Prolific Government is Open Government

In reading “Social Media In the Public Sector” by Ines Mergel and Bill Greeves, I could not help but reflect on those vital points found in the literature of the research detail that I uncovered for the Department of Homeland Security; or more specifically, their open government initiative in general— and FEMA’s online engagement strategies in particular. Since much of what was mentioned in the book literally hit on FEMA’s strategic imperative to engage the public, and capitalize on opportunities that provide more efficient, effective and responsive government, which is not to mention their unwavering commitment to be accountable, open, and transparent in delivering traditional or digital public services. In fact, it has been mission-critical services of this type that has greatly impacted their role in managing the inordinate amounts of demands and responsibilities associated with emergency management including, but not limited to:

As for a National Security Strategy, it has been open government and online engagement that has fostered FEMA’s initiative to take a “Whole Community Approach”, which has helped them achieve the following strategic imperatives:

While their Core Values and Guiding Principles serve to undergird it all. Plus it encompasses:

Still, it did not happen overnight. FEMA’s approach and strategic imperatives evolved over time. They had to adjust and readjust their focus and priorities in order to effectively and efficiently “connect government to improve government.” By widening their communication pathways via Social Media, they were able to drive-up transparency, participation and collaboration, which in effect aided in the process of establishing accountability, as well as a “knowledge network” and other relevant ideals including, but not limited to:

A most powerful quote by John Adams reads, “Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people, who have a right and a desire to know.” Even in harking back, this quote is so very powerful and reflects those principles embodied in the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). It captures the true essence of open government less the nuances of this new digital age, which in part includes Social Media Networks, where virtual communities participate, collaborate and actively engage. And where, FEMA’s future success awaits, as they turn the page to the next chapter of digital public service delivery requiring a full embrace of the “knowledge network”, which is comprised of various social media tools being used as vehicles to add value to the governance process including:

Undoubtedly, these vehicles of new media bring tremendous VALUE of information sharing and openness to FEMA’s 2014 Strategic Plan. As promulgated on their website at www.fema.gov, it has in fact widened their communication channels, as well as fostered greater community engagement and unity of effort and purpose among all members of the emergency management team. To that end, it has contributed to their capacity building initiative(s) and overall governance model, which in the grand scheme of things lead to more sustainable democratic development.  

This increase in open government dialogue with the people strengthens our democracy. It promotes transparency, participation, and collaboration, thereby making government more efficient, effective and responsive. Plus the “cloak of secrecy” is lifted and government becomes “cool” again. Through open government and online engagement or what has otherwise been called web democratization, the government becomes more answerable to the people via social media on one hand. While the people on the other hand become more trustful of the government via social interactivity. This public trust in the government then lends itself to public confidence in politicians, political institutions and political systems further contributing to the national priorities of the country— whatever they may be at the time.

In particular, the increase in open government dialogue via social media makes carrying out the day-to-day mission, vision and goals of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) more manageable. It creates a multi-directional exchange of information and communication [system] that functions to “tap citizen’s expertise”. An online greet (if you will) created to expeditiously meet the expectations of the nations citizens being governed, and that exist for the governed, while co-opting the governed (in that same vein) to actively participate in the governance process. Open innovation that empowers citizens, fights corruption, and harnesses new technologies to strengthen government in general.

   

Additionally, the business of Emergency Management requires deep consideration of many factors including increased empowerment of individuals due to technological innovation; the evolving security environment; dramatic demographic shifts; and changes in the man-made and natural environments. This is why open government dialogue via Social Media is so very significant, particularly in ascertaining the facts in real-time through spontaneous reporting— a leading practice that FEMA has officially adopted to solve problems using a vast ecosystem of applications. Those mobile applications of late that allow for instant messaging to include images and video’s that can be posted to their website at www.fema.gov— anytime, anywhere. These are the very same applications they use to capitalize on opportunities that provide more efficient, effective and responsive government in their unwavering commitment to be accountable, open, and transparent in delivering both traditional or digital public services.