E-Democracy is thrilled to announce that Steven Clift, Founder and Executive Director, was honored Tuesday, July 23 as a White House Champion of Change for Transformative Civic Engagement. The event was live streamed at www.whitehouse.gov/live.
The White House Champion of Change for Transformative Civic Engagement award recognized 15 local leaders across the nation working to build participation in our democratic processes while using new technologies and engaging less represented communities via open government and civic hacking.
“We’re very proud of Steve. A better leader could not have been nominated. Steven understands the importance of inclusive civic engagement in digital spheres, and is fundamentally committed to closing the gap in online civic engagement. Steven and E-Democracy understand that while our world requires global leadership, it’s our local communities that truly host the conversations and build the tools we need to better reach a globalized world.  E-Democracy and its BeNeighbors campaign are re-framing the shape of community and political discourse and it is an exciting time to be a part of the organization. Again, congratulations to Steven,†says E-Democracy Board Chair Mary Reid.
On Tuesday, Steven heads to the White House to showcase the work of the entire E-Democracy team as it works to build stronger, more informed and connected communities and to strengthen democracy.
“Change comes from raising new voices. It builds bridges across differences in public life. Open government and civic technology must be used to open up democracy and bring community engagement to all, not just unleash the loudest voices. We are working for that change and our dedicated team and volunteers are the true heroes making a difference block by block and community by community.”
Please see the attached press release from the White House regarding the Champions of Change nomination.
For press inquiries or comments, please contact Jennifer Armstrong, Project Coordinator at 218-422-6432 or jennifer.armstrong@e-democracy.org
E-Democracy builds online public space in the heart of real democracy and community. Our mission is to harness the power of online tools to support participation in public life, strengthen communities, and build democracy.
For more information on the White House Champions of Change Award and full White House press release on all champions please visit
http://bit.ly/whitehousechamp
Steven Clift, Founder of E-Democracy Minneapolis, Minnesota
Steven Clift is @democracy on Twitter. He launched E-Democracy.org, the world’s first election information website in 1994. His “government by day, citizen by night†insights were built as leader of the State of Minnesota’s first e-government initiative. He spoke across 30 countries for over a decade from Estonia to Libya to Mongolia on open government and civic participation to support non-partisan,volunteer-powered efforts for inclusive online local democracy. An Ashoka Fellow, today he is E-Democracy’s Executive Director. He leads a dedicated team with the Knight Foundation funded BeNeighbors.org effort to connect all neighbors online (and off) in public life across race and ethnicity, generations, immigrant and native-born, and more. He lives with his lovely wife and two children in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Official White House Press Release
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of Communications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2013
Â
White House Highlights Steven Clift as an Open Government and Civic Hacking “Champion of Changeâ€
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WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, July 23rd, the White House will honor Steven Clift as an open government and civic hacking “Champion of Change.†The Champions being honored tomorrow have made a tremendous positive impact by building high-tech tools to help health workers and disaster-response crews better serve communities; piloting innovative programs to involve traditionally disengaged communities in local governance; using new technologies to enhance government transparency and collaboration; and more.
When presenting his new management agenda earlier this month, President Obama said, “… We the people recognize that this government belongs to us, and it’s up to each of us and every one of us to make it work better…We all have a stake in government success — because the government is us.â€
The White House Champions of Change program was created as part of President Obama’s Winning the Future Initiative. Through this program, the White House highlights individuals, businesses, and organizations whose extraordinary stories and accomplishments positively impact our communities.
To watch this event live, visit www.whitehouse.gov/live at 10:00 am ET on July 23rd. To learn more about the White House Champions of Change program and nominate a Champion, visit www.whitehouse.gov/champions.
Steven Clift, Founder of E-Democracy
Minneapolis, MN
Steven Clift is @democracy on Twitter. He launched E-Democracy.org in 1994 and it is the world’s first election information website. His “government by day, citizen by night†insights were built as leader of the State of Minnesota’s first e-government initiative. He spoke across 30 countries for over a decade from Estonia to Libya to Mongolia on open government and civic participation to support non-partisan, volunteer-powered efforts for inclusive online local democracy. An Ashoka Fellow, today he is E-Democracy’s Executive Director. He leads a dedicated team with the BeNeighbors.org effort to connect all neighbors online (and off) in public life across race and ethnicity, generations, immigrant and native-born, and more. He lives with his lovely wife and two children in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Congratulations on being honored as White House Champions of Change.
I spoke with you at Lake Hiawatha wading pool a few weeks ago.
It is good to see people like you take the lead in making change in our communities.
Your neighbor,
John Bell