ForABetterAmerica.org’s basic tagline:
By asking a question that every person in this country has at least one answer for (”What would you do to make America better?”), our site challenges users to think about the problems in this country and work collectively — both online and in their communities — to find solutions to those problems.
This site is a Web 2.0 attempt to combat the seemingly growing lack of civic responsibility American’s in general possess. Users suggest ideas and people vote either yes, no, or undecided to whether the idea will make for a better America.
On the page of an idea, the usual can be found: You can discuss, debate, and comment on the topic in the “Thoughts” (as opposed to comments); you can tag the topic to help organize the masses of ideas; you can share and publicize the idea using one or more of the many shortcuts (Del.icio.us, Digg, Facebook, email, etc).
The one new, and in my opinion, most vital feature, is the abillity to add an action. It’s sort of like a status on Facebook, except it’s a (relatively) permanent action that you are taking in real life to support the idea. The prompt is, “I am,” and examples include “using canvas bags instead of plastic,” “vegan,” “writing letters,” “turning the water off while I brush my teeth,” etc, etc.
On a user’s profile page, one can find the issues they are for, against, or undecided, and view their actions and thoughts (comments). Your stance on an idea is there for the public to see. Which I think is important. This way you are accountable for your opinion and must have reason for your choice.
Story of how I found the site: I received an Facebook invite to the site’s launch. After being blown away by the idea and implementation, I discovered I know one of the founders (know as in he came to my duplex a time or two this summer). Whom I immediately made my chum (yeah, no friending here).
So, check it out. And if you like it, please make plans to participate in their Digg-a-thon on Thursday at 6pm EST/5pm CT. Just visit their home page around that time, and there will be a link for you.