civic engagement & technology

georgia bullen // open technology institute @ new america

@georgiamoon // georgia@opentechinstitute.org

collaborative notes: etherpad

Open Technology Institute @ New America

social, technical, & policy-based

Technology may not be the solution at all.

Creating digital networks is a social process.

Unless we approach engagement differently, technology necessarily reinforces existing social divides.

red hook

social & technical infrastructure

• Main network anchors are trusted community organizations.

• Community-led design process emphasizes local needs and enhances engagement.

lessons learned

• The most challenging work is investing in the initial organizing and design phase before building anything.

• Community-designed applications add value to a local network, even at a small scale.

• Already-established relationships with community stakeholders.

• Improved overall technological literacy in the community.

Creating digital networks is a social process.

thank you!

georgia bullen

open technology institute

georgia {@} opentechinstitute {.} org

@georgiamoon