The document proposes redesigning civic engagement through creating multidisciplinary student teams to develop software projects that address social issues. It outlines creating groups of students from different majors like design, computer science, and others to work with professors, mentors from firms, and non-profits to develop projects over a semester. The goal is to focus students on civic action, foster collaboration across disciplines, and produce tangible outcomes like apps or websites that can create social impact. This approach aims to provide an alternative channel for youth participation that leverages their skills and interests through project-based learning.

1. Redesigning Civic
Engagement
Creating creative, collaborative and action-driven
political participation.

2. Introductions

3. ANALISA LONO
ASSISTANT EVENTS MANAGER AT ADAPTIVE PATH
Political Science junky.
Long history of civic engagement
and youth programs.
Believes that our nation is
frustrated over the lack of
channels for constructive
engagement.

4. P.J. ONORI
USER EXPERIENCE DESIGNER & TECHNOLOGIST
Formal educations in both
computer science and design.
8 years of experience working as a
developer, designer (and
everything in between)
Deep background in public-focused
software projects.

5. The Problems

6. THE POLITICAL PROBLEM

7. PEOPLE HAVE CHECKED-OUT
There are few effective channels of engagement.
Citizens are cynical of government’s efficacy.
Young adults lack a path to civic participation
that relates to their interests.

8. THE EDUCATIONAL PROBLEM
http://abstrusegoose.com/418

9. STUDENTS ARE NOT EQUIPPED FOR
SUCCESS IN TODAY’S WORKPLACE
Curriculum cannot keep pace with reality
outside of its campus.
Traditional educational models do not
encourage collaboration.
There are far too few interdisciplinary
opportunities for students in higher education.

10. An Alternative

11. Engage communities and
government through creating
disruptive software, apps, APIs
and online services.

12. A COMPARISON...

13. OCCUPY MOVEMENT
150 people × 18 hours per
day × 60 days = 162,000
people hours (roughly)
Result:
TBD...

14. NAPSTER 1.0
2 people × 12 hours per day
× 8 months = 5,760 people
hours (roughly)
Result:
Changed media forever.

15. Our goal is to create an entity
with the inclusiveness of
Occupy and the efficiency of a
startup.

16. The whiteboard can become the
new vehicle for civic engagement.

17. The Idea

18. Mentor young adults in
multidisciplinary groups to
create usable outcomes for
social good.

19. GOALS
Focus on civic action.
Foster multi-discipline thinking and
collaboration.
Create an avenue for volunteerism and
entrepreneurship.
Conclude with tangible outcomes.

20. CONSTRAINTS
Only software projects (web, mobile, desktop)
in the first year.
1 Group per school only.
Ideally 3 schools would participate, but 1
would be fine for first year.

21. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
CORE TEAM TEAM OF ADVISORS & MENTORS
School Private Firms
Prof. Prof. Prof.
of of of IDEO Method Google
Design CS ???
Academic guidance. Strategy/Design/Technology mentors.
Student Team Non-Profits, NGOs, etc.
Designer Coder ??? Red Cross EFF SF MUNI
Doers of awesome. Subject matter experts.

22. PROJECT STRUCTURE
The project will last one semester.
Students will need to decide on a project and
pitch it to professors and mentors.
Weekly checkins with professors and mentors.
Students will formally present final product.

23. TEAM STRUCTURE
STUDENTS FACULTY
1 Design major 3 Professors (representing
each major) overseeing the
1 Computer Science major work.
1 Wild-card major (e.g., 1 Professor acts as lead to
Journalism, Biology, ensure deadlines and goals
Philosophy, etc.) are being met.

24. SUPPORT STRUCTURE
A private firm will be brought in to provide
perspective on concept and execution.
A non-profit or NGO will be available as subject-
matter experts.
Both groups will take part in monthly reviews
and be available to provide guidance for
specific challenges.

25. INTENDED OUTCOMES
A product or service which they own and control
upon completion of the project.
A resume and portfolio builder with concrete
experience.
Encourage social entrepreneurship.

26. WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR IN
STUDENTS
People that care about making an impact in
their community, country, world.
Individuals who are able to work well in groups
as an equal member and as a leader.
A willingness to grow outside of their chosen
major.

27. Thanks.
Analisa Lono, analisa@adaptivepath.com
P.J. Onori, pj@somerandomdude.com