Enhancing Civic Engagement Through Current Technology

Numerous changes are happening in how technology influences civic engagement, and people expect these changes to evolve.

FREMONT, CA: Most people are fast grown habitual to having the digital world in their hands after being compelled into a world of virtual schooling, Zoom meetings, and online shopping. Still, after two years of being tethered to gadgets, appealing to new applications, and accommodating their lifestyles, most people now enjoy and demand the flexibility technology gives.

Many events over the past year and a half—from protests to tribulations to elections—have emphasized the significance of greater engagement with governments at all levels. Technology has shown to be a precious tool for aiding that engagement.

Thus, how can you get ready to sustain this fresh momentum while still gathering residents' technological expectations?

To answer that question, the following are some ways citizens now anticipate technology to proceed to support civic involvement and some perception into practical solutions you can employ immediately.

CHOICES FOR VIRTUAL MEETING ATTENDANCE

After isolation required virtual connection, individuals rapidly found they could communicate efficiently with providers across sectors like education, health, and government through video conferencing and live feeds. And while virtual attendance is seldom presented as the optimal or exclusive way of contact,—people now demand it be offered—as they know it is likely and practical.

Virtual options have been displayed to be equally useful in civic engagement. During times of crisis, virtual council sessions have aided the government in staying visible to residents. Virtual meetings were also maintained in advance of critical elections for almost every local civic and political group, fostering the anticipation that citizens can and should be more intricate, as virtual attendance mitigates many of the constraints connected with scheduling, transportation, and childcare requirements.

SERVICE AND SENSITIVITY OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARE EXAMPLES

As numerous businesses have contested to stay afloat over the past 18+ months, people have gotten accustomed to firms through customer service as a competitive weapon to gain their patronage and loyalty. They now await the same behavior from everyone, comprising—and perhaps particularly—government leaders.

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Luckily, local administrations have done a great job of retaining their residents' trust during the outbreak. Leveraging technology to improve the quality of service and the race with which citizens link with their local organizations is a sound strategy for expanding their overall trust and involvement. Continuing to offer a great digital experience will be important as we emerge from the pandemic.