SeeClickFix iPhone App Empowers Average Citizens to Make a Difference
Imagine a world where you can make a difference in your community’s quality of life in real time! Now you have the ability to identify a non-emergency issue, take a photo of it and have it sent to your local government to be addressed.
SeeClickFix is the brainchild of four New Haven, Connecticut altruists. They were inspired by a UK site called FixMyStreet.com. Developed as an alternative to 311 phone lines and fancy websites which can be too costly for many local governments, the founders hoped SeeClickFix could be a tool to empower citizens to work together with government to improve their communities. They worked with Google who allowed them to overlay their features on Google Maps. Launched in 2008 the website has evolved to the point where an iPhone app was developed in conjunction with another New Haven company called Dream Staffing. The app was first available in the summer and was recently updated to include more features.
“Gov. 2.0″ is what tech experts are calling this type of website/application, applying the concept of grassroots democracy and giving us the tools to be more involved. Taking pride in our communities is definitely a step in the right direction. Watch for all kinds of apps being developed using data provided by local government sources to improve surroundings, communication and government efficiency.
Of course the all important question must be asked, is anyone in the local government watching? Do they care? SCF has been working with media to publicize their service. Many cities in the US are now paying attention to the website and scanning for issues in their locales. Eventually the SCF business model will include the provision of professional services to local governments. But we cannot sit back and let them do all the work. If something like this is to work, more citizens need to get involved.
Getting involved in SeeClickFix.com is easy:
- Create a “Watch Area”: draw boundaries around a map and automatically notify yourself or your public officials via email or mobile app whenever a certain problem arises, like broken traffic fences, vandalized bus shelters, or damaged signs.
- Become a “SideClick” (a SeeClickFix Ambassador): Spread the word about the free service to people in your community and follow up with local authorities to make sure issues are addressed.
- Let your local government know about SeeClickFix. I know my city alderman will be very interested to hear about this website and app. He is an excellent representative for our community and I have no doubt if he is not already using it, he soon will be after I email him.
Make 2010 the year you give a darn and start using this powerful Gov. 2.0 tool to improve your life and the community around you! Warm fuzzies await!
This is a post by The Apps Machine
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Posted in Cool Apps, News and Rumors
Clickfix is a great idea that for some reason hasn’t worked for me. My non emergency issue is that a forty foot tall tree on city (new haven) property near my apt. Has been loosing limbs. some weighing in between 75 and 175 lbs. the problem branches are easy to spot. Because they are dangling from healthy branches. This issue has been open for over a year . Maybe I’ll just take a day off from work and walk downtown and be ignored by an actual city employee. Here is the link Thanks for trying.
I guess links are filtered so I’ll spell it out seeclickfix slash issues slash 398