Mini Citizen’s Assemblies

Thirty uses a revised Citizen’s Assembly model to amplify the voice of the community. We do this by convening a series of ‘mini citizen’s assemblies’, bringing together thirty people to learn about, discuss, and come up with solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing Northern Ireland.

We begin by recruiting thirty individuals from all walks of life, and we provide them with research materials and guidance on how the assembly will work.

Then, we invite them to a two-day residential focussed on addressing one specific issue, featuring expert speakers to give a balanced, fact-based range of views. We facilitate a democratic process where ideas and solutions are proposed and voted on by the assembly, until we reach an agreed set of recommendations.

Holywell Trust takes the recommendations, and facilitates influencing workshops where the ideas are proposed to policy makers and political representatives.

Series One

  • Legacy "Reconciling the past with a future-focus."

    11–12th March 2023
    Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncranna

  • Education "Towards a system that works for everyone."

    18–19th February 2023
    Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncranna

  • Civic Voice "Good Friday / Belfast Agreement: 25 years on."

    4–5th February 2023
    Stormont Hotel, Belfast

  • Civic Voice "Good Friday / Belfast Agreement: 25 years on."

    21–22nd January 2023
    Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncranna

The Thirty project is supported through the Central Good Relations Fund of The Executive Office.