The GovLab Collective Intelligence Podcast

Belen Pulido Martinez, a senior community organizer at Innovate Public Schools, collaborates with parents of children with special needs, while Ananda Francis, a data science major at Northeastern University, develops the AIEP platform for IEP accessibility. They delve into the challenges non-English speaking families encounter in navigating the IEP process. The innovative use of AI to create tools that enhance communication and support for diverse educational needs is highlighted. Personal stories showcase the emotional impact on families and the importance of accessible resources.

Judy Robbins is the Director of Organizing and Campaigns at Our Turn, a youth-led movement focused on education reform, while Henry Heiman-Paul is a fellow at the Byrne Center for Social Change, specializing in technology for social equity. They discuss how young students, ages 14-22, are shaping the National Student Agenda. Key topics include adapting to educational challenges post-pandemic, utilizing innovative survey tools for community engagement, and empowering student voices to address crucial issues like school safety and mental health.

Join Prateek Buch, a tech-savvy political advisor and passionate advocate for responsible technology, alongside Brendan Arnold, the UK's first Creative Technologist. They dive into the innovative work of the Collective Intelligence Lab, focusing on how tech can reshape policy engagement. Discover the open-source platform Polis, promoting citizen input and consensus, and hear reflections on the past 18 months of enhancing public participation. It's a fascinating look at leveraging diverse perspectives for smarter governance!

Ted Smith, an Associate Professor at the University of Louisville and former Chief of Civic Innovation, discusses the impactful AIR Louisville project. He highlights innovative approaches to tackling respiratory health by utilizing a mobile app and smart inhalers for real-time data collection. The conversation dives into community outreach strategies to engage diverse populations and surprising findings linking environmental factors to asthma challenges. Smith also addresses data privacy issues and emphasizes the crucial role of local government in fostering public health collaboration.

Angela Oduor Lungati, Executive Director of Ushahidi, shares insights on the groundbreaking platform that crowdsources data for crisis relief and human rights advocacy. She recounts Ushahidi's origins in response to Kenya's 2007 elections and its global impact, fostering community engagement in over 160 countries. The discussion explores the power of crowd mapping to amplify voices in underserved areas and the challenges of sustaining a nonprofit model in tech. Angela also highlights strategic future priorities, emphasizing accessibility, data security, and long-term impact.

Joe Micheli, Head of Communities for the City of York Council, dives into the York Neighborhood Approach, tackling the pressing issue of loneliness. He discusses innovative partnerships with local organizations to empower residents as community researchers. Micheli highlights the surge of mutual aid groups during the pandemic, engaging over 10,000 people to support those in need. The conversation emphasizes the transformative power of community-driven initiatives and the importance of creating a person-centered model for future public services.

Sonja-Maria Ignatius, Co-founder and CEO of Kausal, discusses the innovative Helsinki Climate Watch platform aimed at tracking the city's journey to carbon neutrality by 2035. She highlights the importance of transparency and engaging citizens in climate actions, sharing successes from grassroots organizations like the Helsinki Climate Watchdogs. Ignatius also explains how measurable improvements in urban biking infrastructure can lead to more effective climate policies, showcasing the power of collaborative innovation in municipal climate management.

Haris Biskos, an architect and urban designer from Athens, discusses synAthina, a platform empowering citizens to enhance urban life through collaboration. He shares insights on rebuilding trust during crises and fostering community engagement among diverse groups, including immigrants. The conversation highlights how digital and physical participation can coexist, even during challenges like the pandemic. Biskos also evaluates urban integration strategies by balancing metrics and feedback, emphasizing the need for adaptability in urban transformation efforts.

Amardeep ‘Dee’ Prasad, Interim Director of the Office of Civic Innovation in San Francisco, leads the Civic Bridge program, a unique initiative connecting city staff with private sector experts to enhance city services. They discuss how this partnership fosters innovation and civic engagement. Dee shares insights into tackling urban issues like housing and the development of the Affordable Housing Portal with Google. The conversation highlights the importance of structured innovation and trust in creating effective community solutions.

Dr. Mark Wilson, a neurosurgeon and co-founder of the GoodSam App, discusses the critical role of the platform in emergency responses, connecting trained volunteers with medical professionals. He shares insights on the transformative power of community engagement in healthcare, especially during crises like cardiac arrest and the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation highlights the importance of governance in crowdsourced medical responses and explores innovative approaches to enhancing community safety through technology and collaboration.