VasGk | Κοινωνικό Νερό

I've been rather busy of late, but I did manage to read some articles on how social media have promoted democracy, and how people are more involved with politics, elections, campaigns ... and with one another... due to web 2.0 tools. I also had a read about democracy (and direct democracy ) and social media . I believe that the Internet has given an opportunity to all people to be more involved, share their views and take action ...oh and donate money... So, people are more engaged and their views are out there for politicians to take them into consideration. But wait... just because I Blog and use facebook and social groups or use twitter to write what I'm doing does not make me an active citizen in my community in real life. Sure, it makes me an active member, but, in an online constituency, sharing my views with like minded people. Participatory democracy needs people to be involved, and YES you can be involved through social media. You will also need to act in real lif...

I came across this very interesting article in the New York Times I believe that given the "change theme" of the new Presidency, President Barack Obama should keep on emailing directly to the people that sign up for email updates from change.gov or whitehouse.org It is the power of direct communications that can provide the Obama Presidency a straightforward link to concerned citizens, and create a no-clutter, media bias free, message delivered directly to a huge base already gathered from the campaign. Security issues need to be addressed, but the opportunity of the President being able to speak to the people should not be missed. People got used to being so engaged with politics during the election, they expect to be so during the tenure of the new administration.

Internet communications make a difference in changing government and shaping new policies.  You see, President-elect Barack Obama isn't the only one that believes in the power of the people, or how direct communications between citizens and politicians play a big role.   President G. W. Bush at the Mercantile Exchange in 
Chicago, Illinois on March 6 2001  is quoted:  See, I believe in the power of the people. I truly do. I do. I believe that when you email a congressman or a senator, it makes a difference. It makes a difference. And so that's why I'm traveling the country. And that's why I came here. I'd like for you to contact your congressman, and contact your senator, and tell them to come on the side of the people, when it comes to what to do with your money. Listen to this quote:

hey everybody, So many thing have been written about the President-elect, some argue that expectations are so high that Barack Obama will need to do it's best in the first 100 days in office. I would like to share my experience of http://www.change.gov/ It is a first, a move from the transition team of the President-elect to provide information openly about the new administration and the planing on how change will happen. It is a great example of change 2.0! I am sure that business strategists and academics will create excellent case studies and simulation exercises based on the "change politics" of campaign Obama. Let me just suggest some reference books on "Change Management": Burnes, B. (2004) Managing Change, London: Prentice Hall. Hayes, J. (2002) The Theory and Practice of Change Management, London: Palgrave Brockbank, A. McGill I and Beech, N.(2006) Reflective Learning in Practice, London:Gower Somekh, B. (2006) Action Research: A Methodol...

Many comments are to be written about the new President to be, most of which far better than my own, IMHO, I believe that U.S.A. has proved that "if you will it, it is no dream". U.S. citizens voted for a man who is progressive in principle and patriotic at heart. His presidential campaign is a beacon of sound communication strategies; but most of all excellent organization and human resource management. Will analyze my views on "Online Communications Strategies" in later posts.

It is going to be the first YouTube election! An election that user generated content will play a role, not only in communications, but also in generating buzz and making the elections count, not only for the candidates, but for the people. Video Your Vote is an excellent tool to use in order to View early voting View notable Voters Voting perspectives from first time voters Watch voter Intimidation Report polling problems and Report registration Problems Be sure to also see some other very interesting websites on the theme of "Video the Vote": Election Protection BallotVox Video the Vote Wired's Threat Level New York Times Polling Place Photo Project YouTube's Video Your Vote   Our Vote Live MyFairElection.com Voter Suppression Wiki Twitter Vote Report The Role of Citizen Media in Ensuring Fair Elections Not all states permit to video your vote, with some of them not allowing to video the choice you make. Anyway, you can always upload a video stat...

Just a quick note on why the U.S. citizens vote on a Tuesday. Curtsey of whytuesday.org In 1845, before Florida, California, and Texas were states or slavery had been abolished, Congress needed to pick a time for Americans to vote. We were an agrarian society. We traveled by horse and buggy. Farmers needed a day to get to the county seat, a day to vote, and a day to get back, without interfering with the three days of worship. So that left Tuesday and Wednesday, but Wednesday was market day. So, Tuesday it was. In 1875 Congress extended the Tuesday date for national House elections and in 1914 for federal Senate elections. Today, we are an urban society, and we all know how hard it is to commute to our jobs, take care of the children, and get our work done, let alone stand on lines to vote. Indeed, Census data over the last decade clearly indicates that the inconvenience of voting is the primary reason Americans are not participating in our elections. If we can move Columbus Day, Pres...