What does traditional civic engagement look like?

Staying informed

Being educated on the issues is step 1.

Voicing Your Opinion

Call your representatives, spread your message.

Voting!

The most important part of our democracy.

How has technology changed the civic space?

Social media

Engagement at the speed of light.

Data

More informed decision making.

The Internet

A publishing platform for literally anyone.

AUtomation

Tools for increasing efficiency and effectiveness.

Going beyond the basics

"Rolling your sleeves up"

Being involved means offering solutions

Pick A Problem

• Something you care about
• Something locally relevant

Learn!

• Why does the problem exist?
• What has been tried?
• Who is it affecting? Why?

Team up!

• Power exists in groups.
• Don't replicate efforts.
• Don't be egotistical.

Get PlugGED in!

There are many ways to contribute

No matter your skill set.

Research

• Dig up information.
• Gather data.
• Make it available.

Design

• Dream up what could exist.
• Collaborate with those directly affected by the problem.

Advocate

• Spread the word.
• Call your representatives.
• Attend local meetings.

Build THings

• Community groups, events.
• Tools and prototypes.
• Companies  & organizations.

What does this look like in practice?

Raising Awareness

• Do research, publish online.
• Social media campaigns.
• Show up to meetings.

Visualizing Data

• Budget data.
• Disaster relief.
• Poverty zones.

Human Centered Design

• DMV interactions.
• 311, reporting, calling your city.
• Engaging w/ your reps.

Connecting people

• Be a force multiplier!
• Find others who care.
• Empower them with community and resources.

Examples?

Get Cal Fresh

• Code For America
• Make it easier for people to access food stamps.
• getcalfresh.org

Clear My record

• Code For America
• Speed up process for clearing past minor convictions.
• clearmyrecord.org

Healthcare.gov

• US Government
• Better health care information.
• Compare options across the industry.
• Consistent, improved experience.

VA.gov

• Design backed by research done directly with veterans.
• Focus on service delivery.

Vote ICT

• KMUW and devICT
• Text reminders for voting dates and related events.
• voteict.org

Local Open Data

• Wichita Open Data Portal
  • opendata.wichita.gov
• Continuing conversation
• Small steps in transparency

Open BUdget

• Community driven
  • Oakland, OKC, Wichita
• Powered by open data
• Facilitating conversation
• Needs some help!

Public Meetings

• Local project, needs some love.
• Central source for all local civic meetings.

Now what?

Join the conversation

devict.org/slack

#civic-tech