Communities worldwide face growing threats from climate change, like severe storms, crop failures, and unstable weather. These issues hit local people hardest, but often they have little say in the solutions. New programs from People Powered aim to change that by putting community voices at the center of climate decisions through participatory democracy.
People Powered is a global group that helps governments and community organizations include citizens in key choices. They offer training, advice, and funds to build stronger democracy. Since 2020, they have trained over 1,500 people, supported 178 programs in more than 50 countries, and aided climate projects across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and other regions.
Climate Democracy Accelerator (CDA)
The Climate Democracy Accelerator is a six-month program for governments, community groups, and climate workers. It helps them create plans where locals join in climate action. Key topics include renewable energy, farming that restores soil, community-led climate rules, and fair shifts to cleaner systems.
What Participants Get
Selected teams receive hands-on help to build their projects.
- Mentorship: Work one-on-one with experts from People Powered’s network to shape strong plans.
- Training: Join live sessions, workshops, peer groups by country, and talks with global leaders.
- Resources: Use the Participation Playbook, a guide for better citizen involvement.
- Funding: Start with a $10,000 grant. Top five plans get an extra $15,000, for up to $25,000 total.
Main Focus Areas
Projects should center on community input for climate adaptation, clean energy, better farming, stronger local resilience, environmental policies, fair governance, and climate justice.
Who Can Apply
Teams need a link between government and community groups, plus a focus on participation and climate work. Open worldwide, but priority goes to Brazil, Indonesia, India, and Mexico.
Real-World Examples
Past projects show real change. In Nigeria, Fundlink International held a Citizens’ Climate Assembly in Plateau State. It created a climate policy draft, set up a citizen office, and spread to 17 areas. In India, Himad Samiti ran an assembly in the Himalayas that led to council-approved forest plans. Brazilian Amazon groups built solutions using local Indigenous knowledge.
Rising Stars Mentorship Program
This program targets new leaders, groups, and experts in democracy. It offers guidance for starting projects or fixing ongoing ones. Mentors from People Powered’s network provide tailored advice.
Key Benefits
Participants gain practical tools and connections.
- Sessions: Five one-on-one calls with pros.
- Advice: Help to improve processes, solve problems, boost engagement, and build better models.
- Network: Meet democracy workers from around the world.
- Strategy: Get fresh ideas to increase impact.
Success Stories
Past participants launched Citizens’ Assemblies in Georgia, built youth online tools in Berlin, and grew local governance efforts.
Why Join These Programs
These efforts link climate action with stronger democracy. They build community control, boost resilience, add openness, and spark new ideas from citizens. Great for groups wanting funds, skills, partners, and global reach.
How to Apply
Check rules and gather documents. Fill out the online form. Open to community groups, governments, officials, advocates, and climate workers.
Deadline: June 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM UTC. Apply early to beat any glitches.
Apply here: People Powered application
Learn more: Program details
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Climate Democracy Accelerator?
It’s a six-month program by People Powered that helps governments and community groups create climate plans with local input on topics like renewable energy and sustainable farming.
Who can apply for these programs?
Teams linking government and community groups focused on participation and climate work can apply worldwide, with priority for Brazil, Indonesia, India, and Mexico.
What support do participants get?
Selected teams receive mentorship, training, resources like the Participation Playbook, and funding up to $25,000.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close on June 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM UTC, so apply early to avoid issues.
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