What is Unify Akron?
A Civic Table That Works
Imagine an Akron where residents don’t just get a few minutes at a microphone. They get a real seat at the table. In partnership with local organizations and a league of community members, Unify Akron builds the tools to solve big civic challenges—together. Guided by proven models from around the world, it brings a representative mix of residents into real problem-solving that builds trust, civic skills, and lasting solutions. This isn’t a one-off forum or town hall. It’s a long-term commitment to doing democracy differently, and Akron is leading the way.
This isn’t just a few minutes at a microphone. This is neighbors solving problems.
Here’s what makes this different:
Decision-Maker Commitment: Leaders and decision-makers agree, from the start, to use recommendations to shape policy or funding decisions.
Truly Representative Participation: Participants are selected through a lottery to reflect Akron’s demographics and are given support like childcare, transportation, and stipends to participate.
Time + Trustworthy Information: Residents engage deeply over weeks with credible resources from different perspectives, and are guided by trained facilitators.
Lasting Local Capacity: Akron-based staff will lead the work, supported by national and global partners. This model builds long-term skills and infrastructure, not just one-time events.
Civic Assemblies have worked to change policy, decrease social isolation, and increase trust across the world.
This isn’t just another engagement event. It’s a long-term solution to better public problem-solving.
What’s a Civic Assembly?
Think of it as a way of tackling big problems by bringing together the People, Process, and Power to make change happen.
People
Civic Assemblies aren’t town halls full of the usual voices. Instead, Akron residents are chosen by lottery so the Assembly reflects our whole city: different ages, races, incomes, and life experiences.
And to make sure everyone can take part, participants get support like stipends, childcare, meals, transportation, and translation.
Process
Participants dive in and hear all sides of the issue, learning from experts and working together to understand the problem they’re trying to solve.
Across multiple weeks, with trained facilitators guiding the way, members of the Assembly will listen, talk it out, and wrestle with the pros and cons of different solutions.
Power
Here’s the key: Civic Assemblies aren’t just talk. From the start, local leaders commit to reviewing the Assembly’s recommendations.
After weeks of deliberating, residents put forward real solutions, share them with the public, and hold leaders accountable for updates and follow-through.