Cities of Service Online Network

See a video of the Serve Philadelphia launch event on MyFoxPHILLY.com

Sites:
Team London
Houston Service
Serve Philadelphia
Little Rock Serves
Volunteer Phoenix
Richmond Volunteers (CA)
Client: Cities of Service
Industries: Government, Not-for-profit

We designed and built a network of websites to help cities around the country leverage citizen service to address local challenges. This network is a Cities of Service initiative, a bi-partisan coalition of the mayors of large and small cities from across our country. 115 U.S. cities are now part of the Cities of Service coalition.

This online framework allows member cities to engage with their local organizations and volunteers. Building a website within the framework is simple and straightforward. Intuitive tools allow each city to apply their branding and style guidelines to their site. Each city can also craft an overall message regarding service in their communities. Local organizations, once approved, are then encouraged to submit volunteer opportunities, which the city can prioritize in accordance with the city’s identified needs and priorities. For example, one of Nashville’s service priorities is the environment. The city can now highlight and prioritize submitted volunteer opportunities that align with storm water management and flood mitigation. These volunteer efforts, as envisioned, may prevent a future flood similar to the destructive 2010 floods.

We are thrilled to be a part of an initiative that has the capability to change communities across the United States. For Allen, volunteering his time at the SFMOMA when he was 12 was an important experience in fostering his love of art and design. For Cyril, service was a routine part of his life growing up in Moscow. We hope that our network and associated websites can foster a new generation of service minded individuals.

Interested in being a member city? Please contact Cities of Service.

Update (01/03/2012):
The AIGA has awarded the project in its annual 365 Design Effectiveness competition. It has also been designated as a AIGA “Design for Good” project.

The Interaction Design Association placed Cities of Service in the shortlist for their 2012 Interaction awards.

Update (01/29/2012):
The project is a SXSW finalist! See you all in Austin, Texas.

Update (04/10/2012):
The project is an Webby Awards honoree in the Government category.