The Energy in the Room

9:00 a.m., January 3, 2013 — Breakfast awaits 28 civically committed fellows. Twenty eight individuals who have decided to devote the next 11 months to Code for America — to serving our governments. Coming from 15 different states with rich and diverse backgrounds (from Google, Newsweek, HUD, AmeriCorp/Vista, AOL, and many others) these talented developers,Read… Read more »

Social Media Innovation in Higher Education

Engagement with a broad audience is becoming increasingly more important to spread messages, raise awareness, and maintain a presence online for public and private sector institutions. By reaching a broad audience, organizations can begin to reach new markets, continue to identify loyal followers, and use digital engagement strategies to meet their organizational goals. Universities areRead… Read more »

Flu App Spreads

Less than 36 hours after Boston declared a public health emergency over this year’s dangerous flu virus, Boston’s Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics redeployed Chicago’s flu shot app. Originally developed in Chicago by Tom Kompare, the flu shot app helps users find nearby clinics offering free flu shots by entering in their address orRead… Read more »

Love and Empathy for the DoD Technologist

By BobGourley IT professionals in the Department of Defense have always faced unique challenges. They serve missions of global importance, in the face of full spectrum threats (with many in war zones and all facing hostile cyber threats), and have always had to operate under a burdensome regulatory environment that can slow most actions. AndRead… Read more »

Foodies and Open Data Enthusiasts Rejoice

San Francisco is perhaps known best for two things: its vibrant and diverse restaurant scene that attracts food lovers worldwide, and an equally thriving tech industry that draws a healthy population of data-loving, app-wielding geeks. Both groups had occasion to celebrate this morning, when San Francisco’s Mayor Ed Lee and the popular restaurant review siteRead… Read more »

Microsoft Disaster Response App “HelpBridge” Launches for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone

Microsoft (Redmond, WA) — “I need help.” “I want to know whether my friends and family are OK.” “I want to help.” Those tend to be the three main reactions after natural disasters strike, said Tony Surma, chief technology officer for Microsoft’s Disaster Response team. HelpBridge, a free new mobile app from Microsoft, aims toRead… Read more »

Register for the NAGC 2013 Communications School

Register Today! NAGC 2013 Communications School April 16-19, 2013 Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel, Arlington, Virginia Download 2013 Registration Form (writable PDF format) Basic Registration Fee: Early Bird Rates through March 15, 2013: Members: $350 Non-Members: $750 After March 15, 2013: Members: $775 Non-Members: $875 Full Registration Fee: (Full registration fee includes membership through Sept. 30,Read… Read more »

10 Prospective Federal Government Pinterest Boards

This post has been edited to reflect that “Interesting Things for Sale” is a personal pinboard, not an official GSA Pinboard. Here are the Official GSA Pinboards. Last week, the General Services Administration approved the terms of service for Pinterest—meaning that federal agencies could start to use the site to engage with citizens. Since then,Read… Read more »