CivicTechTO / civicsaurus

A civic tech collaborative knowledge repo of markdown files using Docusaurus.
https://civictechto.github.io/civicsaurus/
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Blog proposal for `I Paid a Bribe` #2

Open NewJerseyStyle opened 3 weeks ago

NewJerseyStyle commented 3 weeks ago

Fix My Street and the Power of Open Collaboration: Enhancing Citizen Engagement

Fix My Street has been a groundbreaking platform for citizen engagement, enabling individuals to report local issues and hold their governments accountable. However, to further enhance its impact, integrating Fix My Street with open collaboration mechanisms, such as those involving Citizen Assemblies and community organizations, can be highly beneficial.

Valuing Mutual Contributions

Each organization brings unique strengths to the table. Smaller organizations might offer a strong volunteer base and personal relationships, while larger organizations (such as government) might provide more resources and infrastructure. Recognizing and valuing these mutual contributions is vital for a successful partnership. For instance, a community organization might excel in conducting in-depth research and resolving localized issues, while a larger organization could provide the necessary resources to scale these efforts.

The Need for Compromise

No partnership is perfect, and compromise is often necessary. Rarely do both parties get everything they want without giving up something. Compromise leads to a strong, fair partnership that satisfies all involved. In the context of Fix My Street, this might mean balancing the need for immediate issue resolution with the time required for thorough deliberation and community engagement.

Mechanism Design for Effective Collaboration

To integrate Fix My Street with open collaboration mechanisms effectively, several steps can be taken:

Example Scenarios

Here are some scenarios where open collaboration can enhance the impact of Fix My Street:

Conclusion

By integrating Fix My Street with open collaboration mechanisms involving Citizen Assemblies and community organizations, we can create a more robust and effective ecosystem for citizen engagement. This approach fosters deeper dialogue, builds consensus, and empowers citizens to actively shape their communities. By understanding the motives, valuing mutual contributions, compromising when necessary, and ensuring clear communication and written agreements, we can build successful partnerships that drive meaningful change. Managing assumptions effectively and promoting transparent decision-making are also critical components of this collaborative framework. As Fix My Street continues to evolve, integrating these elements will be key to its ongoing success and impact.

Reference

DemocracySpot.net

mySociety.org

mysociety.org/community/fixmystreet/

https://compdemocracy.org/polis/book/lottery-selected-assemblies/

NewJerseyStyle commented 3 weeks ago

Was posted on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/posts/114959972 but we are considering to place it in a better place, civic tech toolkit for example.