Technology giants like Google or Amazon offer very well recognized products such as search engines, software as well as an online marketplace where virtually anything can be purchased. But fewer people are aware of Civic Tech. Civic Tech, simply put, is technology that allows citizens to be more actively aware of and involved in government programs and policy creation. The benefits of Civic Tech include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Improves Government And Citizen Relationships
- Makes Communication Simpler
- Seeks To Better Serve The People
Improves Government And Citizen Relationships
When an open dialog, as well as transparency, occurs, there is a much better relationship between citizens and government. Citizens no longer feel as if they are being kept in the dark about important decisions that have very real impacts on the lives of loved ones. Civic Tech seeks to assuage these tensions and make the democratic process more available and open to all citizens.
Makes Communication Simpler
Before modern advances in technology, the only way to communicate with elected officials was through writing a letter or physically visiting someone’s office. These tactics were extremely slow and inefficient and often allowed weeks to go by with essential questions unanswered. Civic tech allows contact to be made and opinions to be expressed in a much simpler and quicker way than was ever before possible. This could include things like online programs which serve as a forum of discussion with a variety of local politicians.
Seeks To Better Serve The People
When more people are involved in the democratic process, a more accurate representation of the actual demographics of the nation. Some underserved communities have been benefiting from civic tech to connect them with government assistance programs better. This allows those who have fallen on hard times to access the necessary help to get them back on their feet promptly.
One of the most common examples of civic duty is voting. By implementing various forms of civic tech, it is postulated that more individuals will participate in elections. As more people vote, a more accurate representation of the nation is created which in turn gives more people a chance to voice opinions on topics that are personally important.