We Not Me
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Episode 76 - Putting differences aside to improve local democracy
Show Notes
Local activism and community engagement can lead to significant changes in local politics, but such change doesn’t come easy. A paucity of community engagement, a serious lack of trust, the need for diversity – these and many other issues can become barriers to change. But this week’s guest, Peter Macfadyen, has proven that with perseverance, open communication, and a clear vision for positive change, these challenges can be overcome to create a more effective, participatory and community-driven local government.
Takeaways from Dan and Pia
Three reasons to listen
- To gain insights into the power of local activism and community engagement in driving political change.
- To discover the significance of grassroots movements, citizen empowerment, and challenging traditional political structures.
- To learn about the transformative potential of creating a more democratic and effective local governance system.
Episode highlights
- [00:07:41] British attitudes to death
- [00:13:58] The story of Flatpack Democracy
- [00:27:12] Mistakes made early on in the transition
- [00:31:19] Establishing a lasting change
- [00:37:10] Finding hope amid political division
- [00:43:43] Bringing people together
- [00:48:57] Don't improve the system - build a new one
- [00:50:40] Takeaways from Dan and Pia
Links
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Meet the guests
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Peter Macfadyen (UK) is the author of Flatpack Democracy – a DIY guide to independent politics. He has worked in areas of social justice for 40 years. This has taken him into local politics, co-creating a new relationship between local government and the people as a councillor in Frome. Central to his belief is the need to move from a politics based on fear and confrontation to one of listening, empathy and co-operation. His work and lifestyle see humankind as a small part of the wider ecology and government as the blockage in facing the challenges we need to tackle.
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