There are a lot of interesting things happening at the North Carolina Legislature this year. And while some of the politics may turn you off, there is a way that you can make change happen in NC—and it doesn’t involve lobbying your representatives. You can join the citizen-led movement called CityCamp.
For the last two years, a group of volunteers has come together to host a successful CityCamp event in Raleigh. We tackled problems dealing with education and team “Open it up” came away a winner in 2011. Last year, a group of citizens came together to create the initial prototype of RGreenway, a mobile app that helps users connect on the Greenway system, and the app has recently expanded to include the Cary greenway system. Can the entire state of NC be next?
This year, the Raleigh event has expanded to become CityCamp North Carolina. Imagine the problems we can solve when we come together, to enhance our government through collaboration and technology. I believe that we’ll find some quick wins that can help our state agencies be more efficient, save tax payer money, or provide better services to citizens.
What is CityCamp NC?
CityCamp NC is an event to promote citizen participation and government transparency. Organizers recently announced plans to host the now state-focused event May 30-31 at the James B. Hunt Jr. Library on the NC State University Campus in Raleigh. The event brings together citizens, government, and businesses in order to ignite innovation focused on improving quality of life through technology. CityCamp NC will be followed by a National Day of Civic Hacking event hosted by Raleigh’s Code for America Brigade on June 1.
This year, CityCamp NC will award a top prize of $3000 plus a consulting session with Jason Caplain at Bull City Venture Partners to the winning team. A second and third team will be awarded prizes of $1000 and $500, respectively.
A $10 registration fee includes breakfast and lunch both days and a CityCamp NC t-shirt. The event is $5 for students and government employees (appropriate ID must be shown at the door). For more information and to register, visit http://citycampnc.org.
What are some of the problems we can solve for our state? Together. Through collaboration and openness. Think about it and bring your ideas to CityCamp NC.
5 ways you can help
- Ready to go? Register now.
- Request that your representative attend CityCamp NC—yeah, I know I said you wouldn’t have to lobby your representative, but this is different. 😉
- Like the CityCamp NC Facebook page.
- Follow CityCamp NC on Twitter.
- Know someone that works in government? Let them know about the event. Ask them to visit www.citycampnc.org and share this news with their agency/department.