Minding the gap
by Molly Webb
We call it everyday democracy - minding the gap between people and the institutions designed to deliver public services. I'm finding more examples of practioners in a variety of fields turning to social software tools - in the process they are re-inventing individuals' choices and re-framing the ways each of us involve ourselves in social outcomes.
Patientopinion.org is making the space for a constructive conversation about the provision of health services that doesn't happen within the current NHS institutional arrangements.
And I just came across Global Giving. This model aims to connect the leaders of development projects directly with funders, offering an alternative to World Bank or government charity models. (more info in the Washington Post article "Aid Recipients Might Have the Best Ideas About Allocation")
Online tools can enable new models of engagement toward delivering social outcomes. I can't help but be inspired by the 'let's fix it' approach.