Technology Serves As Catalyst To Transparency

President Abraham Lincoln is quoted as stating “Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people.” If we adhere to that belief, then it is imperative that government be accountable, transparent and open to careful examination of all its dealings. Local government is in the best position of any body of government to advocate and protect the Constitution on behalf of its citizens. The rights of the citizens begin at the local level where they have a greater voice in the scope and function of government.  

To be considered truly transparent, local government must find successful ways to communicate information to the public. Communication with constituents on the local level is challenging. Traditional media outlets provide some information, but the extensive information distribution that satisfies the ambition of a city to be accountable and transparent cannot be completely fulfilled through local media.  Years ago, cities began setting up websites as a means to communicate and provide voluminous information to constituents. While this may serve to provide greater transparency, it does little good if no one sees the message. It’s a push approach to communication that does nothing to draw viewers, unless they have a specific need for the information. The development of social media sites and the subsequent popularity as a daily communication tool for throngs of users opens new opportunities for government to communicate with the public.

Many governments and companies do not seriously consider communicating through social media because they mistakenly believe it to be something only used by the under 18 age group. Statistical information shows that more than half the users of Twitter are over age 35, and the fastest growing demographic for Facebook is again from age 35 and up. The greatest amount of social media traffic is from users over the age of 18. It is, therefore, easy to see that the target demographic group for the City’s message is embracing and shaping the use of social media. This group is fully engaged with the digital movement and desires knowledge on the go, as it occurs. The introduction of social media has created an environment where information can be spread much faster than through any other communication method.

The City has focused primarily on Twitter in its use of social media, but has recently started blogs and is considering other social media strategies. Twitter allows brief messages regarding the City’s business and matters of general interest to be sent out to followers who have chosen to receive the City’s updates. Since launching the City’s Twitter account in February, 2009, over 460 followers have been established, many who regularly forward our messages on to their followers. As a result, many of those followers are visiting the City’s website to view the more comprehensive information available there. The cost of utilizing this digital tool: a few minutes each day to plan and post updates.

We accept the foundational meaning of democracy, as described by President Lincoln, and the responsibility for open access to information. Therefore, a communication strategy that includes social media creates an environment of greater access, which in turn helps provide the accountability and transparency the City seeks. As social media gains momentum and more users adopt this as a primary communication tool, the City is prepared to continue to take advantage of the opportunity to reach a larger participating audience. If you would like to follow Owasso on Twitter, visit www.twitter.com/OwassoCity. If new to Twitter, click on Join.