October 2, 2009

Informing Communities: Sustaining Democracy in the Digital Age

Over the last 18 months, I have had the great honor of serving as a Commissioner on the Knight Commission on the Information Needs of Communities. Today, it gives me great pleasure to announce that we have released our report:

We begin our report by asking, "What are the information needs of communities in a democracy?" Following this reflective analysis, we outline findings and recommendations, centered on three objectives:

• Maximize the availability of relevant and credible information to all Americans and their communities
  
• Strengthen the capacity of individuals to engage with information
  
• Promote individual engagement with information and the public life of the community
  

The report concerns itself with journalism, open government, broadband access, digital/media literacy, skills, civic engagement, local communities, socioeconomic and sociotechnical inequality, education, free speech, etc. So my guess is that if you're reading this blog, this report is DEFINITELY for you. And if you don't want to read the whole thing, don't worry, we have an executive summary at the top. But please do look at it. And forward it along to anyone who you think might appreciate it.

And for those who know me... can you spot the hair-brained danah idea? And guess its roots? ::kiss:: to EZ!

(If you happen to be reading this during the day on October 2, we are streaming the launch event from the Newseum.)

Category: digitalness

Tags: democracy report communities government policy

Posted by zephoria at October 2, 2009 4:57 AM | TrackBack