Service and Transparency in a new Administration

I thought a lot about the Obama campaign (and wrote a little). This morning there has been a big to do about the shift of the white house web site. I couldn't care less about the graphical layout but I read a new post that was pretty interesting. Reading through, I'm sure it was no coincidence that they talk a bit boastfully about their new administration's approach to communication with the public. Early in the post I read,

Just like your new government, WhiteHouse.gov and the rest of the Administration's online programs will put citizens first. Our initial new media efforts will center around three priorities:

The three new priorities are:

1. Communication
2. Transparency
3. Participation

I must say, I am feeling pretty empowered by what they are saying. But also concerned. There is a fervor right now around Obama, government, change and service. While my current levels of enthusiasm have pushed me to add the whitehouse.gov site to my bookmarks (can we take a moment to think about how profound that action is in itself?), I'm also thinking long term.

Communication and participation are two-way streets and busy ones when operating effectively. I have faith in Obama and the administration right now, but on the flip side, I'm weighing my faith in myself and everyone else in that conversation. Simply put - are we, the people, ready to step up and engage with our leaders to guide and develop change the same way we would engage and guide the paths of our careers, our educations or our families? It's another managerial consideration, another responsibility on our collective plate. Are we going to make time? Are you?

The opportunities are there. An email from the campaign told us to submit ideas for a presidential briefing book prior to the inauguration.

We wanted to tell you about a new feature on Change.gov which lets you bring your ideas directly to the President.

It's called the Citizen's Briefing Book, and it's an online forum where you can share your ideas, and rate or offer comments on the ideas of others. The best-rated ones will rise to the top, and after the Inauguration, we'll print them out and gather them into a binder like the ones the President receives every day from experts and advisors. If you participate, your idea could be included in the Citizen's Briefing Book to be delivered to President Obama.

Now that Obama has taken office, we are given the chance to engage directly with the Office of Public Liaison.

We've all had an epic day. Now what are WE going to do with it?