Empowerment 2.0

With transit fare hikes being a hot topic in the city this fourth quarter, Torontonians are finding new ways to express their ideas and discontents. The benefits of social media seem to be measured by the amount of action TTC Chair Adam Giambrone's Facebook page receives daily - where thousands of Toronto residents have access to him directly voice their concern on the City's biggest service.

This online forum allows for real-time conversations and provides anonymity to citizens to voice their concerns. It is even able to attract those who are not politically inclined to participate and to do so in the comfort of their homes, expanding on the idea of the public forum by creating a digital one. Traditional forms of capacity building and the empowerment are done in a new way, addressing concerns with the goals of facilitating change in their communities.

Use of social networking around the world (courtesy of Weboptium)

I had a chance to speak with Mr. Giambrone - when he wasn't busy wearing TTC Chair or Ward 18 Councillor hats - about this new form of communication for the City and if it is a useful forum for him to inform decisions. As he is active in posting and responding, and with the public participation being there, he simply declared, "It works for me."

Not all Councilors utilize this resource, but think of the change it would bring to the political process for the city, and any metropolitan area for that matter. It would be a responsible move to react to these changes but even Giambrone questions, "I don't know how many councillors will respond."

It would be beneficial for a politician to have an online presence to interact with their constituents, and equally beneficial for them to participate in the discussions. Although this movement isn't mainstream yet, it proves to be a great forum to voice your opinions and add to the discussions happening within your city.

I challenge you to find your local politicians on Facebook and Twitter. If you can't, then bug them to get connected! With life moving at a 21st century pace, it should be part of their job description.

Broadband Infrastructure: A Primer

This decade's development of broadband infrastructure is changing the our cities and how one can operate within it. I found myself checking my e-mails and Facebook all while eating noodles at a restaurant for breakfast this morning all under their cozy wi-fi umbrella. I was reminded of how well connected we are when the topic of who was starring as The Mighty Thor in the upcoming Marvel Studios film came up and within 10 seconds, the answer was found.

Instant gratification! This isn't even mentioning the 3G networks available - I've already started taking this information resource for granted!

bzzt bleep bloop: Diagram of the City of Milwaukee's WiFi Network

"The internet has become part of our nation’s mass transit system: It is a vehicle many people can use, all at once, to get to work, medical appointments, schools, libraries and elsewhere."

With telecommuting an option, benefits include less impact to the environment and the enhancement of live/work situations, among several found outlined in Ottawa's 20/20 Broadband Plan. With constant innovative advancements and mobile web capabilities, this resource has changed the way we live and is destined to become more accessible with municipalities developing this infrastructure further.