CivicAsk
Connecting Civic Needs With Community Resources:
Can we deliver a better future by adapting technology to provide innovative solutions to civic scale challenges?
Could this provide more equitable and efficient access to cross-sector resources?
THE CHALLENGE: Resources exist, however access to resources is limited by lack of information. The analog way inhibits knowing what resources are available. Innovative and accessible infrastructure is necessary to connect civic stakeholders and better solve societal challenges.
THE SOLUTION: Connecting and coordinating information with a digital technology tool will enable and empower individuals, institutions, organizations, and the public sector to connect resources with opportunities that enhance civic life more equitably, efficiently and effectively.
THE PRODUCT: A transparent, accessible and trusted navigation tool to connect community priorities with resources including services, expertise, materials and funding.
Stakeholders may engage via issue, expertise, location, or other meaningful criteria to empower partnerships and enhance responsiveness between the public and private sectors. By providing relevant, searchable information, a menu of opportunities and registry of available resources, it can also serve as a “recommendation engine” that direct users’ networks to engage as well.
THE VALUE: An online “registry of resources” connecting civic challenges with cross-sector support to help Los Angeles better serve community needs will benefit stakeholders with improved access to information. Identifying gaps and overlaps across sectors will lead to more efficient and effective social impact.
Adapting technology to help allocate resources and maximize outcomes, scale and value will advance more equitable, sustainable and resilient environments and communities both locally and globally.
CASE STUDY:
Neighborhood Resource Civic Gardens provide opportunities to connect existing resources that address community needs for equitable, healthy and public space.
Neighborhood Resource Gardens (NRG) catalyze neighborhood resiliency hubs at civic spaces, supporting urban gardens and STEAM education on a daily basis, while serving as off-the-grid community emergency kits in times of need.
Prototype NRG Case Study: El Nido FamilySource Center in Pacoima:
Assess Needs and ID potential partnerships - Spring/Summer 2023
The Civicas Fall Forum will focus on connecting civic networks and resources to execute more NRG locations.
NRG Process Flowchart:
WHY!
COMMUNITY NEEDS:
Developing a Technology Tool prioritizing communication and efficient connections:
Simplify and increase equitable access to government infrastructure and other civic initiatives.
NEXT STEPS:
CivicASK will create opportunities for people to understand, actively participate, and increase the impact and value of our resources to help solve civic challenges throughout Los Angeles, and beyond.
TO DO:
Continue to document and facilitate Case Study @ El Nido
Invite community to visit pilot project
Develop platform, brand, market and manage CivicASK
Engage local governments, nonprofits, foundations, businesses, community based organizations and individuals to populate the platform with ASKS and OFFERS
Populate database with pilot programs from 20-30 government departments in L.A. City and County, and 10-20 of L.A.’s largest nonprofits, foundations, and Community Based Organizations
Link OFFERS (goods, services, funds, volunteerism) made by civic-minded networks, organizations and residents across sectors, professions and demographics, with ASKS from government agencies, civic networks and community participants
Reach thousands of Angelenos and impact the lives of hundreds of thousands more as CivicASK grows to include other agencies in Greater L.A. and the surrounding region by connecting evolving projects with a targeted, accessible registry for civic resources