Wednesday 2 June 2010

Social Media and Transparency in Government



It seems in most of the democratized world today, political parties are deeply entrenched national entities trying desperately to remain relevant with younger constituents.   This story is not unique to Political Parties mind you, as many organizations also need to realign themselves periodically to stay relevant.

Want to know how to engage younger constituents? Find ways of taking your perceived weaknesses and turning them into strengths.  Extend participatory channels that lead to new and deeper relationships, increased relevance, support, and donations.  Most of all extend the auspices of transparency.  What that really means in today’s government, we’re certainly not qualified to comment on.  However, what we do know is your message must seem authentic, genuine, and honest. 

Leveraging Technology
Imagine a Political Party actually being constituent-driven?  Imagine the transformational, democratizing power of opening digital channels directly to constituents? Imagine you were valued stakeholders in making better and more relevant decisions (if you so chose).

Imagine if Parties freely invited all citizens into this discussion to extend a genuine sense of “connecting” and participatory engagement?  What if a Political Party made constituents feel like it’s their system and framework to mold (for their benefit). Maybe even invited discussion and allowed all stakeholders their say.  Imagine evolving the current “issue or leader”-centric assessment of our political landscape to one of long-term philosophical beliefs?   

Has the evolution of technology and socialization finally outgrown our current political framework?

We’d love to hear what you think.  Join the conversation at http://www.goodbuzz.ca

---