Change By Us: Philly’s new crowdsourcing tool for neighborhood improvement

We’ve all had light bulb moments about ways make Philly cleaner, safer, greener and smarter. Now there’s an online tool to share those inspirations with policymakers and the public, and get Philadelphians working together to improve the city.

Meet Change by Us, a web-based civic-engagement tool where Philadelphians can share their brilliant ideas, and then get matched through algorithmic magic with people who have a similar interest, who can then take action. Groups can also post volunteer opportunities or request supply donations on the site.

Change by Us is a project developed by Code for America, adapted by Code for America fellows in New York City and Philadelphia. Change by Us launched locally (in beta) this October, but the city publicly unveiled the tool on Monday.

As of this posting, there are 285 ideas, projects and resources posted on Change by Us. The Knight Foundation has pledged up to $25,000 in grants for projects organized on Change by Us, so get those wheels turning.

Change by Us Philadelphia from Change by Us on Vimeo.