An invitation!
People Power & Community Democracy
Saturday, November 28th, 10:30-13:00 (online)
Dear Waltham Forest resident or community group member,
Our last People’s Assembly on 31st October had been prompted by the start of the consultation period for the Local Plan, Waltham Forest Council’s planning framework for the next 15 years. We discussed the question of "How can local citizens and groups work together strategically to make sure that the Local Plan is informed by and reflects their interests and vision?". We heard from various local groups that run campaigns to change or stop the building developments on certain sites included in the plan. The discussions that followed made two things very obvious: For one, a large part of the local public is not aware of the Local Plan and what it means for the borough. The second point is that the plan was drawn up before the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about major changes in our lives that require a re-consideration of the Plan. As the public is only given until 14 December to engage with and comment on this very complex document we would like to dedicate this next assembly also to the Local Plan and to the question:
“How do we show the Waltham Forest Council
that a Pause to the Local Plan is right and necessary?”
We think asking the Council for a pause will give more people a chance to express their views on the plan and contribute to a vision of Waltham Forest that works for us all.
Adrian Stannard from the Waltham Forest Civic Society will give us a briefing on the Local Plan and how we can best convey your views on and ideas about the Local Plan to the council. You can find one of Adrian’s informative presentations, “Planning for Whom?” at the bottom of this webpage.
Find more information about People’s Assemblies, sign-up details, and information about up-coming related events further below.
We are looking forward to addressing this important issue together with you in a lively and constructive discussion.
With kind regards,
Waltham Forest People’s Assembly
How to sign up:
Please use this form to sign up and to let us know whether you would like to provide a short, ca. 5-minute, presentation on your local group or campaign. We will send a link to the online event to people who’ve signed up with this form.
If you have any questions or would like to help organise the assembly please feel free to contact us if you have any questions: walthamforestpeople@
You can also find us on Facebook: here
Please spread the word:
This will be an inclusive and diverse assembly representing as many residents and groups as possible. Please circulate this invitation as widely as possible. You find the Facebook event here.
Other Related Events
We would like to draw your attention to the following events and information:
Waltham Forest Council Local Plan Public Engagement Events
During the consultation period Waltham Forest Council offers the following events to find out more and give feedback about the Local Plan. The discussion during the People’s Assembly should provide attendants with facts and ideas to use these meetings effectively.
For questions regarding the plan you can contact Jessica Cargill Thompson, Community Engagement Officer, Waltham Forest Council / E jessica.cargill-thompson@
Virtual event focusing on North Waltham Forest
Tuesday 24 November 2020, 7pm to 8.30pm
Virtual event focusing on South Waltham Forest
Wednesday 25 November 2020, 7pm to 8.30pm
Virtual event focusing on Central Waltham Forest
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Tuesday, 24 November, 7.30pm
Meeting of the New Whipps Cross Hospital Sustainability Group,
As design for the new Whipps Cross Hospital is taking shape, the group campaigns to ensure it is the best our generation can give to the future, for our communities and for our planet, and to inspire our whole community towards sustainability. Speakers at the forefront of their fields will discuss how a building’s design, and access to green space affects our wellbeing.
PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY TRAINING
Would you like to learn how to facilitate a People’s Assembly? If so, there will be a free, 2 hour online training on Monday 23rd Nov 6-8pm, and Thursday 26th Nov 10am-12pm. Please use this link to register. There are other dates and times on this link for different sessions which also are worth looking at if you’d like to learn more community organising skills.
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What is a People’s Assembly?
A People’s Assembly is a democratic process of allowing the wisdom and good judgement of a group of people to be listened to and acted on. It is a well-established method of discussion and decision making which gives everyone present an equal voice.
People’s Assemblies have a long and successful history. Originating in the Global South, they were at the heart of several revolutionary movements in Latin American and Africa. From Rojava in northern Syria to Spain and Senegal, people are using assemblies to govern themselves. Locally, assemblies are happening in Hackney and Haringey as part of the Black Lives Matter movement.
How does it work?
First, the local community is invited to participate in the assembly (see ‘how can I be involved?’) This is your invitation!
The assembly process:
Stage 1:
A diverse range of people (local citizens, experts, etc.) provide ‘input’ through testimonies and/or presentations.
Stage 2:
The assembly then splits off into smaller groups to discuss and deliberate.
Stage 3:
The groups reconvene to share the outcomes of their deliberation.
Stage 4:
Participants shape these results into action points, including whom to work with to implement the outcomes.
All stages of the assembly are facilitated in order to ensure equality of voice and adherence to basic ground rules during discussions.
How can I be involved? Choose one or more!
You can participate in the assembly! You will listen to the speakers, deliberate in your group and contribute to the outcome of the assembly.
You can volunteer to provide input as part of Stage 1.
You can spread the word about this assembly! The more people we reach, the more representative and democratic the process will be. Share here!
Who are we?
The first people’s assembly was initiated by members of Extinction Rebellion Waltham Forest, a global grassroots movement that wants to see meaningful action being taken on the Climate and Ecological Emergency. But the questions for the second People’s Assembly arose from the discussion among a wide range of members of the local community. The decision to dedicate the next assembly to the Local Plan is both a continuation of previous discussions and a response to an urgent local issue. We welcome everyone who would like to help with organising these assemblies.
Our Vision
We want to create regular, functioning People's Assemblies to create a space for all members of our community to have an equal voice, to express their opinions freely and to be heard without being judged or hampered by bias. It will be a principle of the Assemblies that they are conducted in a fair manner, taking into account that we all speak from different circumstances, yet share the aim to work for our common good.
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