Washington DC is government focused, almost by definition, due to being the seat of Federal Government, and the many affluent suburban counties surrounding DC. It is hard to argue that there is sentiment for the government to do less, and people to do more for themselves. We'll avoid the details of that argument, but I think we can all agree that having access to tools to enable innovative folks to find each other and collaborate, with or without direct government involvement, is a good thing.
The Change By Us, civic engagement app, developed by Civic Commons (a non-profit), is just such a tool. Developed initially for use in New York City, and subsequently deployed by Philadelphia too, it provides an open source platform to, in summary, provide a website created by any civic organization and run by local government, that allows citizens to put their ideas into action by creating projects and building teams to make their locale a better place to live.
Specifically it:
- Share Ideas: Use Change by Us to broadcast to others what you have in mind. No idea is too big. No idea is too small.
- Join or Create Projects: Look for projects in your neighborhood or around the city where you can help. Become a member and plug into a network of those who want what you want! You can also use Change by Us to set up and lead your own project, and turn your idea into reality.
- Build Teams: Use Change by Us to connect quickly with the people who will help your project from start to finish. Someone has the idea, someone has the plan, someone has the tools, and together you succeed.
- Find Resources: Use Change by Us to find and connect with public and non-profit programs that can help your project succeed. Whether you need to access a City service or find some local knowledge, there are resources ready to provide guidance.
Check it out in action at the NY City site.
So DC, what civic organization or grassroots group is going to get Change By Us going here?
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