Back in November 2000, I attended “Wired for Civic Engagement: Using New Technology to Build Community,” the National Civic League’s 106th National Conference on Governance in Washington, D.C. From the press release:
National Civic League Conference to Explore Technology’s Effect on Democracy and Community
DENVER – July 12, 2000 – “Wired for Civic Engagement: Using New Technology to Build Community,” the National Civic League’s 106th National Conference on Governance, takes place November 9 to 11, 2000, in Washington, D.C.
Some of the country’s leading experts in technology and community building will gather with government officials, citizen activists, nonprofit organizations, and business leaders to discuss technology, and its potential to revitalize participation in civic life.
“Today’s technology is allowing all sectors of our society to communicate with each other in ways unheard of just a few years ago. Through technology we have enormous potential to reconnect previously disengaged citizens to civic society,” notes Christopher T. Gates, President of the National Civic League. We’re hoping this conference will deepen the discussion about the possibilities this creates for strengthening democracy, and the potential for building healthier communities.”
Steven Clift, founder of Democracies Online Newsire, and a featured conference speaker, describes “Wired for Civic Engagement” as “one of the first conferences in the Untied States coming from more traditional civil society circles to look closely at civic engagement in the Information Age.”
I really enjoyed the NCL conference (it’s where I first met Steven Clift and heard about AmericaSpeaks and their 21 Century Town Meeting).
It took them a while, but the National Civic League is now present on the social web as well:
For a trip back in time, check out the 2000 conference program (still available on Archive.org). Some of the topics sure sound familiar and are still current almost nine years later.
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