What if meaningful participation didn’t require complex technology or big budgets—just a genuine willingness to listen and care for one another? In Mura, a small village of 250 residents nestled in the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac Natural Park, this is not a theory—it’s a living reality embodied in their village assemblies.

This project emerged with a clear intention: to strengthen and structure a practice that was already taking place—local assemblies—into a participatory model that is simple, inclusive, and replicable. Supported by *estel and the Barcelona Provincial Council, the process included months of collective diagnostics, testing new participatory formats, and rethinking the institutional roles in public gatherings.

The new model is based on a clear structure: an informative segment where the municipality updates the public, a debate segment where concrete topics are discussed in open circles or small groups, and a final space for spontaneous contributions. Preparatory communication and clear follow-up summaries are shared through WhatsApp, email, and notice boards. The mayor’s role is to moderate, not dominate—creating space for others to speak and be heard.

The experience has shown that even with limited resources, meaningful and inclusive governance is not only possible, but deeply enriching. The assemblies have become a tool for shared responsibility and grassroots democracy—where neighbors not only express opinions but also build collective visions.

Mura teaches us that governance is not a matter reserved for large cities or digital platforms. It is, above all, a shared mindset. Transparency, mutual trust, and consistent dialogue are the cornerstones of a truly democratic culture.

Building on this experience, we have created a short guide: “The Village Assembly, Step by Step”, a hands-on manual to help other small municipalities put this model into action. You can download it here.

Mura reminds us that local politics can be different: more transparent, more caring, and more rooted in real community life.