Dave Meslin

Dave Meslin is multi-partisan and fiercely optimistic. His presentations focus on overcoming cynicism and creating a culture of participation. His unassuming presence, creativity and sense of humour keep audiences enthralled. Most importantly, Meslin encourages those present to find what matters to them and engage in promoting change through creative participation.

The Toronto Star has described him as a “mad scientist,” “a start-up genius,” and “a peripatetic public convener.” The Globe and Mail, meanwhile, simply calls him a “persuasive rabble-rouser.” He dances between mainstream politics and grassroots activism, and in doing so finds positive ways to bring them together and turn energy into action.

He authored Teardown: Rebuilding Democracy from the Ground Up. His TED talk, “The Antidote to Apathy,” has over 1.7 million views and translations into 37 languages. In addition, a CBC appearance involving towers of colourful LEGO drew 2.5 million views on Facebook. Most recently, he hosted the TV series Unrigged, guiding viewers through the barriers and blind spots of modern democracy and spotlighting practical solutions for a broken system.

He also launched the inaugural Ontario Municipal Democracy Index, measuring voter turnout, gender balance, BIPOC representation and UX design.

Beyond that, Meslin’s non-profit start-ups include the Toronto Public Space Committee, the Ranked Ballot Initiative of Toronto, City Idol, Spacing Magazine, Unlock Democracy Canada, the Downtown De-Fence Project, Dazzling Notice Awards, and DandyHorse Magazine. While he feels most comfortable with small grassroots non-profits, he has also donned a suit and tie as an Executive Assistant at City Hall and Queen’s Park.