We need to better define the terms that we are using in order to have a better discussion about how we achieve Open Government.
If we all have different ideas about what is (and is not) "public engagement" or "transparency" or (insert buzzword here), then we will have a hard time reaching consensus about how to go forward. (This is the lesson from "The Tower of Babel".)
For example:
"Public Engagement" -- If a government official gives a speech to the public, does that qualify as "public engagement"? (Some people at the White House think so.)
"Transparent" -- Some people speak as if government "transparency" does not currently exist. But others see it as a quality that can be measured (i.e., we have some now, but would like to be "more transparent").
"Participation" vs. "Collaboration" -- What's the difference between these terms? Can a person collaborate on a proposal *without* participating (or vice-versa)?
Other "fuzzwords" that need clarification in order for citizens to decide whether to participate: "townhall meeting" (aka, "town meeting"), "informational hearing", "public forum", "scoping meeting", "listening session", etc.
Most people DO want to know "what's going on". However, before they decide to get involved, it first needs to CLEAR to them just what they might be getting themselves into. If the invitation is unclear, the public will ignore it.
Comments (5)
Ultimately it's about shifting power and control over citizens' lives from elected and appointed representatives back to those same citizens. That's what social media is all about. It's not just about information processing and dissemination. The struggle for power will not be an easy one and it will not be freely transferred by those who now hold that power. And I fear that probably includes the folks who initiated and "control" this project.
I agree with the need for a clear definition of what "public engagement" is, and what is isn't.
Having a government official speak is not public engagement. Elected officials should be invited
to participate in these public meetings - to come, to stay, sit at a table with the public,
discuss with others - not give a speech, not come for 10 min. and leave, not have priority over
other participants.
Dear fellow "Idea" brainstormers and commentors:
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I apologize for that.
vr,
Stephen Buckley
http://www.UStransparency.com
Wikipedia says: Civic engagement has been defined as "Individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern."
The best way to clarify ambiguous terms may be to release an official narrative of a real community situation, wherein the terms were understood and used by an average American community in a proper context, and applied by real and diverse people (rich and poor, educated and non-educated, etc.), to achieve positive outcomes.
Perhaps one of Obama's past community building stories can serve as an official narrative.
Here's a book cover.
http://kempton.files.wordpress.com/2006/11/rockwell_freedom-of-speech.jpg
Dear Commentors:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on my
"Brainstorm Idea" for a more transparent
and open federal government (at least,
for the executive branch).
Even though the site for "Brainstorming" will
be open until June 19th, the second phase
will kick off June 3rd (Wednesday) with a
"Discussion Blog" (of some kind).
Not knowing how that "blog" will work, it
may be wise to keep this channel open if
we need to share thoughts about the how
this idea fares in Phase 2.
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vr,
Stephen Buckley
http://www.UStransparency.com