[LINK] State of the eUnion: Government 2.0 and Onwards

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

Here's a *significant* new free e-book .."a stellar cast of thinkers"

http://21gov.net/wp-content/uploads/e-book.pdf


 'State of the eUnion: Government 2.0 and Onwards'

Edited by JohnGøtze & Christian Bering Pedersen.
Foreword by DonTapscott..


In the traditional form of democracy enjoyed by previous generations,
citizens listened to speeches, debates and television ads. They gave
money and voted. But when it came to having in put into policy and
real decisions, they were relegated to the sidelines.

The Internet enables a new model of democracy – one appropriate
for The Net Generation.

Having grown up digital, the Net Generation expect to collaborate 
with everyone including politicians.

They want to be involved directly: to interact with them, contribute
ideas and scrutinize their actions, not just during elections, but as
they govern.

And they will insist on integrity from politicians; they will know very
quickly if a politician says something and does another.

Barack Obama understood this and enabled citizens, largely youth,
to organize a social movement that brought him to power. Now
he’s embracing these same principles to change the way government
operates and engages its citizens.

Ultimately this promises to change the nature of democracy and the
relationship between citizens and the state – for the better.

The first wave of democracy established elected and accountable
institutions of governance, but with a weak public mandate and an inert
citizenry. 

The second wave is being characterized by strong representation and a new
culture of public deliberation built on active citizenship.

Call it Democracy 2.0.

All of this requires leadership.

Which is why the book "State of the eUnion" is so important and timely. 

John Gøtze and Christian Bering Pedersen have assembled a stellar cast of
thinkers and practitioners who are pioneering the new possibilities for
new paradigms in government and governance.

Beginning with thoughtful definitional papers about Government 2.0, the
book explores the topic of "Open Government" which as much as any topic
is central to the new thinking. It then delves into the issues of
democratization and citizen engagement with stimulating and satisfying
contributions based on real world experience.

Every government leader, every elected official and every government
employee should read this book and get involved in one of the most
exciting challenges of our times – transforming government for
effectiveness, relevance and success, enabled by a new medium of
communications and required for the emerging citizens of the 21st century.

The stakes are very high.

Don Tapscott
Toronto, November 2009

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Cheers,
Stephen

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