The best ideas from America’s civic tech and political reform communities to help reinvigorate democracy in the US were showcased in American Experiments on July 25.
American Experiments Showcase: Delegates, journalists, advocates, philanthropists, venture capitalists visited this exhibit of ideas to improve democracy in the United States. The Showcase put products of various organizations in front of people who could become champions, investors or partners. (This event was limited to nonpartisan organizations; groups promoting a particular political party or candidate could not participate.).
Microsoft American Experiments Challenge: Six organizations (chosen competitively) will present their best ideas for improving elections or democracy. The presentations will be fast-paced, to an audience and a panel of influential judges drawn from the top ranks of the public, private, and civic sectors. Presenters are eligible for two awards: One decided by the panel of judges. The other, the People’s Choice Award, will be chosen in a live, mobile vote by the audience. Winners will have their ideas featured in coverage by the event’s media partners: Governing.com and the Technical.ly chain of digital news hubs.
Sponsors: The University City Science Center, Microsoft Corporation and the Committee of Seventy
With support from: John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Civic Partners: Code for Philly and Young Involved Philadelphia