RE: Open Gov Plan Consultation Session

[Zarek, Corinna J. EOP/OSTP]

Hi everyone,

Thanks to all of you who participated in the Open Gov Consultation Session yesterday. Apologies again that we had some connectivity issues and were not able to share the slides with remote participants in real time. The full slide deck is attached (including adding the slides that came in late and were not part of the presentation yesterday).

As I mentioned at the event, we appreciate your feedback on whether you think that was a productive format for discussion -- the changes this time around were based on feedback from the 2014 session and we hope the lightning talks addressed some of the frustrations with the repetitive nature of conversations folks had back then.

Agency colleagues -- please keep sharing links to your draft plans through this discussion group and civil society colleagues, please keep the comments coming!

Finally, a huge thanks to the National Archives team for hosting us in your awesome new Innovation Hub!

Thanks again all,
Cori

[Vic Desotelle]

Hi there, 

With due respect to the great efforts involved, the lightning talks - as powerful as some of them were, I found them ineffective. Our national and global issues concerning Democracy can not be raced through, and they will not have the opportunity to change without allowing a prolonged interaction between presenters and receivers. No quick fix-it talks - this method has to stop. Hot-topic presentations must be turned into interactive dialogues of conversation that allow all sides, and all individuals, to be heard regarding any and all points of fact and opinion. We will not be able to design ourselves out of our present day disfunction without addressing HOW we address disfunction itself, starting with the way we share information with each other. I wish to thank you for the work you have all done so far, and ask that you stay open to the unexpected and uncomfortable. Please open yourselves to what is beyond each of our own thinking, because 'that' is where true change resides. In the practice of allowing something new, we can turn something that 'might' be possible into what can and 'will' happen. Rethink your methods for interactive discourse, as that is where healthy changes in our democratic process begin. 

All the best, 

Vic D. (open gov participant)

[Andre G]

Vic,

Were the lightning talks the only engagement effort being made with regard to Open Government, I would agree.  But, this was just one of a range of mechanisms being used to engage on Open Government.  This Google Group is also another engagement method.  My own agency, the Department of State, began an extended period of online public engagement at https://govup.course.tc/2016-DoS-OGP/, as well as through in-person participation at various fora.  Other agencies are also using online fora and other mechanisms to engage.  

The lightening talks were a way to bring everybody together and to touch the tip of the icebergs on what all are doing and seeking in Open Government.  And it did that.   I would hope that this method continues, and that it might serve as a launching point for the type of more detail engagement you propose. 

Regards,

Andre

M. Andre Goodfriend

Senior Advisor

Office of eDiplomacy

U.S. Department of State