Josh Lerner
@joshalerner.bsky.social
People Powered co-director, Participatory Budgeting Project founder, #MakingDemocracyFun author. Posts about participatory democracy, vegan eats, dad jokes. he/él
Pinned
Josh Lerner
@joshalerner.bsky.social
· Apr 22
It’s time for a fourth branch of government - The Boston Globe
When politicians fail to solve thorny policy issues, they should put the question to a House of the People.
www.bostonglobe.com
📰 It's time for a fourth branch of government.
In @bostonglobe.com today, Marjan Ehsassi & I call for creating a randomly selected House of the People. Our institutions of democracy are failing. We need to try a new approach. Read how it could work and why this is feasible and strategic even now.
In @bostonglobe.com today, Marjan Ehsassi & I call for creating a randomly selected House of the People. Our institutions of democracy are failing. We need to try a new approach. Read how it could work and why this is feasible and strategic even now.
Come work with me! People Powered is hiring for two positions. Please share with anyone interested in building a more participatory democracy, while working with a fun and growing global community. 🙏🏼
We’re hiring! 🌍⚡
People Powered is recruiting for two remote roles:
• Community Manager (full-time)
• Systems and Data Intern (paid)
Help support participatory democracy and people power worldwide.
Apply by Feb 6: www.peoplepowered.org/news-content...
People Powered is recruiting for two remote roles:
• Community Manager (full-time)
• Systems and Data Intern (paid)
Help support participatory democracy and people power worldwide.
Apply by Feb 6: www.peoplepowered.org/news-content...
Job Openings: Community Manager and Systems and Data Intern — People Powered
We are expanding and aiming to fill two vacancies! Applications open until February 6
www.peoplepowered.org
January 16, 2026 at 1:31 PM
Come work with me! People Powered is hiring for two positions. Please share with anyone interested in building a more participatory democracy, while working with a fun and growing global community. 🙏🏼
Reposted by Josh Lerner
We cannot let this president drag us into more endless wars that risk the lives of American service members and civilians abroad.
The attack last night on Venezuela was unnecessary and unauthorized. The President’s actions are reckless and illegal.
The attack last night on Venezuela was unnecessary and unauthorized. The President’s actions are reckless and illegal.
January 3, 2026 at 2:38 PM
We cannot let this president drag us into more endless wars that risk the lives of American service members and civilians abroad.
The attack last night on Venezuela was unnecessary and unauthorized. The President’s actions are reckless and illegal.
The attack last night on Venezuela was unnecessary and unauthorized. The President’s actions are reckless and illegal.
Reposted by Josh Lerner
Tulsi Gabbard in 2019:
"The United States needs to keep our hands off Venezuela... end these destructive and wasteful regime change wars... proven to cause more problems, increase suffering, increase instability for the people in the countries where we wage these wars. In Latin America especially".
"The United States needs to keep our hands off Venezuela... end these destructive and wasteful regime change wars... proven to cause more problems, increase suffering, increase instability for the people in the countries where we wage these wars. In Latin America especially".
January 3, 2026 at 1:22 PM
Tulsi Gabbard in 2019:
"The United States needs to keep our hands off Venezuela... end these destructive and wasteful regime change wars... proven to cause more problems, increase suffering, increase instability for the people in the countries where we wage these wars. In Latin America especially".
"The United States needs to keep our hands off Venezuela... end these destructive and wasteful regime change wars... proven to cause more problems, increase suffering, increase instability for the people in the countries where we wage these wars. In Latin America especially".
“If Zohran Mamdani is serious about delivering on his promises, he needs more than policies — he needs institutions that empower working people. Popular assemblies offer a way to build a new, bottom-up political culture in New York City.”
jacobin.com/2025/12/mamd...
jacobin.com/2025/12/mamd...
Zohran Needs to Create Popular Assemblies
If Zohran Mamdani is serious about delivering on his promises, he needs more than policies — he needs institutions that empower working people. Popular assemblies offer a way to build a new, bottom-up...
jacobin.com
December 22, 2025 at 6:25 PM
“If Zohran Mamdani is serious about delivering on his promises, he needs more than policies — he needs institutions that empower working people. Popular assemblies offer a way to build a new, bottom-up political culture in New York City.”
jacobin.com/2025/12/mamd...
jacobin.com/2025/12/mamd...
📰 New Strategies for Renewing Democracy
Faced with rising attacks on democracy, the EU has raised a Democracy Shield. But marching into battle with only a shield is a recipe for defeat. To reverse democratic backsliding, we also need new strategies for expanding democracy👇🏼
philea.eu/opinions/bey...
Faced with rising attacks on democracy, the EU has raised a Democracy Shield. But marching into battle with only a shield is a recipe for defeat. To reverse democratic backsliding, we also need new strategies for expanding democracy👇🏼
philea.eu/opinions/bey...
Beyond defence: New strategies for renewing democracy - Philea
Democracy is under attack, but defending the current system of democracy is not enough. To reverse backsliding, we also need to embrace new strategies for renewing and expanding democracy.
philea.eu
December 8, 2025 at 3:29 PM
📰 New Strategies for Renewing Democracy
Faced with rising attacks on democracy, the EU has raised a Democracy Shield. But marching into battle with only a shield is a recipe for defeat. To reverse democratic backsliding, we also need new strategies for expanding democracy👇🏼
philea.eu/opinions/bey...
Faced with rising attacks on democracy, the EU has raised a Democracy Shield. But marching into battle with only a shield is a recipe for defeat. To reverse democratic backsliding, we also need new strategies for expanding democracy👇🏼
philea.eu/opinions/bey...
Reposted by Josh Lerner
Applications are open for our Democratic Innovations Accelerator (DIA)! ⏰
We'll be supporting 40 selected participants working on youth-led participatory programs with free mentoring, training and tools.
Apply by Nov 30: nets4dem.eu/democratic-i...
We'll be supporting 40 selected participants working on youth-led participatory programs with free mentoring, training and tools.
Apply by Nov 30: nets4dem.eu/democratic-i...
November 18, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Applications are open for our Democratic Innovations Accelerator (DIA)! ⏰
We'll be supporting 40 selected participants working on youth-led participatory programs with free mentoring, training and tools.
Apply by Nov 30: nets4dem.eu/democratic-i...
We'll be supporting 40 selected participants working on youth-led participatory programs with free mentoring, training and tools.
Apply by Nov 30: nets4dem.eu/democratic-i...
Congratulations to @celinasu.bsky.social for launching her new book Budget Justice in NYC tonight! Go read it! Lots of insights into #participatorybudgeting and other movements to build public power over public money. ❤️
press.princeton.edu/books/hardco...
press.princeton.edu/books/hardco...
November 13, 2025 at 12:27 AM
Congratulations to @celinasu.bsky.social for launching her new book Budget Justice in NYC tonight! Go read it! Lots of insights into #participatorybudgeting and other movements to build public power over public money. ❤️
press.princeton.edu/books/hardco...
press.princeton.edu/books/hardco...
Reposted by Josh Lerner
I'm shaking almost too hard to type. I entered SLC airport and heard screams and cries for help. I could see people gathered around, watching. I sped over to discover this woman face down on the floor, four grown men pushing her down, while she cried "HELP ME" and pled for her child.
October 29, 2025 at 10:23 PM
I'm shaking almost too hard to type. I entered SLC airport and heard screams and cries for help. I could see people gathered around, watching. I sped over to discover this woman face down on the floor, four grown men pushing her down, while she cried "HELP ME" and pled for her child.
Why don’t Democrats create visual imagery to change the #shutdown story? For example:
1️⃣ Set up a negotiation room with chairs for the key players.
2️⃣ Show up every day.
3️⃣ Take pictures and video, of Democrats literally at the negotiation table, and Republicans absent.
4️⃣ Share & repeat. Be creative!
1️⃣ Set up a negotiation room with chairs for the key players.
2️⃣ Show up every day.
3️⃣ Take pictures and video, of Democrats literally at the negotiation table, and Republicans absent.
4️⃣ Share & repeat. Be creative!
October 30, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Why don’t Democrats create visual imagery to change the #shutdown story? For example:
1️⃣ Set up a negotiation room with chairs for the key players.
2️⃣ Show up every day.
3️⃣ Take pictures and video, of Democrats literally at the negotiation table, and Republicans absent.
4️⃣ Share & repeat. Be creative!
1️⃣ Set up a negotiation room with chairs for the key players.
2️⃣ Show up every day.
3️⃣ Take pictures and video, of Democrats literally at the negotiation table, and Republicans absent.
4️⃣ Share & repeat. Be creative!
This isn’t government efficiency. It’s putting people’s lives at risk, by cutting the essential government services that they rely on.
Affordable Housing Left Vulnerable After Trump Fires Building Inspectors
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development cut its inspection team two weeks after a public housing building partially collapsed in the Bronx.
www.bloomberg.com
October 20, 2025 at 4:39 PM
This isn’t government efficiency. It’s putting people’s lives at risk, by cutting the essential government services that they rely on.
Reposted by Josh Lerner
As democratic practices decay in the United States and elsewhere, the tendency is to defend existing institutions. But building new paths is just as important. Read more from @joshalerner.bsky.social nonprofitquarterly.org/three-emergi...
Three Emerging Strategies for Renewing Democracy - Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly
As democratic practices decay in the United States and elsewhere, the tendency is to defend existing institutions. But building new paths is just as important.
nonprofitquarterly.org
October 16, 2025 at 4:04 PM
As democratic practices decay in the United States and elsewhere, the tendency is to defend existing institutions. But building new paths is just as important. Read more from @joshalerner.bsky.social nonprofitquarterly.org/three-emergi...
New Article Alert: Looking for better ways to defend/protect/promote/renew/expand democracy? In @npquarterly.bsky.social I lift up three of the most promising strategies for renewing democracy from around the world. Try them out!
nonprofitquarterly.org/three-emergi...
nonprofitquarterly.org/three-emergi...
Three Emerging Strategies for Renewing Democracy - Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly
As democratic practices decay in the United States and elsewhere, the tendency is to defend existing institutions. But building new paths is just as important.
nonprofitquarterly.org
October 15, 2025 at 4:11 PM
New Article Alert: Looking for better ways to defend/protect/promote/renew/expand democracy? In @npquarterly.bsky.social I lift up three of the most promising strategies for renewing democracy from around the world. Try them out!
nonprofitquarterly.org/three-emergi...
nonprofitquarterly.org/three-emergi...
The real highlight of #TheLifeofaShowgirl is how it reminded me to listen to #BRAT again. 🙏🏼
October 4, 2025 at 3:50 PM
The real highlight of #TheLifeofaShowgirl is how it reminded me to listen to #BRAT again. 🙏🏼
Reposted by Josh Lerner
Another violent attack by an ICE officer on a civilian at 26 Federal Plaza—this time on a journalist, who had to be carried out on stretcher.
Another attack on the First Amendment, our neighbors, and our democracy.
Another attack on the First Amendment, our neighbors, and our democracy.
September 30, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Another violent attack by an ICE officer on a civilian at 26 Federal Plaza—this time on a journalist, who had to be carried out on stretcher.
Another attack on the First Amendment, our neighbors, and our democracy.
Another attack on the First Amendment, our neighbors, and our democracy.
Reposted by Josh Lerner
I was back at 26 Federal Plaza today, where an ICE agent violently threw this bereft woman to the ground in front of her kids. She had not touched him. She did not pose any threat. She had to be taken to the hospital. (🎥: Elias Eliahu)
September 25, 2025 at 6:03 PM
I was back at 26 Federal Plaza today, where an ICE agent violently threw this bereft woman to the ground in front of her kids. She had not touched him. She did not pose any threat. She had to be taken to the hospital. (🎥: Elias Eliahu)
Reposted by Josh Lerner
From a 2 million-strong online petition in France to new insights on Euroscepticism, crowdlaw and disinformation, there's plenty happening in democratic innovation.
Learn more in the latest Nets4Dem newsletter 👇
bit.ly/47M5eZM
Learn more in the latest Nets4Dem newsletter 👇
bit.ly/47M5eZM
September 16, 2025 at 12:32 PM
From a 2 million-strong online petition in France to new insights on Euroscepticism, crowdlaw and disinformation, there's plenty happening in democratic innovation.
Learn more in the latest Nets4Dem newsletter 👇
bit.ly/47M5eZM
Learn more in the latest Nets4Dem newsletter 👇
bit.ly/47M5eZM
“Democracy is, in the beginning and in the end, a belief that we can live together despite difference and choose the future together.” @anandwrites.bsky.social
🙏🏼
open.substack.com/pub/anandwri...
🙏🏼
open.substack.com/pub/anandwri...
ESSAY: A turning point
On Charlie Kirk, civic contempt, and the endangered idea at democracy's heart
open.substack.com
September 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM
“Democracy is, in the beginning and in the end, a belief that we can live together despite difference and choose the future together.” @anandwrites.bsky.social
🙏🏼
open.substack.com/pub/anandwri...
🙏🏼
open.substack.com/pub/anandwri...
Reposted by Josh Lerner
Deadline extended to July 6!
Apply to the People Powered’s Accelerators & Mentorships for support, resources, and training in participatory democracy and citizenship engagement.
Details: www.peoplepowered.org/news-content...
#Democracy #PeoplePowered
Apply to the People Powered’s Accelerators & Mentorships for support, resources, and training in participatory democracy and citizenship engagement.
Details: www.peoplepowered.org/news-content...
#Democracy #PeoplePowered
[Deadline extended] Apply Now: 3 ways to strengthen your participatory program — People Powered
Two new accelerators and one mentorship program to help you engage community members in participatory decision-making, boost the participation of traditionally marginalized groups, and mainstream high...
www.peoplepowered.org
June 24, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Deadline extended to July 6!
Apply to the People Powered’s Accelerators & Mentorships for support, resources, and training in participatory democracy and citizenship engagement.
Details: www.peoplepowered.org/news-content...
#Democracy #PeoplePowered
Apply to the People Powered’s Accelerators & Mentorships for support, resources, and training in participatory democracy and citizenship engagement.
Details: www.peoplepowered.org/news-content...
#Democracy #PeoplePowered
This is an illegal war of aggression. There is no direct threat, no provocation, no need, and no Congressional approval. The only people this serves are the autocrats trying to cling to power.
June 22, 2025 at 1:52 AM
This is an illegal war of aggression. There is no direct threat, no provocation, no need, and no Congressional approval. The only people this serves are the autocrats trying to cling to power.
Yes! When urban planners learn from organizers they get more done.
@nextcity.org
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
@nextcity.org
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
What Urban Planners and Designers Can Learn From Political Organizers
Op-ed: Urban planners and designers still have a chance to create transformative public projects – if we can learn the politics of making projects happen.
nextcity.org
June 13, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Yes! When urban planners learn from organizers they get more done.
@nextcity.org
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
@nextcity.org
nextcity.org/urbanist-new...
Like for the mayoral election, I can’t believe some of these options made it to the ranked choice bagel ballot! Come on NYC, we can do better. #TeamEverything
www.wnyc.org/bagelvote
www.wnyc.org/bagelvote
We want YOU to vote for NYC's most iconic bagel! | WNYC | New York Public Radio, Podcasts, Live Streaming Radio, News
The democratic primary for New York City mayor is June 24th. This will be the city's second citywide ranked-choice-voting election. If you’re still having trouble understanding exactl...
www.wnyc.org
June 11, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Like for the mayoral election, I can’t believe some of these options made it to the ranked choice bagel ballot! Come on NYC, we can do better. #TeamEverything
www.wnyc.org/bagelvote
www.wnyc.org/bagelvote
Reposted by Josh Lerner
Globally, communities are facing urgent challenges, and participatory democracy is delivering solutions.
So far, we've helped launch or improve 85 participatory programs, supported 1,100 democracy champions + more!
See how we’re building a more inclusive future: www.peoplepowered.org/our-impact
So far, we've helped launch or improve 85 participatory programs, supported 1,100 democracy champions + more!
See how we’re building a more inclusive future: www.peoplepowered.org/our-impact
Our Impact — People Powered
Learn how we solve global challenges by supporting participatory democracy around the world
www.peoplepowered.org
June 9, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Globally, communities are facing urgent challenges, and participatory democracy is delivering solutions.
So far, we've helped launch or improve 85 participatory programs, supported 1,100 democracy champions + more!
See how we’re building a more inclusive future: www.peoplepowered.org/our-impact
So far, we've helped launch or improve 85 participatory programs, supported 1,100 democracy champions + more!
See how we’re building a more inclusive future: www.peoplepowered.org/our-impact