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.
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
Reposted by Josh Lerner
I'm laughing my ASS off at the Cuomo commercials telling us he's ready on DAY ONE to make housing affordable in NYC because he is experienced, LMAO!!!! Yes he's experienced at being bought by big real estate & at insuring that you won't be able to afford to live in the city if you're working class.
June 21, 2025 at 9:07 PM
I'm laughing my ASS off at the Cuomo commercials telling us he's ready on DAY ONE to make housing affordable in NYC because he is experienced, LMAO!!!! Yes he's experienced at being bought by big real estate & at insuring that you won't be able to afford to live in the city if you're working class.
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
Join me at the @epd.eu annual conference in Brussels, to reboot democracy!
The EPD Annual Conference is around the corner!
📌 We are not even halfway, but we are already sure about this: 2025 will go into history books!
With funding restrictions and increasing attacks on civil society, democracy support will need to show resilience and adaptability. 🧵
📌 We are not even halfway, but we are already sure about this: 2025 will go into history books!
With funding restrictions and increasing attacks on civil society, democracy support will need to show resilience and adaptability. 🧵
June 7, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Join me at the @epd.eu annual conference in Brussels, to reboot democracy!
Reposted by Josh Lerner
You don't have to push for democracy alone.
Join 200+ global members for learning, funding, and real impact. 🌍 New members this month could win a global feature, and contributions are matched 4-to-1.
Apply now: www.peoplepowered.org/news-content...
#PeoplePowered #ParticipatoryDemocracy
Join 200+ global members for learning, funding, and real impact. 🌍 New members this month could win a global feature, and contributions are matched 4-to-1.
Apply now: www.peoplepowered.org/news-content...
#PeoplePowered #ParticipatoryDemocracy
Grow with the People Powered community: Join us as a member! — People Powered
An awesome network of peers? Check. Expert fundraising support? Double-check. See the rest inside!
www.peoplepowered.org
June 3, 2025 at 12:41 PM
You don't have to push for democracy alone.
Join 200+ global members for learning, funding, and real impact. 🌍 New members this month could win a global feature, and contributions are matched 4-to-1.
Apply now: www.peoplepowered.org/news-content...
#PeoplePowered #ParticipatoryDemocracy
Join 200+ global members for learning, funding, and real impact. 🌍 New members this month could win a global feature, and contributions are matched 4-to-1.
Apply now: www.peoplepowered.org/news-content...
#PeoplePowered #ParticipatoryDemocracy
Some fun news: I’m thrilled to join the Board of Directors of Thrive Philanthropy, a global grantmaker that accelerates just, sustainable, plant-based food systems around the world. Check them out, and let me know if you’re interested in learning more! www.thrivephilanthropy.org
June 3, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Some fun news: I’m thrilled to join the Board of Directors of Thrive Philanthropy, a global grantmaker that accelerates just, sustainable, plant-based food systems around the world. Check them out, and let me know if you’re interested in learning more! www.thrivephilanthropy.org
I’m so thankful to Michael Cross-Barnet for shared Caitlin’s powerful story in this Washington Post article. The trauma is cruel. Sharing it is resistance, and humanity.
You can read it here, not behind a paywall:
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
You can read it here, not behind a paywall:
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
White House officials wanted to put federal workers ‘in trauma.’ It’s working.
Federal workers describe struggling with panic attacks, depression, suicidal thoughts. “Why doesn’t anyone care?”
www.washingtonpost.com
May 22, 2025 at 10:41 AM
I’m so thankful to Michael Cross-Barnet for shared Caitlin’s powerful story in this Washington Post article. The trauma is cruel. Sharing it is resistance, and humanity.
You can read it here, not behind a paywall:
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
You can read it here, not behind a paywall:
www.spokesman.com/stories/2025...
Flying back to the US from Europe. Emptiest flight I’ve been on. I imagine like trains into Germany back in 1934.
May 16, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Flying back to the US from Europe. Emptiest flight I’ve been on. I imagine like trains into Germany back in 1934.