Hannah Terry | DemocracyNext

Meet Hannah from DemocracyNext

“Democracy doesn’t only happen in institutions or formal settings. It happens everyday – in your community, in your conversations, in your choices.”

Hannah Terry

Programme Coordinator, DemocracyNext

Why are you a member of the Hub?

When DemocracyNext launched in 2022, they were looking for a space that could support a young, remote-first organisation spread across Europe. The Hub offered more than just desks: it became a home base, a place to host in-person meetings, and connect with others working on democracy and rule of law. Sometimes we forget how much we can engage with right here in The Hague.

What do you like most about your organisation?

Unlike many organisations focused on systemic change, Democracy Next takes a positive, forward-looking approach. We’re building something new, not tearing something down.

Whether it’s helping design citizens’ assemblies in The Gambia, Luxembourg, or Lithuania, or experimenting with democratic practices in museums and workplaces, the goal is clear: shift power, build democratic fitness, and bring politics closer to people.

What challenges do you face in your field of work?

Many democracies are facing real challenges. People often want to go back to what felt comfortable but we need to look forward.

One major hurdle is the belief that citizens can’t handle complex decisions. DemocracyNext works to prove otherwise, creating spaces where people can grow, change their views, and see real outcomes from their participation.

“The more that people exercise their democratic muscles, the more they can participatein the future. Especially if the process is well-designed, and they can see that the outcome is impactful. That’s how we build democratic fitness.”

Democracy is more than elections and should involve everyone

DemocracyNext is committed to inclusive citizens’ assemblies, as they advocate for high quality standards that include sortition, barrier reducing measures like payment. Citizens have ideas and concerns. The more that people exercise their democratic muscles, the more they can participatein the future. Especially if the process is well-designed, and they can see that the outcome is impactful. That’s how we build democratic fitness.

We lack spaces that are created where people are allowed to come in with different views, hear from others with different perspectives, build consensus and evolve from their views. DemocracyNext aims to build those spaces and help people to develop their tools to practice democracy. In the end, democracy doesn’t only happen in institutions or formal settings. It happens everyday – in your community, in your conversations, in your choices.

What do you like most about The Hague?

Growing up in Kentucky (US), I learned about The Hague as a beacon of peace and justice. Now, I live and work in the city I once studied from afar. I love the political buzz, the architecture, and being able to escape to the dunes.

Full circle moment at the Hub

I first joined the Hub as an intern in 2023. Now, I’m back reconnecting with old colleagues like Anniek and Barclay. It’s a full-circle moment.

Key Takeaways from Hannah

1. Lack of Tools & Education – People often don’t have access to the resources or frameworks that help them understand or engage with complex social issue.
2. Inclusive Dialogue Spaces – There’s a scarcity of environments where people can safely express their views and evolve them through conversation.
3. Bridging Divides – Instead of dismissing groups, we should ask how to bring people together focusing on connection rather than correction.
4. Case Study – Ireland’s Gay Marriage Referendum – A great example of how sustained, respectful dialogue can lead to consensus, even on divisive issues.
5. Systemic Barriers – The current systems often don’t invite people in unless they already align with dominant views, which stifles growth and understanding.

Curious to learn more about DemocracyNext? Follow on Substack, LinkedIn, Youtube, Spotfiy or go to their website.

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Humans of the Hub

The Hague Humanity Hub is at the heart of a thriving community dedicated to strengthening peace and justice. That’s what you read on our website, in our newsletter, and on our socials. But who are the individuals behind the organisations? Behind the initiatives, the research, and the actions striving for a more just and peaceful world?

Humans of the Hub takes you beyond the logos and formal titles to introduce you to the passionate people who form this unique community. It’s not just about the projects or institutions, it’s about the humans who dedicate themselves to peace and justice.