1. Transforming the political system
The unsustainable and undemocratic nature of the present political order becomes clearer with each passing day. Long-cherished freedoms and rights are disappearing while the voices of dissent and opposition are marginalised and suppressed by authoritarian measures.

Increasingly, those with economic power influence and determine the way in which social decisions and policies are made. Transnational corporations, self-interested economies and the financial markets dominate and subvert the political process.

In this dehumanising context, basic social needs, here and abroad, locally and globally, are being undermined, ignored and forgotten. Meanwhile, global wars for self-interest are waged while the ecological crisis intensifies under the impact of uncontrollable market forces.

In its failure to represent people's interests, the existing parliamentary system is creating an atmosphere of exclusion and alienation. Fewer and fewer people are prepared to endorse this charade through the ballot box and there is a widespread public disengagement from politics.

The Campaign for a 21st Century Constitution therefore proposes an initiative that has as its aim the transformation of the present political system along democratic lines.

2. Our goals
We propose the goals of [1] building a new, independent and decentralised democracy, from below, [2] creating an inclusive written constitution that serves to protect and enhance our liberty and embraces the aspirations of the powerless majority. To reach these goals we aim to:  

1. encourage the building of a new, nation-wide democratic tradition from the ground up through, for example, independent Peoples' Assemblies, as a means of transforming the state
2. develop a working coalition of civil rights activists, constitution campaigners and all those interested in decentralisation, self-organisation and complete electoral reform 
3. carry out actions by non-violent means in support of the rights and issues we stand for
4. establish new, non-imperial criteria for Britain's role in European and global politics.
   
5. develop a peoples' constitution that will defend existing rights under attack and create new ones that deepen and extend democracy
   

3. Guiding principles
We advocate a new constitution for a 21st century democracy, moving from a constitutional monarchy to a constitutional democracy. This new constitution should have as its guiding principles:

1. justice, transparency and accountability from those elected by the people to govern
2. a decentralised, participatory and inclusive democracy
3. self-government and management in all spheres of social and political life 
absolute equality before the law
4. an independent, democratically appointed judiciary to uphold the new constitution and the rule of law

4. Draft proposals
The rights set out below, which a new constitution would incorporate, are drawn from a longer list suggested at the first Open Forum. Other proposals can be found at the links given at the end of this text. The choice of classification, wording, and the means to achieve these rights, are all open to debate and consideration by the group. These should be developed by all of us through workshops, education and research.

Human and social rights

1. The right to organise, associate, demonstrate and strike independently of the state
2. The right to a representative electoral process in balance with a new participatory system 
3. The right to set up independent People's Assemblies with decision-making powers and control over resources
4. The right of minority communities to equality in all areas of social life
5. The right to affordable housing for all those in need 
6. The right to free continuing education and training

Economic rights
Environmental rights

1. The right to live in an environment shaped by ecological care and basic human needs
2. The right of nature, including human beings, to exist free from abuse and despoliation.

Indigenous rights

1. The right to hold and use land held in common
2. The right of communities to continuity of culture, traditions and habitat
3. The right to the free movement of people based on 'no borders' principles

You can read the full list of draft rights and find out more information on all of this on the following sites:

    * www.aworldtowin.net
    * www.peopleincommon.org
    * www.peoplesassembly.org.uk

5. How you can become part of the project

1. Take part in actions designed to promote these aims
2. Set up a Peoples' Assembly in your area
3. Participate in future events to help promote the campaign and help fundraise through art, music
4. Help develop a programme of rights and new organisational structure through debate, research, education and workshops
   
5. Help develop agitprop, design and website work
6. Affiliate as an individual or through your organisation to the campaign

No longer can the principles of social justice and sustainability be ignored!
No longer can the voices of opposition be silenced!
Let us establish the freedoms that are rightfully ours!"