CITIZENS’ ASSEMBLY SCHOOL

RICHMOND, VA

October 21 - 23, 2026

An event poster illustrating Richmond, Virginia, in a minimalistic and colorful style. It features Virginia State Capitol, James' river and Mayo's Bridge

This school is an intensive training and workshop wrapped into one. It’s a two-day course about citizens’ assemblies - a deliberative democratic process increasingly deployed by governments at all levels to solve our toughest problems.

We convene leading experts and diverse case studies to explain the process and provide plenty of time for application and discussion.

We are excited to partner with the City of Richmond to bring this innovative practice to Virginia.

REGISTER NOW

The school will take place over two full days:

Thursday and Friday, October 22 and 23. The mandatory program runs from 9 am to approximately 5 pm both days.

The evening before the school, on Wednesday, October 21, there will be an informal welcome reception.

Program & Resources

DOWNLOAD AGENDA

Subject to change

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Speakers

Portrait picture of Marjan Ehsassi, Executive Director, FIDE North America
Portrait picture of Cole Speidel, Senior Program Manager, FIDE North America

Marjan Ehssasi

Executive Director

Cole Speidel

Senior Program Manager

FIDE North America
FIDE North America
Portrait picture of Dr. Matthews Slaats, Senior Civic Innovation Manager, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer | City of Richmond, VA

Brenda Ritenour

Dr. Matthew Slaats

Kit Anderson

Deputy Director

Morgan Lasher

Chief, U.S. Democracy Leagues 

Civiclex
Unify America

Senior Civic Innovation Manager, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer

Community Engagement Manager

City of Boulder, CO
City of Richmond, VA
Portrait picture of Morgan Lasher, Chief, U.S. Democracy Leagues Unify America
Portrait picture of Kit Anderson, Deputy Director, CivicLex

In partnership with