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From Frenzied Flyers to Forgotten Faces: Reimagining Political Volunteering in the UK

The UK is witnessing another election frenzy. Thousands of volunteers, the unsung heroes of democracy, have braved the elements to spread leaflets, championed causes on social media, and tirelessly knocked on doors. But what happens after the dust settles on Friday morning?

The Disappearing Act: Sadly, much of this volunteer activity grinds to a halt. Politicians return to Westminster, often neglecting the very people who put them in power. The vital dialogue between citizens and elected officials dwindles, replaced by the next campaign cycle's frantic scramble for votes.

A Fragile Democracy: This vanishing act is a disservice to our democracy. Imagine a thriving conversation, not a fleeting one-night stand. Volunteers could be the bridge, fostering ongoing engagement between voters and their representatives. This two-way street would help ensure policies reflect the needs of the people they serve.

Beyond the Doorstep: The UK's centralised government system leaves little space for true citizen involvement. But don't we need the collective brainpower of our entire populace to tackle complex challenges? Wouldn't citizen assemblies, involving people from all walks of life, be more effective than relying on a select political class? Imagine volunteers facilitating these assemblies, fostering evidence-based solutions and bridging divides.

A Call to Action: Let's celebrate our election volunteers, but let this not be a fleeting moment. We need a fundamental shift: from a system that mostly deploys volunteers during elections to one that empowers them to be year-round champions of democracy. Citizen assemblies, ongoing dialogue with elected officials, and a more decentralised system – these are the possibilities that a reimagined political volunteering landscape holds. Let's harness the power of our volunteers, not just for fleeting campaigns, but for a more robust and engaged democracy.

In the meantime everyone be sure to Get out and exercise your vote this Thursday!

Chris Wade, 1st July 2024

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