Technology plays an increased role in the way citizens respond to community emergencies and, in some cases, fight back against crime.
With so many ways (and likely many more to come) to engage, it seems that both citizens and authorities are finding positive ways to work together. While our last discussion explored the role of “Citizen Superheroes” in fighting crime as costumed and cape crusaders, this week we’ll explore the technology weapons in their arsenal that allow even the most shy citizen to get involved.
Most Members of Congress have thoroughly integrated social media into their communications operations, and are using new media tools to gauge public opinion, communicate with constituents, and reach new people, according to a survey of congressional staff.
The new Connected Citizens report notes that digital technology is changing our relationship to news and information from that of passive consumer to active participant. Working at the intersection of media innovation and civic engagement, the report examines how funders can help individuals make a positive difference in their communities and the world amid increasing levels of interdependence, decentralization and transparency.
In Using Online Tools to Engage-and be Engaged- by The Public, author Matt Leighninger describes how a “public manager” can use specific technologies to harness the power of active citizenship to make informed decisions consistent with constituent values. The tools vary greatly, but each creates a virtual space for structured deliberation and expression, and promotes collaborative identification and resolution of an issue.
There is no question that the rise of social media has impacted the way that American and global citizens interact with one another. The rapid transfer of ideas and perspectives across geographical boundaries encourages innovation and discussion in a way that the world has never seen before. The proliferation of new media is occurring so quickly that even those at the forefront struggle to keep up. But the major question still remains: In what ways can social media reinvigorate American democracy?
This holiday season, we’re joining the Case Foundation in #GoodSpotting! Together, we’re catching people (or organizations) in the act of doing good.
An interesting new study from Edelman called the “Capital Staffers Index” explored the perceptions of senior legislative staff related to global public affairs and communications.
Among the Index findings was the role of social media in shaping policy and political influence. It found that “although traditional methods public affairs components are still valuable, social media channels have experienced a meteoric rise in their ability to shape and influence policy worldwide over the past year.”
Measures of political involvement are down. Social media usage is up. A lot of attention is being focused on the role of social networks in the 2012 election, but early data suggests it is not realizing its potential.
Is the relationship between politics and social media hyped, or mis-measured and mis-communicated?
<span style=" ;" >While there remains a vibrant debate over whether social media is creating new activists or just enhancing the tools used by existing ones, it is clear there has been a fundamental change in the way citizens are interacting with each other and through organizations. MyImpact.org co-founder Nick Troiano explains how participants at last week’s Personal Democracy Forum are using new technology to renew civic engagement.
From Twitter organizing to Google maps to text-to-give donations, the widespread use and application of social technology is altering and facilitating the modes through which Haitian earthquake relief and assistance is provided.
These examples of e-citizenship are hopeful not only for what they mean to relief and response in Haiti, but also for the civic life of the United States. In America’s Civic Health Index this year, NCoC found the emergence of these technologies have been particularly helpful in creating opportunities for individuals, especially young people, to be engaged.
David Chen took both eCitizenship and his naturalization ceremony to a new level when he used social media to share his experience of becoming a U.S. citizen.
David used Twitter, flickr, personal video, and blogging to chronicle every moment of his experience and share his personal reflection.
Citizens sworn in at 2009 NCoC pick up their certificates. Photo by Nick Troiano
In a TEDxPotomac talk, Craig Newmark referenced the reformation of the church based on the work of Martin Luther and suggested this decentralization was occurring again, nearly 500 years later, based on the use of social media.
Through the use of social media today, is our political system seeing its own reformation? And can technology be credited with cultivating trust for government among Millennials?
Let us know what you think.