Why Should Governments Continue to Control Voting Systems and Processes?

Having centralised systems for voting is the standard approach for countries around the world. In most places it is simply accepted that the government funds the system for election and referendum voting – funding the polling places, ballot boxes, officials and vote counting systems, whether this be directly or at arms length via a bodyRead… Read more »

THE HORROR: The Four Stages of Comms Facepalm

We’ve all been there working in comms, marketing, web and PR… the ridiculous request that gets made of you that is dafter than a box of frogs. A request or a comment so ludicrous, so inane and so lacking in common sense that it takes all your considerable being to stop yourself from tipping overRead… Read more »

Code for Germany Launched!

In July 2014, the Open Knowledge Foundation Germany launched Code for Germany! We presented the project to the media, to our international partners, to friends, city representatives and to members of our Advisory Board in advance of the OK Festival in Berlin. It was a pleasure for us to welcome partners, supporters, and members ofRead… Read more »

Is Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) Always The Best Deal?

By Cindy Wilkins, Sr. Program Analyst In the current fiscal environment, there is an even stronger focus on being a good steward of taxpayer dollars. That is certainly commendable and definitely what is expected by John Q. Public. The recent trend to uphold that trust placed in the Government has been toward awarding contracts onRead… Read more »

‘Do or Do not. There is no try.’ And more from AFFIRM’s Monthly Speaker Series

Technology is an enabler. It gives us the ability to harvest big data, mobilize in ways unknown to previous generations, and shows us the means to improve every aspect of society. But that’s all. It just gives us the means, not the action. Some industry leaders are looking to turn means into action. One ofRead… Read more »

Pastors, Scientists to Continue “Perceptions Project” Dialogues

The team at Public Agenda, an NCDD member organization, has been reflecting on their experiences facilitating the Perceptions Project – a series of dialogues between scientists and evangelical Christian pastors – in a fascinating series on their blog. We encourage you to read the second reflection on their bridge-building work below, or find the originalRead… Read more »

Avoid These 5 Common Pitfalls to Advance Your Career

You’re hard-working, dedicated, and good at your job – but for some reason coworkers who’ve been with the organization for less time are getting promoted before you, and opportunities you thought were in the bag never materialize. Sound familiar? If you’re starting to feel like you’re spinning your wheels, it’s time to take a goodRead… Read more »

Speed Networking: How Virtual Networking Hours Are Bringing People Together

For me, business networking used to mean early morning meetings, a Metro ride into Washington DC, several cups of coffee, lots of face-to-face introductions and a steady exchange of business cards. All told, each networking event required a three- to four-hour investment of time…until I discovered the George Washington University (GWU) LinkedIn Virtual Networking Hour,Read… Read more »

Opening Data to Improve Public Health: Launch of the California Public Health Data Portal

Health and Human Services may be the (or one of the) most important agencies to engage with open data. Public health departments, in particular, analyze and understand threats to the public’s wellbeing— a vitally important civic function. Your local Department of Public Health, for instance, strives to keep you up-to-date of your risk of contagiousRead… Read more »