London's Digital Neighbourhoods Preview

4
LONDON’S DIGITAL NEIGHBOURHOODS Networked Neighbourhoods citizen-run online neighbourhood networks: a study of their impact on neighbourhoods and the implications for local authorities publishing & launch conference 30th november 2010

description

 

Transcript of London's Digital Neighbourhoods Preview

Page 1: London's Digital Neighbourhoods Preview

LONDON’SDIGITAL NEIGHBOURHOODS

Networked Neighbourhoods

citizen-run online neighbourhood networks:a study of their impact on neighbourhoods and the

implications for local authorities

publishing & launch conference 30th november 2010

Page 2: London's Digital Neighbourhoods Preview

citizen-run online neighbourhood networks

online  neighbourhood  networksThe advent of social media and self-publishing has resulted in the emergence of citizen run neighbourhood websites as a healthy part of local communication ecologies.

These sites have the following characteristics:

• they have been established and are run by local citizens

• most of their content relates to local issues or interests

• they are open to contributions from anyone living in or with an interest in the area.

The websites generally use blog software, or are set up on forum or social network platforms. Coverage may range from a single street to a neighbourhood, ward or postcode area.

Our study identi!ed nearly 200 in and around London. The more successful have member groups numbering into thousands.

Reports of the sites’ growing levels of in"uence and some notable successes in resident campaigns have attracted attention from media and government alike. Their potential is of particular interest in a time of public sector funding constraints, because they raise awareness of local issues, strengthen local identity, stimulate local democracy and contribute to the co-production of public services.

the  researchThe London Digital Neighbourhoods study explores the ways in which people communicate online using citizen-run websites, the impact of that communication, and the implications for local service providers. Focusing on three particular sites, the study will provide insights into how they:

• contribute to citizen empowerment and engagement

• help strengthen sense of belonging

• stimulate co-production of services

• hold public services to account.

The study has used a variety of methods including focus groups, interviews, content analysis and surveys. The report of the study will be launched at a conference in London on 30 November 2010.

Pho

to b

y C

llr. J

enny

Cha

mer

lain

Page 3: London's Digital Neighbourhoods Preview

user  survey  findings:  an  early  extractBelow are selected highlights from the user survey element of the research carried out with residents who use three local websites in London: Brockley Central, East Dulwich Forum and Harringay Online.

co-­‐production:  attitudes  towards  councilOverall, 42 per cent of respondents said that participation on their site had changed their attitude towards local councillors for the better. Twenty one per cent said that their attitude towards officers had changed for the better.

Fears that neighbourhood websites could unleash an unrelenting fury of council-bashing appear to be unfounded. The opposite seems to be happening here: where moderators create a respectful context for discussion and debate, participants come to recognise the challenges for public services and their own potential to co-produce public service outcomes.

sense  of  belonging

Some 69 per cent of respondents felt that participation on the local site had strengthened their sense of belonging. The sites appear to be playing a consolidating role, building stronger attachment on sound foundations.

more  neighbourly  relations  

Local sites stimulate positive connections between residents, both in terms of encounters and exchange. Forty-four per cent of respondents felt that their neighbours are more likely to lend things or exchange favours with one another as a result of participating on the website.

empowerment:  influencing  local  decisions  Two thirds (68%) of respondents felt a little more or much more able to in"uence decisions in their area as a result of participation on their local site.

civic  involvement  

Three  quarters  of  respondents  felt  that  participation  on  the  local  site  had  had  a  positive  effect  on  whether  or  not  people  pull  together  to  make  improvements.

We asked people if they belong to groups which take decisions affecting the local area. Just 13% have been involved in formal groups in the past year. Although there is commitment to local involvement, it is not necessarily formalised through organisations and groups. It seems that local websites can both stimulate and re"ect a latent demand for informal opportunities to act collectively.

preliminary  findings  from  qualitative  work

democracy  of  everyday  life

A broad variety of information and issues gets aired on these sites. Democracy is very much alive in this environment: people raise the alarm about concerns, scrutinise public decisions, call agencies to account, apportion blame, broadcast and correct misinformation, explore solutions and volunteer to take action.

This happens in an environment of almost ceaseless digital chatter – about litter, recycling, transport, shops, parenthood, anti-social behaviour, entertainment, local history and the exchange and recycling of goods. This fertile mix of content nurtures an agitated democracy of everyday life. The sites are valued by officers and members for helping to bring residents’ concerns to the surface.

local  identity

All of the study sites strengthen local identity, in diverse ways: through collections of local history photographs and accounts, for example, or through vigilance in the defence of buildings, spaces and businesses with which residents feel some binding association.

the  importance  of  moderation

Council officers and members can be reluctant to engage in citizen-run local sites because of concerns about protracted or discordant conversations. Our research revealed great respect for the way moderators contain negative posts and comments, insist on fairness, and remove in"ammatory material.

Successful sites that encourage balanced, informed argument and avoid the downward spiral of aggressive negativity, and which therefore offer an environment in which councils will wish to engage, depend heavily on the culture established and maintained by founders and moderators.

Page 4: London's Digital Neighbourhoods Preview

with thanks to our partners

The London’s Digital Neighbourhoods Project is run by the Networked Neighbourhoods organisation on behalf of Capital Ambition

Networked Neighbourhoods Capital Ambition

email: [email protected] email: [email protected]

www: www.networkedneighbourhoods.com www: http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/capitalambition/

NetworkedNeighbourhoods

what  should  local  councils  do?

Citizen run local websites are not systematically representative nor are they always inclusive. But our report will emphasise:

- the contribution that they make to local democracy

- their contribution to residents’ engagement and sense of empowerment

- the potential to stimulate co-production and improvements to service delivery.

The full potential of these sites is unlikely to be reached without council engagement.

We have found some understanding of this potential within local government and in some cases a readiness to engage with the websites, together with a lot of uncertainty about how to do so. Some elected members participate online and a few officers have a remit to

promote online engagement; but in most cases caution prevails.

A range of conditions will be needed to ful!l the potential. Some people will expect convincing cost-bene!t evidence; others may require little more than well-argued evangelism; many will want to see guidance on online engagement with residents; and some might welcome a published code of practice for moderators.

There is widespread appreciation that the independence of the sites is fundamental. As the bene!ts become increasingly apparent, councils need to consider what role they have to play in facilitating the development of new sites across their areas and strengthening productive relationships.

We will be publishing a guide to online neighbourhood networks for council officers and members, alongside our study report.

London Digital Neighbourhoods Research Launch ConferenceFor full details on our conference contact Radlene Butcher at Capital Ambition.

Email: [email protected]: 020 7934 9522