Using Technology for Public Engagement
Using Technology for Public Engagement Mack D. Male http://www.mastermaq.ca
A little about me… • Passionate Edmontonian.
• Urban Affairs Blogger. • Software Developer. • Civic Hacker.
• Geek.
http://embraceedmonton.ca
What is public engagement? • From City of Edmonton:
“Public engagement is a broad approach to engaging citizens. This may include project and non-project based involvement, neighbourhood engagement, on-going conversations about municipal topics, civic education, market research and strategic communications.” • From Edmonton Next Gen:
“Engagement is citizens of Edmonton actively participating in building, contributing to, and enjoying their city.”
What does public engagement look like?
Voting vs. Taxes
We can do better! • From Mayor Mandel’s swearing-in address in 2010:
“Methods are changing, people contribute their opinions and receive information in different ways, and we are not keeping pace.”
Technology to the rescue! But first, some improvements we could make offline & online…
What stage are we at?
Finish Review Implement Brainstorm Start
What else is going on around it?
Ok on to some technology…
Social Media “Social media is helping to facilitate a new relationship between government and citizens, is enabling creatives inside cities to better connect with one another, and is empowering citizens like never before. In short, it improves a city’s social capital.” - http://blog.mastermaq.ca/2010/03/24/social-media-and-the-city/
Final Thought:
I think many citizens want to get engaged. Find the best way to invite them!
Q&A Mack D. Male http://www.mastermaq.ca
A little about me… • Passionate Edmontonian.
• Urban Affairs Blogger. • Software Developer. • Civic Hacker.
• Geek.
http://embraceedmonton.ca
What is public engagement? • From City of Edmonton:
“Public engagement is a broad approach to engaging citizens. This may include project and non-project based involvement, neighbourhood engagement, on-going conversations about municipal topics, civic education, market research and strategic communications.” • From Edmonton Next Gen:
“Engagement is citizens of Edmonton actively participating in building, contributing to, and enjoying their city.”
What does public engagement look like?
Voting vs. Taxes
We can do better! • From Mayor Mandel’s swearing-in address in 2010:
“Methods are changing, people contribute their opinions and receive information in different ways, and we are not keeping pace.”
Technology to the rescue! But first, some improvements we could make offline & online…
What stage are we at?
Finish Review Implement Brainstorm Start
What else is going on around it?
Ok on to some technology…
Social Media “Social media is helping to facilitate a new relationship between government and citizens, is enabling creatives inside cities to better connect with one another, and is empowering citizens like never before. In short, it improves a city’s social capital.” - http://blog.mastermaq.ca/2010/03/24/social-media-and-the-city/
Final Thought:
I think many citizens want to get engaged. Find the best way to invite them!
Q&A Mack D. Male http://www.mastermaq.ca
