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Your Government: Open for Business in New Ways and New Places

May 21, 2009 at 10:00 AM ET by Bev Godwin

Summary:

Federal agencies continue to expand their online presence

Bev Godwin, Director of Online Resources & Interagency Development here in White House New Media, knows internet and government. She is on detail to the White House from the U.S. General Services Administration, where she serves as Director of USA.gov and Web Best Practices. She showcases some examples of new media you may or may not know about from across government:

Did you know your government may be cooler and more approachable than you think? It really is. I know. I work here.

Answering President Obama’s call for engagement with the public, federal agencies continue to expand their online presence. As Macon Phillips, Director of New Media @ The White House says in this video "Your government is delivering online content in new ways and new venues as technology impacts how and where people consume content."

Download mp4 (56.3)

So, look for opportunities to jump in and connect with your government -- at our websites and blogs, through videos and photos, in social networks, through widgets, podcasts, and more. Abraham Lincoln knew what he was talking about. This is government of the people, by the people, for the people.

View, comment, rate, participate, and share. The government is paying attention, even as we continue to learn ourselves. The more people engage, the more meaningful all of this becomes, and the more progress we can make.

Here’s a sampling from the video of what’s been happening. Keep your eye – and mouses -- out for lots more.