Telling the Open Government Story

“Open Government” has been a discussion across many dinner tables, government boardrooms, conference lines, and for some organizations, the topic that drives their entire purpose.

But what does it really mean? And how does one decipher the overwhelming amount of data, delivered in various formats, across departments? I’ve spent the last 4 years or so being an avid open data advocate. I’ve heard people from both sides of the data literacy spectrum speak on the success of the open government movement, and of the worries and pitfalls.

Throughout this minefield of opinions, I’ve remained optimistic that the true value of open government has not yet fully been revealed and furthermore have reminded myself that great things such as open government, truly do take time.

“Open Government is about making government more accessible to everyone.”

(source: Government of Canada)

If you’re on the side of the spectrum that feels the topic of open government has become similar to beating a dead horse, ask yourself this question:

“Have I shared with everyone in my network, all of my accumulated wisdom on the importance of open government?”

If you’ve answered yes to this question, please give me a call, I’d love to know your strategy. If you’ve answered no, then the time is now to realize that your knowledge and where you extend it is the key to Open Government success.

It takes a village.

Over hundreds, if not thousands of conversations on the topic over the years, there has been one repetitive narrative: the topic of open government is not common knowledge, yet. But it could be. Here presents an opportunity.

It’s easy to view educating the masses on the value of open data as an extremely daunting task, and certainly not one that can be battled alone. The good news is, you are not alone in this uphill battle, and in fact, you’re in pretty great company:

Open Data Institute
Open Data Exchange (now known as: Communitech Data Driven Innovation)
Open Data Book Clubs
Code for Canada (Civic Tech Clubs)
Government of Canada

(*note to reader: this list just barely scratches the surface of the incredible initiatives taking place globally).

It is through strength in numbers that we achieve widespread education across our country and beyond. And education needs to provide case studies that people in our backyards can relate to, where they begin to see themselves in the data, for them to be empowered by how it might be used to innovate, solve problems and contribute to building stronger, more open communities.

If we’re going to play a role in bringing Open Government beyond the finish line and breathe new life into the relationship between the public sector and citizens, we need to change our narrative from doom and gloom to one of optimism, where open government is viewed as an Agent of Change.

Implementing an open data initiative often involves cultural and institutional change. Opening data goes far beyond putting data on a website under an open license. Applying the technology is the easy part — bringing about cultural change can be much harder.

How?

• Lead your department/organization in enhancing government transparency and accountability through releasing or using government data.
• Promote the benefits of open data initiatives, encouraging citizen participation and engagement with government.

That sounds pretty broad… What else?

Consider this the cheat sheet:

But don’t let those coles notes fool you, this isn’t to suggest that our task at hand is easy, but rather to re-inspire those who have felt a little deflated on the Open Government front. And thanks to our friends at the Open Data Institute, they help us to expand all of the work that is required in creating a strong open data culture. Consider this your guide to direct you to the areas and the people within that you can and should seek to inspire:

(Source: Open Data Institute)

Need more convincing? Look no further to some of the inspiring work being done in Ottawa by Hillary Hartley, Deputy Minister Responsible for Digital Government (boasts titles on a number of other initiatives; but we’ll leave it up to you to be curious!) and her team. Oh, and hey, here are some of your neighbours seeking to drive change in the open government space:

(Source: https://open.canada.ca/en/maps/open-data-canada)

If you have been eager to talk about or showcase an initiative in your region that is driving the open government mission forward, send us a note! We’d love to hear from you.

erin@godogood.ca
www.godogood.ca