USA Today December 8, 2010 By Haya El Nasser, USA TODAY Updated 12/08/2010 An overwhelming majority of Americans say it’s important for them to be involved in their community amid concern that technological gadgets and harried schedules are fraying human…
“[The internet] is an untapped resource that affords governments, communities and society an opportunity to take people back into community, build social capital and link to their collective public mind.”
Planning for Stronger Local Democracy is a new guide from DDC and the National League of Cities. It is intended for local leaders of all kinds – traditional or nontraditional, established or emerging. It is designed to help them use the lessons we’ve learned about engagement, take stock of the strengths and weaknesses of democratic governance in their communities, and formulate a comprehensive, sustainable, long–term strategy for vitalizing public life.
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.