A grassroots organization called Maurathúfan (“The Anthill”) is planning a national convention on November 14. Invitations were sent to 1,200 Icelandic residents on Tuesday, randomly chosen from the national registry.
The event’s logo. The slogan reads: “National Convention – a date with the future.”
Additionally, 300 representatives of institutions, associations and other parties of interest have been invited to participate in the national convention, Morgunbladid reports.
“We want to harness the knowledge of the masses and make the conclusions accessible to anyone keen on strengthening Icelandic society,” said actress María Ellingsen, one of the event’s organizers.
At the convention, participants will be divided into small groups and everyone is encouraged to voice their opinions on the situation in society and present their ideas on how to move forward.
“This is a well-known method and after the meeting we should have statistically significant conclusions on what reflects the will of the nation,” explained Bjarni Snaebjörn Jónsson, another of the event’s organizers.
Jónsson said they are especially looking for what values and views unite the nation rather than divide it. “We want to find answers to the question of where we lost our way and what ideas and solutions can help get the Icelandic nation going after the economic collapse last fall.”
According to RÚV, specially trained discussion leaders will be included in every group at the convention.
