People Powered: Digitalizing Participatory Democracy
People Powered commissions Digidem Lab to support global organizations in the digitalization of participatory democratic processes.
Since 2024, Digidem Lab has been part of People Powered’s global network for participatory democracy. People Powered is an international organization that supports actors around the world, from civil society and the public sector to research institutions, in developing, implementing, and scaling participatory democratic processes. Through method development, knowledge exchange, and practical support, they work to make democratic participation more inclusive, transparent, and action-oriented.
A central part of People Powered’s work is promoting digital solutions that enable broader and more equitable participation processes. Here, Digidem Lab plays a key role as a technical and methodological partner, responsible for developing and adapting digital platforms based on Decidim. The work includes design and technical development, training, process support, and ongoing technical assistance.
CS Fund
One of the commissions from People Powered was a collaboration with CS Fund, a U.S.-based foundation that supports initiatives in environmental protection, justice, and democracy. The organization decided to open up its decision-making process and involve its partner organizations in the allocation of 500,000 dollars in grant funding. Since the partner organizations are geographically spread out, they chose to carry out the process digitally.
Through People Powered, CS Fund connected with Digidem Lab, which was commissioned to develop and implement the digital solution. Digidem Lab created a platform based on Decidim, adapted to the structure of the process and CS Fund’s visual identity. In addition to technical development, Digidem Lab was responsible for trainings on how to use and administer the platform, as well as providing ongoing technical support throughout the entire process.
Through the platform, CS Fund’s partner organizations were able to develop project proposals, provide feedback, and vote on which initiatives should be prioritized in the allocation of 500,000 dollars in funding in 2026.
Youth Democracy Cohort
Another commission from People Powered was carried out in collaboration with the Youth Democracy Cohort, a global network of over 700 member organizations working to strengthen youth participation in democratic processes. The Youth Democracy Cohort requested support to develop a platform to carry out digital participatory democratic processes.
Together with the Youth Democracy Cohort, Digidem Lab developed the platform YDC Participates, where member organizations are given the opportunity to shape the network’s priorities for 2026–2027. The platform has been adapted to the network’s needs and visual identity and enables an inclusive process where actors from different sectors and regions of the world can contribute proposals, provide feedback, and participate in decision-making. Digidem Lab’s role included development, training, and ongoing technical support
Through its collaboration with People Powered and these commissions, Digidem Lab contributes to putting participatory democratic principles into practice through digital solutions that make it possible for more people to participate in and influence decision-making at a global level.
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