People Powered: Digitalizing Participatory Democracy

Since 2024, Digidem Lab has been part of People Powered’s global network for participatory democracy. People Powered works internationally to support governments, civil society, and other actors in developing participatory democratic processes, including through digital tools.

As part of this work, Digidem Lab has been commissioned to develop digital platforms based on Decidim, responding to the need for transparent, inclusive, and ethical digitalisation. Digidem Lab has developed plattforms, held administative user training sessions, and technical support for platforms for both CS Fund and Youth Democracy Cohort.

CS Fund

CS Fund is a U.S. foundation that supports initiatives working with environment, justice, and democracy. When they wanted to open up their decision-making process and involve their partner organizations in distributing $500,000 in foundation funding, Digidem Lab was commissioned by People Powered to support the work.

Digidem Lab created a digital platform based on Decidim, adapted to the process and CS Fund’s visual identity. We also provided training on how to use and administer the platform, as well as technical support throughout the entire implementation.

Through the platform, the member organizations were able to develop project proposals, give feedback, and vote on which initiatives should be prioritized for 2026.

Youth Demoracy Cohort

Youth Democracy Cohort is an organisation with a global network working to strengthen young people’s participation in democratic processes. With over 700 member organizations worldwide, it brings together actors from the public sector, civil society, academia, and the private sector around the goal of giving young people a real voice in democracy.

As part of this work, Youth Democracy Cohort recently launched the platform YDC Participates, a digital participatory democracy platform where member organizations themselves help shape the network’s priorities for 2026–2027. Digidem Lab developed the platform based on Decidim, adapting it to Youth Democracy Cohort’s needs and visual identity. We also provided training on how to use and administer the platform, as well as ongoing technical support throughout the entire process.

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Read more about the projects below.