Small villages often hold a big advantage: strong social bonds between residents. When this closeness is channeled into collective life, it can give rise to simple, effective, and inclusive forms of participation. In Mura, a village of only 250 inhabitants, a model of village assemblies has emerged—giving voice to neighbors, fostering shared responsibility, and transforming local governance.

To help other small municipalities implement something similar, we have created “The Village Meeting, Step by Step”, a practical and visual manual designed to inspire and guide the process. It clearly outlines how to organize a participatory meeting—from preparation to follow-up—including formats, communication tools, and key aspects of inclusion and atmosphere.

All you need is a room with chairs, an active WhatsApp group, a will to listen, and some paper. From there, it’s possible to begin building a participatory culture rooted in trust, proximity, and shared decision-making.

This manual is based on the real experience of Mura, with support from *estel and the Barcelona Provincial Council. We hope it becomes a helpful tool for municipalities seeking more transparent and community-centered politics.