That’s the question Alex Hillman posed in his latest post, a great introduction to the efforts of Jeff Friedman, Manager of Civic Innovation and Participation for the City of Philadelphia and Code for America. Both, along with The Media Mobilizing Project are helping to surface, and connect people and resources leveraging in great part what Tim O’Reilly had called “the architecture of participation” way back in 2004.
I’ve always believed, due to personal experience, that when you enable people to connect and communicate with who and what they need to, with each other, great things are possible. These efforts provide gateways for those who work in technology to make contributions strengthening neighborhoods, communities, and the world.
BTW – check out the NYTimes piece on IndyHall, founded by Alex, which from everything I’ve ever heard from everyone who has worked there, sounds based on enabling the above.
Related
NewAmerica.net: Preston Rhea: “How to Create a Public Computer Center”
Quora: “How should the United States Congress use social media to enhance the legislative process?”
Wired.com: “How Khan Academy Is Changing the Rules of Education”
flying kite: “Radio Revolution: West Philly’s Prometheus Promotes Stations by the People, For the People”