Build a "whynot" type of Web site for communities. Deal with specific community focused issues (due to geographic location, growth spurt, etc.)- for example, I live in a small town in New Mexico, the town is going through a growth spurt. Issues like gang activity, water shortages, lack of sufficient medical care, traffic congestion, etc. are beginning to rear their ugly heads. I'd like to see a venue where local citizens could offer their constructive opinions and solutions - these ideas could be shared with city leaders, those with the power to make a change.
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That is a good idea too. Although I've posted some of my ideas here, I haven't gotten a overwhelming response, so I'm going to keep pitching them, or try to develope them myself. In your case I would write your local county newspaper, and possibly meet with count, city, officials. I've found the local governments and councils do meet to hear proposals from the public, and bussiness. Your city hall, or court house may have more information about that.
What a fantastic idea. Besides presenting potential solutions/improvements in an arena of immediate relevance, having a website has the added advantage of allowing people to speak out without fear of negative consequences (which is a problem sometimes when ideas are voiced in person).
I believe Tomdefran is correct in that it must be heard by those who can do something about it. That being said, trying to get any government body to move on something like this idea would probably take forever. Perhaps your community has a local rotary club or the likes who might sponsor your idea. Once started, those in the rotary club may have the umpf needed to get some of the ideas which come up actually tabled.
Our software can be used for this.
But note - ANY form of community development needs active promotion. Locally that means leafleting, door knocking, actively reaching out and co-opting the active citizens and local groups.
It won't just happen.
Do you care about your place enough to put in 20-30 hours a week for the couple of months it will take to get the ball rolling?
Take a look at our site and if you think you want to take it further, all you need is time, not IT expertise. (I'm assuming that the money side could be raised by selling a bit of sponsorship. If you can't even raise that level of support, then it doesn't bode well for the rest of the project!).
I also think that if done well, it would enable the locals to TAKE power, at least where they are pretty much united on issues.
Financially speaking we also think that local communities could be a good small business for locals wanting to work for themselves, and be at the hub of the local community (like the local paper proprietor of old).
Not to mention that the first person that does this will created a franchisable business:-)
Any readers want to combine helping and empowering local community with following the American Dream?
Cheers
Ian Dickson, ceo, founder, CommKit.com
Tom, count on me as one "Clovisite" willing to help. slp
Ianyou have done a great job here. i would like to try the concept for my community, if possible with your help- for social issues.Thanks
Google on: newspaper community online publishCheck out CP.AFreePress.com or townonline.com
Great Idea, you could even take this down to the level of a residents association problem discussion site where people in an apartment complex could post and discuss problems and issues like vandalism, damage, parking, repairs needed etc.As a lot of people in big citys dont talk to their neighbours a problem that one person has noticed may not be apparent to the other residents. The property management agents could also have access and could get up to date information on any problems that were developing.
I like the idea, tho all too often the response to a community problem is to call a realtor and get while the gettin's good.
Most people don't want to get involved regardless of the mechanics, otherwise the town council meetings would be standing room only.