It’s a new year and with new faces in City Hall, PugetSoundOff.org is inviting youth, policy makers and invested adults to join in conversation on the newly designed civic voice platform, which launched on January 20th, 2014.
PugetSoundOff.org (PSO) provides a unique regional platform for connecting youth to their peers and community leaders while building technology skills and public voice. The platform was originally developed in 2007 by YTech in partnership with the City of Seattle Community Technology Program and the University of Washington Center for Communication and Civic Engagement (CCCE).
As Mayor Ed Murray leads the search for a new Police Chief and seeks to address important topics like transportation and the Sonics debate, he and other City officials will need the perspective of Seattle’s young people and more importantly, a way to meet them where they are. Online!
Anyone can click on one of PSO’s causes to see youth-proposed solutions around the topics of safety, neighborhoods, relationships, the environment and more. Within each cause, youth-led action projects come to life! PSO’s most recent campaign, Youth Voices Against Violence, will be announcing the winners of its audio contest, where youth created original audio stories about keeping our community safe. The winner will receive $500 to continue their advocacy work and two youth will receive $250 awards of excellence.
“It is possible to make a difference when multiple people come together and stand up for what is right,” says PSO intern Marleisha, 16.
PugetSoundOff.org invites all Seattle youth media organizations and advocacy groups to use the newly enhanced web tool for discussion, expression and action.