CitySidewalk from SOJC on Vimeo.

Homelessness, unemployment, and violence are among the many visible problems that plague our communities––but where can we find viable solutions?

The ideal democracy neither blames nor relies on representatives to solve its difficult problems. The ideal democracy provides mechanisms for citizens to suggest solutions and lend a hand.

Long gone are the days of “calling city hall.” Automated responses and endless loops of music-on-hold are ineffective tools for communicating concerns and contributing solutions in the 21st century.

Simply put, CivicSidewalk.com engages high school and college journalists to search the sidewalks of their communities with cameras to capture suggestions from people with proposed solutions to the problems we share. Journalism’s role is to curate rather than advocate––letting community members determine the merits of proposed solutions. The student journalists will produce and upload one-minute videos that convey the essence of the ideas to our site where community members can rate the suggestions, add comments, lend support, and join initiatives that lead to action.

Our most obvious problems generate complaints. This initiative uses the internet to empower community members with the ability to generate support––and solutions.

CivicSidewalk.com is an online community of communities. It has the potential to become the “public sphere” so often contemplated by our greatest philosophers––a space where civic discourse is vibrant, meaningful, and effective.

Facebook connects distant friends and allows them to share experiences. CivicSidewalk.com connects community stakeholders and allows them to suggest and share workable solutions.

Pinterest and Instagram brought forth the power of the image, yet mostly for our entertainment. CivicSidewalk.com will bring forth the power of video proposals, for the purpose of inspiring action. Most importantly, CivicSidewalk.com facilitates two-way conversations. Visitors to the site can participate in discussions (via Twitter feeds), follow the progress of  initiatives, and vote ideas up or down. Student journalists/curators will note the top-rated suggestions and seek video responses from city officials, corporate entities, and advocacy organizations.

Our metrics will track the number of: ideas generated, citizens’ responses, actions taken, and concerns resolved.

CivicSidewalk.com connects people who care. It facilitates discussion, consensus, and action.

Created by Ed Madison, School of Journalism and Communication at University of Oregon.
Contact: madison2@uoregon.edu