Assess the effectiveness of municipal homepages in enhancing citizen engagement and promoting participatory democracy.
U.S. cities rely on their websites to enhance citizen engagement, and digital government portals have been promoted for decades as gateways to participatory democracy. This study, through rhetorical and qualitative content analyses, focuses on 200 municipal homepages from 2017 and the ways they invite participation through public-making rhetoric. The findings reveal very few cities have: platforms for interactive discussions; representations of citizen activities; or ways to call citizens into being for the important work of shared governance.
Highlights a Raleigh, NC nonprofit with a pay-what-you-can model cafe that is addressing local food insecurity. Examines the power of fostering a sense of community and dignity to build a more equitable community at the grassroots level.
Explores how creative arts (like puppetry) can be used to convey critical health messages, particularly young audiences. Offers valuable guidance for communicators seeking to develop innovative strategies for advancing public health goals.