FLATPACK DEMOCRACY >>> sharing a vision of how we can change the status quo >>> Exeter Tues 25th October

There is a lot going on when it comes to challenging both the 'politics as usual' and the 'planning as usual' scenarios:
Futures Forum: Community Voice on Planning: National Conference report >>> exploring the mess that is the current planning system
Futures Forum: 'Let's really take control' >>> The New Economics Foundation launches campaign

Next week, the author of Flatpack Democracy and founder of Independents for Frome - as well as a considerable panel of distinguished commentators and activists in the field - will be in Exeter:


“FLATPACK DEMOCRACY” TALK IN EXETER

“Many politicians are making decisions to meet their own needs or those of their Party, not the needs of the people they serve”.

Tuesday 25th October 2016, 7.30pm | Exeter, Exeter Castle

This is the opinion of the author of Flatpack Democracy and founder of Independents for Frome, Peter Macfadyen. And he’ll be sharing his vision at the first ever 38 Degrees Live event.

The evening at Exeter Castle will be hosted by award-winning presenter and comedian, Charlie Partridge. It’s free to attend and there’s a cash bar available.

Tickets via Eventbrite

“Flatpack Democracy” talk in Exeter | East Devon Watch

Here's more info on the event:

Flatpack Democracy “Many politicians are making decisions to meet their own needs or those of their Party, not the needs of the people they serve”. This is the opinion of the author of Flatpack Democracy and founder of Independents for Frome, Peter Macfadyen. And he’ll be sharing his vision at the first ever 38 Degrees Live event. The program will begin with a "Big Idea" talk by Peter Macfadyen + Q&A, followed by a moderated 60 minute panel discussion and a spoken word performance to close. We’ll journey into how we can change the status quo and share views on how to progress - here's the list of panelists: • Satish Kumar, Co-founder of the Schumacher College and Editor of 'Resurgence & Ecologist' magazine • Lynne Franks, PR guru & Founder of SEED (Sustainable Enterprise and Empowerment Dynamics) • Katie French, Political Correspondent at the 'Express & Echo' • Dr Dana Wilson-Kovacs, Professor of Sociology at Exeter University • Steph Chivers, addiction coach and Founder of ichange21 Flatpack Democracy Independents for Frome (IfF) was created to support a group of individuals to stand and get elected to Frome Town Council in 2011. Ten of the seventeen who stood were elected. This gave IfF an outright majority on the council that allowed a raft of ambitious ideas to be implemented much of which is described in Flatpack Democracy. Independents for Frome had 27 people wishing to stand in 2011 and selected 17 all of whom were elected – with every seat heavily contested. They have now embarked on an even more ambitious programme for Frome. One of the keys to their success is that the group operate a ‘Way of Working’ . This enables them to make decisions in the best interest of Frome, while not emulating the Party Political system that they feel is counter-productive at Parish/Town level. More details of the Way of Working and other aspects of their success can be found in our book Flatpack Democracy. By operating broadly as normal people do in normal everyday life, they have taken the opportunities presented by Localism whilst looking for ways to change, for the better, the relationships between people and those they elect. Peter Macfadyen Peter has worked in areas of social justice for 35 years. A consummate networker, he is constantly looking to find ways of bringing people and organisations together. Trained as a gardener, he then worked with disabled people and disability rights organisations in Africa and India. His work with Comic Relief over the last 20 years has focussed on grants assessing and most recently supporting ways to reduce the impact of climate change on poor people. Back home, he founded Sustainable Frome and is a Director of Frome’s new Renewable Energy Co-op. Peter served as Mayor of Frome from 2014/15 and gave mayordom some new things to think about in an effort to break down barriers between officialdom and the people. He then spent a slightly frustrating year as Leader of the Council before focusing energy on widening the reach of independent thought – speaking widely to groups of potential revolutionaries – and the work of the Town matters committee which focuses on the community. You can visit IfF’s website by clicking here and the new Indie Towns website (an independent group of people wanting to promote Independent Politics) by clicking here. Peter’s view on Independent Democracy are well captured here. Read more...

Flatpack Democracy « East Devon Alliance

See also:
Futures Forum: Flatpack Democracy: 'Vote for Chaos'
Futures Forum: Neighbourhood planning @ Frome Town Council >>>
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