will share more information as the process evolves.
Ready to be part of it?
There are different ways to help build Raleigh's People's Assembly. Find the opportunity that works for you.
Attend the Assembly
Join us for the Southeast Raleigh People's Assembly & Candidate Forum on October 3.
Help Us Canvass
Help spread the word and invite neighbors into the conversation. Sign up to express interest, and we'll follow up to coordinate dates, times, and locations.
Stay Connected
Interested in helping build the assembly beyond October 3? Connect with us to learn about future gatherings and opportunities to participate.
Want to dig deeper?
People's Assemblies have been used in different communities to bring residents together, develop shared priorities, and build collective power. Our approach is informed by organizing traditions and resources that explore community-led governance and participatory decision-making.
People's Assembly Toolkit
Read the Toolkit β