NCoC: Online Engagement

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Online Engagement

As technology becomes a larger part of our daily lives, questions have been raised about its impact on our civic health. Does technology force social isolation behind computer screens and mobile devices, or does it provide more convenient outlets to take civic action, stay connected and informed, and express political views?

NCoC believes to address community issues and challenges in any area, research must be collected, discussion must occur, and solutions must be proposed. Here, you can see research, discussion, and solutions associated with online engagement. This is meant to help explain and animate that focus area, as well as facilitate the process of moving from information to action within it.

Online Issues:Research | Discussions | Solutions

Online Research

Title	Date	Type
Capital Staffers Index explores influence of social media on policyAn interesting new study from Edelman called the “Capital Staffers Index” explored the perceptions of senior legislative staff related to global public affairs and communications. Among ...	December 7, 2011	blog
Report Shows Majority of Americans Civically Engaged in Their CommunitiesBoomers and Older Adults Rank High Across Several Key Categories of Civic EngagementBetween 2008 and 2010, a majority of Americans were civically active in a variety of ways, working with others to improve their communities, according to the 2011 Civic Life in America: Key Findings on ...	September 15, 2011	press release
Connected CitizensThe Power, Peril and Potential of NetworksThe new Connected Citizens report notes that digital technology is changing our relationship to news and information from that of passive consumer to active participant. Working at the intersection ...	May 31, 2011	publication
What does “social giving” look like?This infographic from Blackbaud illustrates what the “social giving ecosystem” looks like, thanks to the emergence of technology and social media.	May 20, 2011	blog
’Tis The Season For Solicitationsby Karlo MarceloTechnology and online engagement provide easy access and low cost ways for nonprofits to solicit donations. Mobile apps, celebrity campaigns, and bell ringers have all tried to capitalize on technology ...	December 20, 2010	discussion
Web Users Increasingly Rely on Social Media to Seek Help in a DisasterNew Red Cross survey shows 74 percent expect response agencies to answer social media calls for help within an hourA new American Red Cross survey shows many web users would turn to social media to seek help for themselves or others during emergencies—and they expect first responders to be listening-- 74 percent ...	August 9, 2010	news
US Diplomats Urged To Reach Out Globally Via Facebook, TwitterAssociated PressAssociated Press article notes the ways government officials can use social media to organize and train	June 3, 2010	news
Is 2010 the new 1517?In a TEDxPotomac talk, Craig Newmark referenced the reformation of the church based on the work of Martin Luther and suggested this decentralization was occurring again, nearly 500 years later, based on ...	May 20, 2010	discussion
Disrupting Philanthropy: Technology and the Future of the Social Sectorby Lucy Bernholz, Edward Skloot, and Barry VarelaThis monograph by Lucy Bernholz, Edward Skloot, and Barry Varela explores the immediate and longer-term implications of networked digital technologies for philanthropy.	May 11, 2010	publication
eCitizenship... LiterallyMan uses Twitter, flickr, blogs, video to share naturalization experienceDavid Chen took both eCitizenship and his naturalization ceremony to a new level when he used social media to share his experience of becoming a U.S. citizen. David used Twitter, flickr, personal ...	March 19, 2010	discussion

Online Discussions and Commentary

Title	Date	Type
Discussion: Can Engagement Strengthen the Economy?6 Hypotheses on the Link Between Civic Health and UnemploymentResearch shows a connection between civic health and a community’s ability to weather a recession. We’ve posited 6 hypotheses about why this connection exists, and invite you to join in a discussion.	February 16, 2012	discussion
Politics and Social Media: What’s the Relationship Status?Measures of political involvement are down. Social media usage is up. A lot of attention is being focused on the role of social networks in the 2012 election, but early data suggests it is not realizing ...	February 8, 2012	discussion
How Do We Ensure Information Validity?A Civic Connector Commentary by Jim NewtonThe “Civic Connector” is a daily online forum during the 66th Annual National Conference on Citizenship. The September 19 commentator is Jim Newton, Editor at Large of the Los Angeles Times. ...	September 19, 2011	discussion
What’s Trending in #Congress?New Report Shows Capitol Hill Uses Social Media ExtensivelyMost Members of Congress have thoroughly integrated social media into their communications operations, and are using new media tools to gauge public opinion, communicate with constituents, and reach new ...	August 2, 2011	discussion
Can Social Media Reinvigorate American Democracy?There is no question that the rise of social media has impacted the way that American and global citizens interact with one another. The rapid transfer of ideas and perspectives across geographical boundaries ...	July 13, 2011	event reflection
Citizen Superheroes: Is There an App for That?Technology plays an increased role in the way citizens respond to community emergencies and, in some cases, fight back against crime. With so many ways (and likely many more to come) to engage, it ...	February 22, 2011	discussion
’Tis The Season For Solicitationsby Karlo MarceloTechnology and online engagement provide easy access and low cost ways for nonprofits to solicit donations. Mobile apps, celebrity campaigns, and bell ringers have all tried to capitalize on technology ...	December 20, 2010	discussion
Is 2010 the new 1517?In a TEDxPotomac talk, Craig Newmark referenced the reformation of the church based on the work of Martin Luther and suggested this decentralization was occurring again, nearly 500 years later, based on ...	May 20, 2010	discussion
eCitizenship... LiterallyMan uses Twitter, flickr, blogs, video to share naturalization experienceDavid Chen took both eCitizenship and his naturalization ceremony to a new level when he used social media to share his experience of becoming a U.S. citizen. David used Twitter, flickr, personal ...	March 19, 2010	discussion
Social media aids in Haiti earthquake relief and responseFrom Twitter organizing to Google maps to text-to-give donations, the widespread use and application of social technology is altering and facilitating the modes through which Haitian earthquake relief ...	January 15, 2010	discussion

Online Solutions

Title	Date	Type
Harnessing Active Citizenship: The Internet as a Tool to Engage the PublicIn Using Online Tools to Engage-and be Engaged- by The Public , author Matt Leighninger describes how a “public manager” can use specific technologies to harness the power of active citizenship ...	June 10, 2011	publication
Causes on FacebookCauses empowers anyone with a good idea or passion for change to impact the world. Using our platform, individuals mobilize their network of friends to grow lasting social and political movements.	February 23, 2010	partner
iCivicsiCivics (formerly Our Courts) is a web-based education project designed to teach students civics and inspire them to be active participants in our democracy.	November 17, 2008	partner

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On a planning call with other @gl_weekend Luminaries. Hope you're attending the Weekend, and our breakfast! http://t.co/HLTIaNOO #GLWknd Yesterday reply

Philip Picaza: The Secret to Civic Longevity http://t.co/aWWfx5fQ #Miami #Florida #CivicHealth Yesterday reply

Some inspiring real-life examples of individuals using social media and technology to address social needs: http://t.co/fltNTsjD /ht @cingib Yesterday reply

Use civic engagement to get the Arizona we want http://t.co/MwRTyCRq Article featuring the work of our partner, @arizonafuture Yesterday reply

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Jobs, Jobs, Jobs: Exploring the Link Between Civic Engagement and EmploymentFebruary 16, 2012 Save the Date: 67th Annual National Conference on CitizenshipFebruary 16, 2012 Politics and Social Media: What’s the Relationship Status?February 8, 2012

Josh FrydayJanuary 13, 2012 The Hon. Peter G. PetersonJune 16, 2011 Scott BealeApril 26, 2011