Per a conversation that started here on my blog, I am pleased to announce that I (in partnership with Mark Drapeau and Peter Corbett and in cooperation with Jeffrey Levy) have, indeed, decided to move forward and initiate a Government 2.0 Camp unconference. It will take place in DC, March 27-28, 2009.
This is a 100% participant-planned, not-for-profit event that will bring together the leading thinkers from government, academia and industry to share Government 2.0 initiatives that are already in process and to collaborate about leveraging social media tools and Web 2.0 technologies to create a more efficient and effective government-Government 2.0.
The unconference format embodies these same collaborative principles as our nation’s democracy-of the people, by the people, for the people-and thus, is the ideal structure for the topic of Government 2.0. This event is a tremendous opportunity to practice what we preach and create something better collectively than we could individually
Your interest in social media and understanding of government 2.0 principles would be a tremendous asset to this event. Please get involved in planning Government 2.0 Camp.
To learn more, sign up for Government 2.0 Camp, and help to plan this event, visit the event wiki.
Officially register for Government 2.0 Camp on Eventbrite
Participate in Government 2.0 Camp on Facebook
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Government 2.0 Camp is the inaugural event of Government 2.0 Club, a newly-launched national organization that creates opportunities for government, academia and industry to share ideas and solutions for leveraging social media tools and Web 2.0 technologies to create a more collaborate, efficient and effective government.
To participate in the ongoing discussion about Government 2.0 and to find out about future Government 2.0 events, visit Government 2.0 Club.
Join Government 2.0 Club on Facebook
Join Government 2.0 Club on GovLoop
I look forward to working on this with you and other influential members of the Government 2.0 community. Please pass the word onto others whom you believe should be involved. Thanks so much.
Woohoo! I’m excited to be working on this with you three.
I’m glad you linked back to the original discussion, because it reinforces why I want to help: we need to get the conversations going among everyone, including the many, MANY people inside gov’t who are already planning and implementing social media.
Too many discussions are folks outside the gov’t guessing what’s going on and suggesting ways for gov’t to use these tools.
Another point is that social media has been the #1 topic in the gov’t Web community for a year or more now. I know because I sit on the Federal Web Managers Council, and I co-chair the Social Media Subcouncil. I certainly hope we’ll push even further and faster under Obama, but it didn’t start in gov’t with him.
Looking forward to it!
Jeffrey Levy
Director of Web Communications
US EPA
Jeffrey, this bit:
Is exactly what I’ve been talking about from my AFCEA pulpit. Thank you! So glad that I will be able to help with this, also.
Yes, this is the challenge, especially for an unconference: getting folks inside government who are unfamiliar (and potentially uncomfortable) with the unconference format to participate. And yet, exposing them to the alternate culture of an unconference–and of Government 2.0–that is based on information sharing and transparency is crucial.
Hi Maxine – A potential venue may be the State Theater in Falls Church (walking distance from a Metro station). They said they often support technology conferences with many folks using wifi at once. I’ve put in a call to their events coordinator to learn more about the potential and costs. I’ll let you know what I find out.
I think I may just have to attend.