Politicians and people must come together to solve the biggest issues of our time. But how do we facilitate productive relationships in an environment of cynicism, distrust and polarization? In this episode, we talk with Secretary of Citizen Participation in Nuevo León (Mexico) Ximena Peredo about strategies to mainstream participation and creating public policy. As a former activist and columnist, she’s passionate about bridging the gap between citizens and government through innovative initiatives such as participatory budgeting in schools, a network of peace agents, and community mediation centers. This episode was recorded at the Athens Democracy Forum in September 2023, where Ximena was named as one of the ‘Democratic Innovators of the 21st Century’ by the Apolitical Foundation and the Democracy & Culture Foundation. Check out our Democratic Innovators of the 21st Century list to find out who else was recognized! Reach us on Twitter (@apoliticalfound), LinkedIn (Apolitical Foundation), Instagram (@apoliticalfoundation) and Facebook (@apoliticalfoundation) or email via [email protected]. Sign up to our weekly briefing for inspiration to help you build better politics: bit.ly/3NlIWSt