At the core of our mission lies a deep commitment to placing democracy within the reach of every individual.
That’s why we’ve created a secure, free and open source participation platform for ourselves and the world, empowering organisations and communities to connect individuals from diverse locations and time zones. Through our platform, we enable people to engage in meaningful discussions and make collective decisions on matters that directly impact their lives and welfare.
But enough of the fluff – let’s hear from the users!
“Prior to the Citizen OS platform, we had never used online tools for decision-making, so it was a completely new departure for us. Even having MEPs attending board meetings via Skype was quite rare. It was just normal that the commute to attend a two-hour meeting from one city to another would take 2.5 hours each way.Had we not created a way to participate online, approximately half of the delegates would have been left out. This would have been a serious problem for such an important event as choosing the leaders of our party.”
Maris Sild, Social Democratic Party in Estonia
“Most importantly, we hoped it would give us the opportunity to involve as many members as possible in decision-making. Which is exactly what happened! A record number of voters attended this general meeting—more than ever before.”
Kärt Kinnas, the Estonian Resource Management Union (PARE)
We’re not just about providing digital tools. We’re a civic organisation that collaborates with partners worldwide on innovative e-democracy and participation projects. From development programmes for young civic leaders and civic participation courses for universities to training events and the creation of new knowledge – everything we do serves our mission to inspire people to initiate and engage in meaningful discussions that improve our societies.
“In 2020, Indonesia’s democracy index dropped, and several studies highlighted that people’s courage to express their opinions had decreased. I realised that as citizens, we have to be part of creating a space where people can express their opinions, where there is a good and safe discussion culture and where there is no need to fear sanctions or harassment because of expressing a different or more critical opinion.”
Agustina Iskandar Crimbach, Citizen OS Indonesia
How can Europe’s largest industrial union stay connected with its members and improve participation? For Falko Blumenthal of IG Metall, answers began to emerge during a Summer School in Tallinn. Inspired by the training, his team embraced co-creation, and invited early feedback—shifting the union’s culture from rigid structures to more inclusive, flexible participation that fits modern life.
The Citizen OS Foundation celebrated the conclusion of the ten-month development programme for civic society activists across the world. 44 participants were selected to join the ambitious Democracy Defenders Accelerator and 30 young people completed the programme. Read more to learn about the programme and the projects developed by the participants!
