Conversation: Flatpack Democracy with Peter Macfadyen

Legend has it that a group of unimpressed locals met at a pub one evening and concocted a new form of governance. In their view, the main feature of their standing local council was “a lack of ambition.” Years of sticking to 19th Century models of governance—“because that’s just how it’s done”—had created a complacent council doing the least amount within the tightest parameters. That night was the beginning of a quiet revolution in the small UK town of Frome, with 10 of the locals being voted into council as independent members a few months later.

One of those locals was Peter Macfadyen, a humble, mild-mannered Englishman with strong views on why Frome needed a better climate agenda. His passion saw him not only get a seat, but also become the mayor of Frome in that election—an opportunity he seized to re-define what the town’s democratic structures could look like, so that people were actively engaged in the decision-making processes which affected them. In the six years that have followed, the Frome council has remade itself and become relevant to its constituents. The members have brought an aliveness—a sense of justice, wholeness and joy—to the process of governing, prioritising listening and feeling into their interactions with one another, and supporting initiatives like the Community Fridge, which collects surplus food from local shops and restaurants and makes it available to the locals.

In this exciting event with Peter and Small Giants co-founder Berry Liberman, we will hear about his experiences taking over council and helping make Frome a leading example of local prosperity and democracy. Peter will show us that we can create the conditions for our own thriving—we just need to be brave enough to challenge the status quo with kindness and some new ideas.

About Peter Macfadyen:

Peter has worked in areas of social justice for 40 years. A consummate networker, he is constantly looking to find ways of bringing people and organisations together.

Trained as a gardener, he then worked with disabled people and disability rights organisations in Africa and India.  His work with Comic Relief over the last 20 years has focussed on grants assessing and most recently supporting ways to reduce the impact of climate change on poor people.

Back home, he founded Sustainable Frome and is a Director of Frome’s Renewable Energy Co-op. Through these he better understood both the missed opportunities and potential of local government, leading to his role in initiating Independents for Frome (IfF), the group of individuals whose take over of Frome Town Council is the focus of Flatpack Democracy. Peter chaired key committees and served as both mayor and leader of the council.  He did not stand again in May 2019, instead writing Flatpack Democracy 2.0 to complete the legacy of experience sharing.

Recycling, reusing, organic, growing, cooking, grandfathering and bicycling are all central to his activity.  Peter’s wife Annabelle and children Ben and Amy are also all variously engaged in creating a more sustainable future, with the whole family now various involved in Extinction Rebellion especially through their Future Democracy Hub.

About our host, Berry Liberman:

Berry is the co-founder and Creative Director of Small Giants, the Publisher of Dumbo Feather and a mum to the three cutest kids in the world. Berry loves the garden at work. Especially the roses. A few years back, Berry used to write screenplays in LA and directed a few short films but decided to come home, get married to Danny and start Small Giants.

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Concession Rate:

We offer concession rates to support those who are unemployed, studying or working for non-profits and B Corporations. Please check out using the concession ticketing option.

Accessibility:
If you require Auslan Interpretation, please contact us at info@smallgiants.com.au at least 2 weeks prior to the event. We will be very happy to arrange this for you.

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About Small Giants Academy:

Our vision at Small Giants Academy is for a just and inclusive transition to a global economy that supports human flourishing while living in harmony with the natural world.  Through articles, podcasts, conversations and masterclasses that illuminate the work of global thought leaders, Small Giants Academy is leading its communities towards a hopeful future, the Next Economy.