2011 is the “year of integration.”  We’re ready for more public servants to get on board, we’re ready for more citizens to embrace this movement.  We’re ready for more government silos to come falling down.

I define “integration” in this case within a government as an inclusion of technologies, a sharing of knowledge, information and data across different ministries, departments and teams.  A unification of process where government learns from itself and citizens-at-large.  A reduction of duplication and foolish waste, a “gutting of the status quo,” as mentioned in this post by Stephanie Hayes.   Now I know this type of high-level discussion makes some within government shiver in their space boots and that’s ok, that’s what is required to change the course of the tanker sometimes.

Resistance is the thing that perplexes and frustrates many about government in general.  Resistance causes apathy, people often just give up because of the resistive status quo.  The above image was drawn by a government worker describing their work environment while in one of our workshops.  Citizens become cynical, public servants become cynical, young brilliant minds get pounded into submission or leave altogether.  They forget “why” they’re working in government, and all too often it ends up being an exercise in watching the clock towards retirement and a pension.  This of course isn’t only a government issue, it happens in the private sector too of course.

So as I prepare to enjoy the upcoming Open Gov West BC event, I’m reflecting on the writing I’ve been doing for my book, (currently titled Escape Velocity) the interviews and knowledge I’ve gained from those conversations and I’ve recognized that in each and every case there’s a consistent theme.  These people are their own version of Malcom Gladwell’s Outliers.  The book is about people working in government, having an idea or inspiration and taking action.  In almost all cases, overcoming huge resistance, apathy or barriers of some sort such as technological and succeeding.  Integration was always a key part of these stories.  How did this interesting pilot project get integrated back into the fabric of the organization?  I think 2011 will show that we’re ready for even more of these stories, more public participation, more integration of technology into process that allow for increased sharing and learning.  Increased solving of real problems and less “build the app because we can,” type of innovation.  We will pass beyond the early-adopter (rogue evangelist) stage and “cross the chasm to smarter governments.”  Is this just my private utopian view or will it be reality?  You decide.

Also, I was asked by the OGWBC convener team to provide a short video answering the question, “What does Open Government mean to me?” Here’s my response, I close by saying “Open Gov Victoria,” oh well, the symptoms of getting a little bit older I guess. I’ll ask the convener team where the other responses are so I can pass them on too…

Walter Schwabe’s Introduction for Open Gov West BC from fusedlogic TV

My take on this is I think we need a balanced approach.  In order to keep momentum and reach a place of sustainability, I’ve written recently that we need to focus on citizens or “the individual” as Di Maio writes.  In order to accomplish this I agree with Moore’s sentiment that city, town or department heads must be more pro-active and involved.

That said, if it weren’t for some evangelistic, (some might say maverick) CIO’s in Canada, we’d have even less to cheer about in this country regarding Government 2.0.  Without the initiatives such as Open Data, app contests and Gov 2 events to discuss this topic such as the upcoming Open Gov West BC we wouldn’t have any movement at all I believe.  I disagree that we should “stop all CIO’s” from doing the things that many more today are either doing or planning on doing for a more transparent and efficient government.  Like it or not, technology is a key component in the optimal end result.  I do agree with what I think Moore’s general sentiment is, that administration and elected officials need to “get off their collective duffs” and get on board in support of this new reality.

I call for a balanced, collaborative Open Government approach that includes elected officials, administration, CIO’s, and citizens as the four key pillars of this Open government tactical team.  When one of these stakeholder groups doesn’t buy in, the Government 2.0 four-legged table topples over.  I believe the optimal environment is that all to some degree must be involved.

What do you think?  Do you agree with Andrea Di Maio, is Government 2.0 disappointing you?  Has it lost it’s steam already?  Do you agree with Moore, are CIO’s and technology the last thing we need leading this charge?

Government 2.0 evangelist Adriel Hampton is on the show to help everyone better understand how this is changing how government is using Web 2.0 technologies.

A continued special thanks to Dorward and Company Chartered Accountants for sponsoring the show.

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What will the show be about?

Educating the general public about all things social media will be the primary purpose.  We’ll also delve into closely related topics such as Government 2.0 and other key trends and opportunities that you’re a part of.  The objective is to learn and share about this exciting area of Internet activity.

Let’s talk content

We’d really like to make the show about you and how you engage within the social web, not only here in the Edmonton region but also across Canada and beyond.  So a large amount of the content will be describing and interpreting the things that you do and say while using your favourite social technologies and tools.  All will be recognized as being equal.  Whether you’re a full-time blogger who is also a mom, a photographer who tweets or a business developing cool Web 2.0 apps, doing something interesting within social is all that it would take to be considered for the show.  We’ll focus on the business side of social as well of course.  The do’s and don’t's and everything in between.  There will be technology reviews, interviews and special in studio guests.  We’ll cover recent developments and announcements too.  Your show ideas will play a large part on how things unfold.

We need a name.

What value would a show about social media have if the audience didn’t contribute in the making of it?  So, we’d like to ask you for your help before we even get started.  We need your help with naming the show.  There are a few show name ideas floating around but we would really appreciate your input.

Please offer your ideas and “name that show!“

Important: By submitting or suggesting a show name idea, you agree to let us use the name free and clear without compensation. If we use a show name as submitted by an online audience member then we’d definitely like to thank-you for helping us out by acknowledging you on the first show as the person who submitted the idea.  In particular, I’ll mention your twitter handle, website and blog if you have one too. You’ll get full credit for naming the show on air and the first coffee mug we produce for the show with the new name will be given to you.

Where to submit?

I’d like to suggest that we use futureedmonton.ca then we can track the top 10 name submissions in the comment section based on votes. If you make the top 10, we thought we’d give each of you a special coffee mug from the show (once they’re produced) just for submitting and participating in this exercise.  We can use Twitter for idea exchange and a hashtag for the discussion similar to #yegshow.  I like futureedmonton.ca because it has a simple submission and voting process already built-in which makes it much easier to track ideas.  Your support is greatly appreciated.

Name ideas

Here are a few words to get the ideas flowing regarding the show’s name and we’re completely open to others.  Also, please don’t be offended if one of the submissions isn’t chosen.  We’re all working together on this and there are a few different factors that must be considered.

Thank-you in advance for all your ideas and contributions!  We have to choose the name by this coming Tuesday at 12 noon MST so get your ideas and votes in quick.

The challenge is similar in the private sector.  There are senior vice presidents of marketing and communications who are completely out of touch and working within large organizations.  Fearful of the big, bad, negative, waste of time social web.  Those who are inching towards entering the global digital conversation because the peer pressure walls are closing in on their brand are looking for simple ways to “bolt on” a Facebook fan page here and a Twitter account there to appease everyone.  Well that’s not enough for me.

How to change processes internally is through leadership.

Understanding the current objectives of an organization or government is critical to effectively integrating social into everyday processes while closing the gap between the government and citizens. That said, most leaders act like stubborn, ignorant mules who won’t move an inch no matter how much you pull on the rope.  To those political incumbents and executives I say the following.

“Lead, follow or get the hell out of the way.” – Walter Schwabe, modified from Lee Iacocca.

As senior leadership, you may think you’re leading (conservatively) by resisting the social web.  You’re not, you’re simply acting as a mule. The tone of this post isn’t designed to be a hostile rant, rather a bit of encouragement for those struggling, patient and persistent internal evangelists within your organizations.  I’m really speaking to them.  Rise up people!

As elected officials, you need to look right into the eyes of those administrators who are afraid that citizens will expect social media to be the norm in your government and say, “bollocks!  You’re too late!”  To the administrators, I say this.  One day you’re going to wake up and be working for a Mayor and Council that will stand-up to your stubborn mule like behaviour and if you resist, you’ll be gone.  Don’t think it’s possible?  Pick up Escape Velocity when it’s published and read the story about how one newly elected Alberta mayor did exactly that.  For you, a socially enabled candidate like this mayor, (or as was encouraged last week – someone like me) would be a nightmare.

Municipal election candidates are not exempt, you need to be ready for this Open Government reality as well. Chances are, you are not going to be elected without strong social credentials, nor should you be in my opinion.  To all those government and business leaders without computers on their desks, I’d suggest retirement is looking pretty good right about now.  If you did’t need the hassle of learning new fan-dangled technologies like keyboards, mice and emails on a screen rather than printed off, then Open Government must really be sending you for a loop.  Oh what am I saying, you haven’t heard of the term or the movement in general anyway.  Yup.  Go golfing.

To the rank and file, those of you who have drawn the horrifying images of social technology frustration and social access imprisonment – Rise up!  Create a project that you feel will benefit the government you work for.  Don’t call me scared for using a picture when no one knows who you are, it’s time to “cowboy and cowgirl up!”  Many start anonymous blogs so they can vent and snipe, twitter accounts that criticize their government bosses 140 characters at a time.  Rather, I encourage you to think positively.  Just like the gladiators of old Rome, get the crowd on your side, this includes citizens and colleagues.  Create ways for residents to communicate with your government transparently and out in the open, no matter how simple or small.  Let the complexities of building strong sustainable digital community relationships come later, that’s a discussion for those already in the game.  Am I suggesting you should proceed without a plan?  Quite the opposite, think things through, you’re about to change the world.  Need moral support?  Call us, our lines are open so that you can bark at the moon.

Create a small and simple example of success to build on.  Sometimes that’s a grassroots event, sometimes that’s one single social profile or account.  Be innovative and creative.  Tell real stories and be brave.  If you feel comfortable, create a tactical team to help you but do it!

Go off the grid!

Last week I interviewed LTC Gerald Ostlund, Office of the Chief, Army Reserve, Army Reserve Communications, Webmaster and Chief, Social and New Media for Escape Velocity, which I’ve been working on since last year.   He explained that there was some heavy resistance regarding the use of social technologies internally within his organization.  This resistance came from several directions.  The only way to accomplish what he knew he needed to do, what the US Army Reserve needed to do, was to go off the official network.  I’m talking about the official defense intranet.  He works in a place where when I get emails from LTC Ostlund at the end of every subject line it states (UNCLASSIFIED).

LTC Ostlund explained, “we went out and purchased laptops and aircards with our own money.” This was the only way access could be gained so that the work of integrating social into Army Reserve communications could begin.  What was the risk to LTC Ostlund’s career regarding this brave move I wondered, so I asked the question and his response was immediate. “What are they going to do send me to Afghanistan or Iraq?  Been there, done that,” replied LTC Ostlund.  The conversation continued and it wasn’t that LTC Ostlund didn’t consider all the risks to making this move, he and his team just felt so strongly about what needed to be done they took personal initiative despite any potential negative career repercussions.  When compared to working within a hostile theatre of war, I can easily see why this was basically a no-brainer.

Access Granted!

The result of all this effort and perseverance?  A nine month study was just completed to see if allowing access to social networks such as Facebook, Youtube and Twitter would affect operational capacity of the US Defense Department’s networks.  On the basis of this study, access was granted just weeks ago.  Way to go LTC Ostlund, you and your colleagues are an inspiration.

Are you looking for a way to start something interesting in your government, department or business?  Why not run it by us?  What’s the worst that could happen?

One of the slogans for the event is “I’d rather be GovCamping.”  In fact, I’ve just seen the logo that we’ll be using as placeholders on fusedlogic.tv. What’s really going on here of course has little to do with roasting hotdogs or marshmallows over an open fire.  Instead, the expectation is to build a national dialogue surrounding Government 2.0.

If we can attract new audience members at the decision-maker level of government on June 1st that’s great.  If those new audience members agree to take the Open Government policy discussion forward into their federal boardrooms, provincial legislatures, municipal councils and administrative offices, then we’re winning this challenge of momentum building and that’s even better.

How can you help?

Government 2.0 is about people taking action.  Not only elected officials and administration but of course everyday citizens and residents.  You and me.  To that end, we’d like to encourage you to use the embed code we’ll be providing and insert that in a prominent place on your website or blog.  Help spread the word about Government 2.0 in Canada and abroad at a grass roots level.  Help others understand that here in Canada, we care about a more efficient, transparent, and collaborative government system.  With that in mind, I have another slogan for Canada GovCamp  - “Carry the stream…”

Also, don’t forget to register for the live webcast if you’re unable to attend in person.

I just wanted to quickly say thank-you to everyone who came up to me at OpenGov West today and expressed their support for today’s earlier post.  Clearly, more were feeling similar re McKee’s conduct during the event.  Several folks referenced their thoughts about his time at the mic yesterday.  Another of today’s outcomes was being asked several times if anyone from Microsoft has responded, and no one was surprised to hear that Microsoft has taken the 5th.

The learning at OpenGov West continues beyond the conference itself on many levels.  As mentioned many had asked me today if Microsoft had reached out and responded to my earlier blog post.  Which by the way has been updated to include Sarah Schacht’s title and website etc…

I believe it’s important to note, I’m not fishing for any sort of response from Microsoft or McKee.  I’m not here to improve their company, despite the fact that I’ve done them a huge service by highlighting a critical problem for Steve Ballmer and the top executives at Microsoft.  Together with the feedback and input from several folks at OpenGov West, we’re collectively educating this misguided executive and software giant in how today’s online social environment works.  Remember when Bill Gates stated that “Sometimes we do get taken by surprise. For example, when the Internet came along, we had it as a fifth or sixth priority.”

Clearly the Microsoft corporate culture under Steve Ballmer continues to need work.  Every day that Microsoft employees are out in the world with decision-making powers and making fools of themselves at public events, such as, an Open Government conference a stone’s throw away from the Redmond campus shows as reinforcement that they’re the wrong company to be doing business with respect to Open Government.  Ironically, another issue for discussion came up today NOT Microsoft related but related to the idea of “trusting your staff” to say the right thing in public situations (which today means pretty much everywhere) and I’d like to thank those folks for sharing their opinions with me today.

Open Government initiatives need more brave evangelists who empower discussion, learning and sharing in a way that will bring government, public servants and elected officials onside with what needs to be done.  As David Hume stated today, “Open is not an outcome but a strategy.”  Which is why we need mid-level decision-makers in government to get with the program and come out to these events.  They are a part of the “permission and approval” infrastructure and they’re directing process regarding an environment many often admit to know little or nothing about.  What’s wrong with this picture?

Push Through the NO!

We need public servants especially to “push through the no” as Michele Weslander-Quaid of US Intelligence suggested at an O’Reilly Gov2.0 conference and by doing so, educate those who are resistant to change.  OpenGov West was filled with public servants from many regions including of course Alberta, British Columbia, Seattle and King County and other states such as Oregon, California. Visibly absent today during the “unconference” save Kathy Lambert, King County Councilmember were other elected officials from all government tiers.

These are the people sitting in Council Chambers in Seattle, King County or even down the I5 in the Washington State Capitol of Olympia who should have definitely been in the room yesterday and today, it’s their own backyard.  I understand everyone is busy but what many need to understand is that more than one elected official believes they don’t need to know this stuff because they have staff to “do that for them.” You and I both know it’s also a matter of priority and to her credit, Councilmember Kathy Lambert made learning more about Open Government one of her priorities.

Not only that, but the Councilmember took a few moments to suggest some restaurants and provide some history on the King County Administration and Courthouse building, along with background on some of the issues of today, which was really very gracious of her.  If my short discussion with her is any indication of her character, the people of King County’s District Three are very well represented.

I have very much enjoyed returning for a few days here in Seattle, the people have been warm and welcoming.  The discussion, presentations and breakout sessions were terrific and filled with great information.  OpenGov West itself was generally well run and the Baquette Box did a killer job with the lunches.  They were delicious.

Oh and one more thing if you ever get a chance to be invited to the Columbia Tower Club at the Columbia Centre say yes, the view of Pugent Sound from the 76th floor is ridiculously beautiful. Until next time Seattle…

OpenGov West

However, I didn’t come here just to smell the salty ocean air, I’m here to work and attend OpenGov West which will be taking place at Seattle’s City Hall over Friday and Saturday.  (Day 1 schedule)  OpenGov West is a fantastic chance to meet many Open Government enthusiasts and evangelists, including Andrew Hoppin, CIO for New York State who will be giving a keynote.  Our own Chris Moore, CIO for the City of Edmonton is here to be a panel moderator.  This will be a rich opportunity to learn, share and experience what others not only here in Seattle are doing but elsewhere.

Research

To set the stage, I’ve been doing a bit of research on the local situation and have found some substantial issues here for Seattle’s new Mayor McGinn.  Here are some of the highlights.  One of the largest issues on the agenda is a construction project.  The Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement project. This is Seattle’s “big dig” and it seems that Washington State is being a bit difficult to work with regarding the funding scheme for this project.  As Mayor McGinn states, “90% of all large tunnelling projects go over budget” this is a critical issue because apparently Washington State legislature has issued a law stating the State won’t pay more than a certain amount, (somewhere just north of a billion dollars).  Should the project experience cost overruns Seattle will be stuck with the bill.  Add to this issue that of the King County Metro Transit system taking funds from their capital equipment stash to prop up operations and you quickly realize that the transit system is on life support and the overall budget is another central issue here.  The financial situation here due to the recession is serious enough that City of Seattle workers are taking voluntary days and the Mayor and Council are working through a process to identify 200 top-line jobs to save the city money – things are critical.  Citizens are asking for more Seattle Police foot patrols in the downtown area.  There’s more light rail needed and as everyone knows, elevated trains don’t come cheap and neither does road and bridge construction/maintenance, such as in the case of the Route 520 bridge project.   This is a project that’s been in the works for over 4 years now from what I can gather, but Mayor McGinn wants the design to support light rail and that has the discussion heating up apparently.

Open Seattle

What can a more “Open Seattle” accomplish in this fiscal environment?  Well, certainly on the citizen engagement front, guidance from the population on a host of issues can’t hurt but what about all those folks who aren’t as tech savvy in the Seattle region?  Well check out this cool “digital inclusion” Community Technology Project – a matching funds project to help people develop computer skills.  Sure, Web 2.0 applications to help with information flow but I’m interested in finding out what’s already being done, I’m sure there’s a lot.

Frankly, I’m even more excited now to see what transpires over the next two days and beyond.  I don’t think Open Government solves all of Mayor McGinn and the rest of the City of Seattle Council’s financial woes, but it can definitely help.

By the way, I found this Oct 2009 Public Engagement Plan released by the City of Seattle’s Open Government Committee.  The next couple of days are going to be epic for us Gov2 wonks…

Interestingly, there were some folks in the room from very large organizations, including the provincial government.  As the nice folks I met here brace for impact regarding cutbacks, I believe they found the discussion around tax savings and government efficiencies related to an Open Government environment interesting.

I was told about some very interesting things happening here in Manitoba, I can see sparks of interest and some daylight regarding the use of Web 2.0 technologies and that is very cool.

The local Twitter community is not as active as ours in Edmonton but there are signs of growth from what I hear from locals.  I really enjoyed my stay here in Winnipeg, the people were welcoming and the city itself has some terrific architecture.  There’s a lot of pride here and from what I’ve learned, there is considerable interest in the idea of Government 2.0.  I’d like to say more but have to head to the airport to catch a flight.  I’m heading to Seattle today to attend OpenGov West.

What I will say is, people feel Premier Seliger is open to the idea of Government 2.0, so I say – Here comes Open Manitoba!

Below is a 2-minute video of the City of Edmonton’s Chief Information Officer, Chris Moore speaking about Open Data in relation to tomorrow’s big event, as well as, continuing the vision forward.

As mentioned, the stage is set for the regional Open Data movement to continue to travel leaps and bounds.  The list of folks scheduled to be in the room or participating online is diverse and represents our region, province, country and international friends from many angles and that goes directly to how well the communications about what’s going on has penetrated and inspired folks to take action, all this since the first event on November 21, 2009.  Whether that be through the use of social or traditional media, the results are clear.

Just this week, Edmonton was recognized as a leader in the Open Data movement during a major announcement by San Francisco’s Mayor Gavin Newsom in the United States regarding their National Open 311 initiative.

Please see the video below and pay careful attention to the organizations listed in the background.

How can you participate?

Well first, if you have an opportunity please come out in person and participate directly in the “unconference.” Secondly, if you are unable to attend in person, then you are invited to watch the live video stream.  Further, anyone in the world may also “embed” the live video stream into their website, blog, etc…

Why would you want to do that?  Those who are considering an Open Data initiative in their region may want to communicate and educate certain local audiences that frequent their site.  You now have that opportunity, thanks to the City of Edmonton’s willingness to share with other communities, not only here in Alberta and in Canada, but also around the world.  I’ve had personal discussions with people from the US, Australia, even with Annemarie van Campen who is excited about the Dutch “fresh government” Open Data initiative.  I love the “fresh government” tagline, it’s brilliant.  We won’t be able to tell or communicate leading up the event as to everyone whom might be planning to carry the feed unless someone confirms that ahead of time, so please tell us here if you can.  Such as in the case of Nick Charney and his very popular Gov 2.0 cpsrenewal blog Nick is also going to be a panelist here in Edmonton.  I’d also like to mention once again how cool it is for the Edmonton Journal and GovLoop.com to be participating as mentioned in a previous post.

The team

I know one thing for sure, regardless of the really great discussion, ideas and thoughts shared tomorrow at the workshop.  You should be very proud of the City of Edmonton event planning team.  This takes a lot of effort to properly represent the fourth largest city in Canada on such an important subject.

Councillor Don Iveson, Chris Moore, Jacob Modayil, Scott Lundy, Jason Darrah, James Rugge- Price, Devin Serink, Raffaella Loro and Ashley Casovan who has been rock solid in terms of keeping everyone marching forward to ensure the event is terrific, that’s a tough gig regardless and she’s handled it very well so far I thought.  I’d also like to mention our project team, Evan Adnams, Kelly Lalonde and Genoa Adnams who have been working hard on this project to ensure our first ever (and I believe for the city as well) “bilingual” webcast goes without a hitch.

Due to everyone’s hard work, increased awareness and even recognition for this region and the Open Data work has already happened prior to the event itself taking place and that’s something to be proud of.  Of course, there is a lot of work still ahead and yet, clearly the momentum is building going into tomorrow and that I must say is highly cool.

Can you measure buzz and awareness?

Absolutely, several different ways in fact.  This is where the use of social media is a no-brainer as a starting place.  In the case of the City of Edmonton and the upcoming Open City Workshop (register here space left is limited) my opinion is that increased awareness is critical.  Sharing ideas, listening and educating new audiences as to what Open Data is will be one of many messages I expect to come out of Saturday.  Further, software developers local and non-local alike are no doubt excited to hear about upcoming announcements, the vision in general and how they may play a direct role.

Magnify the effect through sharing

One of the fundamentals of Government 2.0 is participation.  The social web, in particular the government 2.0 segment of the social web is already responding to what the City of Edmonton is doing.  By agreeing to share the live bilingual webcast feed (a first for the City and very progressive by anyone’s standards in government) with anyone who would like to embed the feed on their site, it’s already opened up new communications doors for the City of Edmonton brand.  Not the least of which is GovLoop.com out of Florida.  With over 25000 Gov 2.0 community members having the stream featured on the home page of this site is important for the purposes of building international credibility and awareness for the Open Data movement and the City of Edmonton.

Here is another example on Mashable.com of the buzz potential surrounding what’s happening here.  Evan from our team made sure to mention in the comments what we’re all up to, nicely done Evan.  One never knows who may choose to watch and participate in the online discussion as a result and where that will lead, only time will tell.

Further, the media is also getting into the act and so you can expect to find the feed on one or more major traditional media websites on Saturday too.  In fact, the Edmonton Journal has authorized me to let everyone know that they’re excited to be carrying the feed, it’s so great that they’re participating and helping to spread the word about Open Data.

The bounce

What can we expect short to mid-term out of this effort on behalf of the City’s IT and Communications collaborative efforts?  In politics and other circles it might be called the “bounce.”  I predict that Edmonton area companies, the Alberta and federal governments, more than one post-secondary institution, as well as, countless folks outside the region will definitely see all kinds of opportunity coming out of Saturday.

I also think City Council and administration in Edmonton (and others whom I know are watching closely) will be able to witness first hand just how much the City of Edmonton is quickly moving towards being a strong model for Open Government.  Saturday will prove yet again that working in real-time with citizens can be extremely beneficial and not something to be feared but embraced.  That sharing our plans with the world outside our region is progressive and it too will benefit the local economy and attract new people, business and brand awareness.  The Edmonton area (I’m in Sherwood Park) is a great place to live, work and play.

Live!

Here’s a special twist.  fusedlogic is proud to announce that we’ve been hired by the City of Edmonton to provide a live bilingual webcast of the event.  We’ve twisted the City’s arm (it didn’t take much) and asked if we could provide the live stream to others who may want to share it.  They said yes.

Hello embed code! If you’d like to generate traffic and attention to your Government 2.0 focused blog, website or community this is a terrific opportunity to provide content to your online community.  If you’re in the media and would like to have the stream on your site, let a thousand flowers bloom.

The City of Edmonton is listening to your Open Data ideas and they’re acting on it.

The spirit of this event is to share ideas and thoughts, learn and collaborate on the way forward.  It’s events like this that help to shape a city, everyone’s job is to come out and contribute directly or online.

Trust

One of the fundamental elements of an Open Government is trust.  The City of Edmonton said it would open its’ data, it has.  The City of Edmonton said it would expand this Open Data movement to the entire region so as to benefit all citizens, it is.  Citizens are often skeptical of government for many reasons not the least of which is they don’t feel their voice will be heard.  The City of Edmonton’s IT Branch is listening and led by Councillor Don Iveson, CIO Chris Moore, and the team in the IT Branch they’re acting on it.  Look out folks, this is only the beginning.

Special Guests: 3 impressive Open Government minds are flying in to Edmonton to participate on a Open Government panel.  David Eaves, Mark Kuznicki and Nicholas Charney I expect this to be great fun, and a tremendous learning experience.

See you on Saturday and follow along on Twitter using the Twitter hashtag – “yegdata”

Embed code will be provided for you on our site here:  http://fusedlogic.tv/events/yegdata/

More information on the event itself is on the City of Edmonton’s website

Register here to attend the FREE Open City Workshop

If you have set out a plan and defined success that’s great and, I wonder if your plan also includes how to build consensus?

Many in Government 2.0 circles talk about the need for increased openness and transparency between government and citizens.   While this is critical as a direction, we should dig deeper and explore what has to happen in order to facilitate such an outcome.   In addition to educating the right people in government and citizens alike as to what an Open Government looks, smells and operates like, we need to address the “power struggle” and cynicism which usually undermines everything.  This battle takes place below the surface and behind closed doors, and can have many faces.

For example, a government I.T. department doesn’t want to allow outside technologies into their network.  They claim security and effective systems administration as the reason.  This does a number of things simultaneously, including the retention of control of a locked down system designed to stifle any innovation left within.  Just ask the Health Canada employees who attempted to tune into a live webcast we did recently where the landing page for the stream was blocked.  Health Canada bosses couldn’t tune in to an event they paid for and no amount of requests sent to I.T. was going to change that reality.  Maybe you live and work in such an environment, where this type of Open Government/Open Organization battle is taking place as we speak.  Building consensus is very difficult and very costly as a result.  Why say yes today when you can drag out the discussion for months, using every excuse possible in order to justify your existence?

Here’s an NYT article on how the US Department of Defense is moving forward with their social media policy.  When you dig below the surface, there is certainly evidence of issues and skeptism.  Despite all of this, the directive has been given and so now comes the actual implementation of the policies.

The combatants do not always include the I.T. command and control group versus the entire organization.  The sabre rattling can also include mid-level executives who have little recourse to prevent change (in their language – more work) in their world than to engage in “passive-aggressive” war games with evangelist colleagues.  They state support publicly for the course ahead while quietly and tactically undermining the project like a nearly silent virus.  Frustrating the hell out of co-workers who have great intentions.  If this is allowed to persist it rips at the very fabric of the corporate culture and good people leave as a result of a few poisonous apples.

Open Government, indeed an open and innovative organization is a result of “open hearts”

For me, in the case above, success is defined in many ways.  Not the least of which includes the early detection of committed open hearts and minds within the organization in question.  You can tell the difference pretty quickly.  People either stand for being innovative and for collaboration or they see fear at every turn.  They either see the possibility of solutions or they see barriers.  Here’s an example, compare the Twitter feed of your favourite elected official to that of Mayor Cory Booker of Newark, New Jersey.  Do you think Mayor Booker would be open to his municipality embracing Government 2.0?  This is a Mayor who replies to direct comments about the clearing of snow on his roads.  That alone is worth remarking about.

When the student is ready the teacher will appear – Chinese proverb

We come across clients all the time who want an hourly rate for a few simple social media solutions, essentially they don’t understand what they’re asking about so they look to limit risk and exposure to the project without stalling it completely.  Consensus is far easier to build on a foundation of respect and rapport and, if they’re ready to learn then great things can happen.  We’re in the social media education business in many ways, and yet, if hearts and minds are closed for business there’s little we can do.

This may sound like I’ve pinned success on warm and fuzzy, vague constructs and in reality that’s not true.  There are metrics to be aware of, objectives to be identified and a strategy to be constructed including which tools to use when and how.  Having said that, building consensus and momentum for change involving Open Data and/or the deployment of social media within government and businesses often takes much more.

Building consensus is about “open hearts and motivated minds” and our experience has shown that you can’t have a successful social media or Open Government result without starting here first.

Alberta has some really terrific elected officials at the municipal level and AUMA as an organization is doing some amazing things.  As we found out today with the joint-announcement made with the AUMA, Government of Alberta and AAMDC  covering the new Municipal Climate Change Centre to be housed at the new AUMA building.

Below are the presentations that I referenced several times of the course of the two days for you to use and in the case of the PPT you can download that, I just ask that you continue to keep the branding in place and provide credit as have done…

Well then, who should be paying attention to the Government 2.0 movement?

Elected officials, town or city administrations that’s who.  Ultimately citizens want their roads cleared, buses to run on time, garbage picked up and…well you get the point.  Citizens want services in exchange for tax dollars.  Most of the time citizens feel like they’re getting the short-end of the stick and they’re not afraid to light-up the complaint line and let you know about it either.

Why don’t they care?

Most people get into their car and turn the key, they’re not interested in precisely how the engine works with each turn of the crankshaft. Should the car break down, they’ll take it to a guy who knows how to fix it and frankly, they’re mostly upset about the cost and inconvenience of the whole ordeal and not so much the part.  The same goes for Gov 2.0, and most people absolutely care-less with respect to the fact that I’m writing a book on the topic.  As far as they’re concerned, I might as well be writing about typewriter maintenance.

That’s ok, I’m not discouraged and here’s why.  Do open government initiatives save tax dollars?  Absolutely!  Do open government initiatives improve the quality of life for massive amounts of citizens?  Absolutely!  Do Web 2.0 technologies play a key role?  Once again absolutely!  These are the end results and outcomes citizens care about.  Should Premier Stelmach fire-up a conversation with kids in government about what the province should do?  Of course, yesterday in fact, truth is I know he’s already having those kinds of chats.  The real test will be if the Government of Alberta gets past the chatter and takes action.  We’ll have to wait and see but at this point the province is lagging behind.  I know, no surprise right?  Despite that fact, we’ll keep cheering them on.

If you’re a town administrator or Mayor and you do not understand these concepts, it is recommended that you get up to speed quickly. Will it mean more work?  Oh the cry of the overworked bureaucrat.  Of course!  In the short-term, learning new things always means more work, and there’s terrific payoffs for your community should you be able to heard the rest of the cats in your administration.

The potential payoffs

1. Increased citizen engagement
2. Increased process efficiencies
3. Increased relevant communication reach internally
4. Decreased tax dollar spending on IT, while increasing available applications driven by the private sector
5. Increased information distribution which will lead to improved citizen conveniences
6. Increased awareness of the community-at-large, good for economic development and tourism
7. Increased opportunities for collaboration internally and with other levels of government
8. Government speeds up – HURRAAYYYY!

There are others and this is quick list for you to consider.  As for motivation to care, we’re heading into a municipal election year are we not? Hmm, you may want to be careful, your opponent or a citizen at a town hall may be well-versed in these areas and you could find yourself at a disadvantage at the worst possible time.  The outcome being that you suddenly have plenty of time to read my book and the soon to be released expanded edition on typewriters.

My personal pipe dream

Imagine a world where the federal government banned the phrase “that’s the way we’ve always done it” and began to collaborate in real-time internally and with provinces and the provinces shared data and information in real-time with cities and towns and they in turn all shared that data with us…(appropriately of course).

Unfortunately, in order for that to happen we need leaders.  Leaders who care about what I’ve just written above and leaders who care about you.  Further, we need administrations who don’t cringe at the hint of learning and implementing something new.  We need leaders who demonstrate caring through action rather than words to placate.  Leaders driven by the motivation to collaborate for the greater good rather than by identifying barriers out of fear of losing their jobs.

That my friends, is why in many cases, this is a pipe dream and yet I remain optimistic.

This whole conversation with Tim happened as a result of doing research for my upcoming book entitled Escape Velocity and Tim was kind enough to share an unpublished chapter from his upcoming book – Open Government.  He gave me permission to work with small parts of this body of work in support of helping me form thoughts about Government 2.0.

Tim has approved this content which is an important point, as I want to ensure I don’t overstep my bounds.

Being this fortunate means not only has Tim afforded me with the ability to study his work ahead of release, but also to communicate with him directly.  This wonderful gift also means that I can share brief thought provoking portions with you here on my blog as part of the process.

You’ll notice elements of his work in my PowerPoint from the recent ALI Social Media for Government Conference available for download here.  http://bit.ly/anwOWY

From Tim O’Reilly’s chapter within the book Open Government.

As President Obama explained the idea during his campaign: “We must use all available technologies and methods to open up the federal government, creating a new level of transparency to change the way business is conducted in Washington, and giving Americans the chance to participate in government deliberations and decision-making in ways that were not possible only a few years ago.”

Allowing citizens to see and share in the deliberations of government and creating a “new level of transparency” are remarkable and ambitious goals, and would indeed “change the way business is conducted in Washington.” Yet, these goals do not go far enough.

I agree

I agree with Tim that the idea of an Open Government Initiative as explained by then Presidential Candidate Barrack Obama doesn’t go far enough.  The next paragraph that Tim provides starts to talk about “government as a platform.”  Why?  Simple, just having citizens participate in a government based conversation is only the beginning of the change required and the change that is taking place.

For example, one of the things I’ve personally experienced is that it is the private sector who in many ways is driving innovation within an open and transparent government ecosystem.  Open Data is a step towards the foundation of government operating, as Tim would say, a “platform.”

My firm is a direct beneficiary of Open Data and we’re the ones driving a specific form of innovation on behalf of three city governments at the moment with respect to our Route 411 transit application.  We’re not the only ones or the first but we’re in the game.  As Chris Moore, CIO for the City of Edmonton told a crowd at Pecha Kucha the other night.  ”No tax dollars were harmed in the making of Route 411.”

I’m not making the above point to brag, only to reinforce one of the many positive outcomes which go beyond citizen generated conversations or direct participation in government deliberations.

The Open Data movement is a concrete step that governments can take to inspire innovation while saving tax dollars in the process.  Our goal as citizens should be to push this effect further via those important digital conversations.  Let your government know (regardless of level) that this is important to you.

As I listened to the various speakers today, listed here. I found each one very interesting in their own way.  Jas Darrah from the City of Edmonton provided some key insights into how he helped the City get started with the “SMAC” or Social Media Advisory Council down the social path.  Jacob George from the City of Calgary, enlightened us about the overall digital footprint the city has and how quickly they respond to issues that arise.  Also, Jacob used prezi and we’re big prezi fans too, so extra points for that.

I found our break-out blitz session to be most interesting as that’s when the audience was given a chance to contribute by telling a social media story other than their own as I encouraged them to meet someone new.  Fear, still reigns supreme as the number one issue, time-management and capacity where also near the top of the list. However, trying to convince the “old guard” back at the office that this is the way to go is frustration that it seems everyone is feeling.  Should you work in government and for someone who is actually a proponent of open government, you don’t know how lucky you are.

Nathan Freed and Manon Abud did an excellent job of explaining the issues, processes and opportunities behind Inspiring Education.  A terrific Government of Alberta, Alberta Education initiative.  Kudos to Minister Dave Hancock for supporting such a project.  Now if we can just remove some more road blocks for Nathan, I bet we’d see even more from this project.

Other highlights include Troy Wason explaining to the crowd all about the ups and downs of being a assigned with getting the social media word out on behalf of the Alberta Government Caucus only to be shown the door as a result of doing his job “too well.”

And then ending the day on a pleasant note with Diane Begin from NAIT’s communications department who explained all the great things they’re doing over there involving the social web.  All and all a wonderful day.

I was just on Twitter and Nick Charney wrote the following. “Thinking of writing a blog post called Rethink, Retool or Retire, but I think it’s too edgy.”  To which I replied, “why not be a guest blogger on our site, I don’t think it’s too edgy.”  In fact, I think it’s bang on.  This sentiment also reminds me of a Lee Iacocca saying, “lead, follow or get out of the way.”  Ultimately, this is really what we’re exploring at this conference, you can actually see the wheels turn as participants look for ways to convince colleagues back home that “Web2 and Gov2 have happened and they need to be prepared and involved.”

Tomorrow is another action packed day and I’m just as excited to be a part of it with this wonderful group.  Especially since I’ve got a surprise or two cooked up for everyone…

Thanks to all the organizations who participated:

Service Canada
Alberta Agriculture & Rural Dev.
Alberta Environment
Alberta Energy/information Tech.
Town of High River, AB
Metrolinx Ulistic Inc.
Royal Alberta Museum
Alberta Education
Red Deer County, Alberta
City of Red Deer, Alberta
Alberta Geological Society
National Energy Board
Edmonton International Airport
APEGGA
Govt. of the Northwest Territories
Town of High River, AB
AB School Empl. Benefit Plan
Strathcona County, AB
Alberta Utilities Commission
Alberta Education
Government of Alberta Office of the Auditor General
City of Fort Saskatchewan
WMS Communications
City of Kelowna, BC