by Irene Alonso Toucido
What is an Odyssey?
An odyssey is more than just a journey—it’s a transformative quest filled with challenges, discoveries, and moments of profound growth. Originating from Homer’s epic tale of Odysseus navigating his way back to Ithaca, the term encapsulates perseverance, adaptability, and the pursuit of a destination worth striving for. In our modern context, an odyssey represents the collective journey of humanity as we seek to address pressing challenges and create a better future.
But what if we turned “odyssey” into a verb? To “odyssey” might mean to explore uncharted paths, embrace the unknown, and reimagine the way we connect and solve problems. At the same time, we must re-appropriate the concept of the odyssey itself. Homer’s tale, as foundational as it is, reflects a patriarchal worldview that centers on dominance, conquest, and one man’s heroic perspective. Today, to “odyssey” must mean something more inclusive—a journey defined not by individual triumph but by collective exploration, equity, and shared growth. By reclaiming the term, we transform it into a metaphor for collaboration and the pursuit of justice, ensuring it reflects the values of equality and diversity we strive for.
Why is Democracy in Odyssey?
If democracy could “odyssey,” it would signify its ongoing evolution. Democracies worldwide are facing unprecedented challenges: polarizing politics, environmental crises, economic inequities, and the erosion of public trust. Yet, this is not the end of democracy—it is a call to action, an invitation to journey together toward renewal.
Democracy in odyssey means striving to rediscover its core values: participation, fairness, and inclusion. It means embracing new tools and methods that empower citizens to actively shape decisions that affect their lives. Just as an odyssey demands perseverance and adaptability, so too must democracy evolve, guided by the principle that every voice matters and that our collective journey is stronger when it reflects the diversity and interconnectedness of all its participants.
What Does the Democratic Odyssey Bring?
The Democratic Odyssey is a crowdsourced, decentralized, and collaborative campaign dedicated to developing a concept and strategy for institutionalizing a permanent people’s assembly and a participatory ecosystem within the European Union. Inspired by the ancient Greek assemblies where (so-called) citizens deliberated, decided, and held power collectively, this modern initiative reimagines that model for the 21st century.
At its core, the Democratic Odyssey is about breaking down hierarchies and fostering a space where participation is equal and accessible to all. It seeks to harness the collective intelligence of diverse groups, empowering citizens to co-create solutions to shared challenges. While addressing global crises, the initiative remains deeply rooted in local realities, ensuring that transnational issues are tackled with sensitivity to regional needs.
A central pillar of the Odyssey is its commitment to inclusion, amplifying the voices of those who have historically been left out of decision-making processes. It is also a space for exploration, where innovative practices and creative approaches are embraced, even in the face of uncertainty. Through this process, the project builds a shared sense of purpose and enables citizens to take ownership of the democratic future they wish to see.
By blending these elements, the Democratic Odyssey lays the groundwork for a new model of democracy—one that is participatory, resilient, and responsive to the needs of all.
What Has Happened So Far?
The Democratic Odyssey began with a clear mission: to bring people together across borders and create a space for collective deliberation. The first assembly was held in Athens, the birthplace of democracy, where participants explored the theme of crisis management. Citizens, civil society organizations, and observers came together to tackle the question:
• What needs to change for Europe to weather future storms? And how can we, the people, help better steer the ship?
The Athens Assembly combined dialogue, artistic expression, and collaborative problem-solving to produce a shared vision of Europe’s potential. This gathering marked the first step in building a framework for transnational deliberation, setting the stage for future assemblies.
What Comes Next?
The journey continues with an online gathering on November 26th, 2024, where participants will reflect on the outcomes of Athens and prepare for the next assembly in Florence in February 2025. This is an opportunity to refine ideas, strengthen connections, and ensure the project remains rooted in the principles of inclusion and collective intelligence.
Future assemblies will delve deeper into pressing issues, with stops in Florence and Vienna planned for 2025. Each step brings us closer to building a sustainable, participatory framework for a People’s Assembly for Europe—a model of democracy that is transnational, inclusive, and responsive.
An Invitation to Odyssey Together
The Democratic Odyssey is not just a project; it is a call to action. It invites us all to embark on a journey toward a democracy that works for everyone, across borders and beyond barriers.
This odyssey is about reclaiming ownership, embracing diversity, and building a future where every voice matters. Will you join us on this transformative journey?
BIO
Irene Alonso Toucido is the project manager of the Democratic Odyssey, a collaborative and decentralized initiative aiming at institutionalizing a peoples’ assembly and participatory ecosystem in Europe. As a sociologist, Irene has a profound professional and personal interest in the commons, citizen participation and ecofeminism. She is particularly fascinated by the connections between degrowth, community and ancestral wisdoms. Of nomadic nature, Irene’s work is driven by a commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable societies. She has contributed to numerous projects and international forums, advocating for policies that empower communities.