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I developed an app called Democracy Link to help the average Canadian connect with their all their elected representatives, in the easiest way possible. We need a more open and connected Canada, this is my effort. (vancouversun.com)

submitted by GeoffdeRuiter

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[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 35 points36 points  (32 children)

Here are the direct links to get the free app. Website http://democracylink.ca/

Android

Apple iOS

Or just search the stores.

[–]ratatomik 12 points13 points  (13 children)

Hi! First thing i would suggest is put a map where you can select where you live an automatically enter all the representatives contact information. I didnt know the names of my federal and provincial mp :/ but its very good and thanks for doing this!

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 12 points13 points  (10 children)

Hi! I wrote this for someone else... "limitations in cost and design prevented us from using locational services. We also wanted it to be as risk free in terms of information and what is collected, i.e. nothing. There is a feature in the add rep menu to go online and find with a postal code and that was the closest we were able to do.

In subsequent updates I will consider this, but it does add a very large jump in complexity for coding and information adaptability."

Thank you for the feedback!

[–]SonOfAragorn 5 points6 points  (7 children)

I think the problem with the lack of connection starts from simply not knowing who your representatives are.

Were you thinking about doing location through GPS? It could be done simply through postal code, right? That should be much simpler to implement and add A LOT to the app.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 6 points7 points  (6 children)

That was one of the plans in the beginning but to buy the postal code data for just the federal ridings was $1000. :/ Also, postal codes get added and removed and changed all the time, where new apartments or houses are added, and I wouldn't know where to begin to handle this. It is not out of the question, just need to be more affordable and manageable.

We had to compromise with the member search we have, and ended up adding the "Don't know your constituency? Click Here" button. Hopefully you were able to use that?

[–]Quantos 2 points3 points  (5 children)

Wouldn't it be possible to build your own postal code / riding database? The postal codes themselves are common knowledge as far as I know (can look it up via Canada Post, for instance), and I suppose they don't add ridings every week.

[–]sunmonkey 1 point2 points  (1 child)

There are 845,990 postal codes. This would take a very long time.

[–]Quantos 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Uh. Didn't know there were so many. Fair enough!

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

They don't update the lists that they sell for $1000. :/

So it's costly to begin with, and then there is the updating.

This was the first idea and way we wanted to go. Had to compromise on the function vs ease. Thanks for the suggestion still!

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I used the external links and thought it worked well, it's a good compromise.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Merci :)

[–]Farren246 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I suggest crowdsourcing it. Create a wiki and link the app to it. Then you're not collecting information on representatives, just information that the users of a website created.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

hmm. that is a good suggestion. I will ask the coders how this compares to what we have now. Thanks.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

In the app where you search for your MP or MLA, there is also a link to the internet where you can search. The databases were too much to include due to cost as well, and they easily become outdated. But like I said you can still get to where you can search!

It says "Don't know your constituency? Click Here."

Best of Luck!

[–]ZombieLannister 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When you setup your basic info and enter you address (optional), you can pick from a drop down list. It's easy enough to do. There's no info on the app for municipal contacts, but you can enter them yourself if you are interested enough.

[–]TangoZippoCanada 5 points6 points  (2 children)

Great idea.

I have a suggestion:

You should be able to select a particular Minister (by profile) to email them, and it should automatically CC the Official Critic for that portfolio from each opposition critic.

I worked in politics for a number of years (both on the Hill and for a political interest group) -- it's standard practice when sending an 'issue email' to send it to the Minister while CCing the critics.

[–]ZombieLannister 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It appears you can do that. If you send an email to a federal or provincial representative, there a link to click on ministers as well

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

hmmmmm.... That is a very good suggestion. More data to manage, but I agree that would be a good. We have the "Add Minister" button on the bottom of the email window, but that just adds the one and not the critic. Thanks!

[–]halogrand 2 points3 points  (3 children)

Windows Phone?

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Sorry :( I didn't have the funds to have someone code for BB and windows. If I recover the costs for the student coding of apple and android then I will pursue BB and windows. I promise.

[–]halogrand 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Okay. I was just thinking because of W10 releasing this summer before the upcoming election. Free upgrades for everyone using W7 and W8 to W10 plus an app made for Windows could allow nearly every Canadian with a Windows PC to have access to this service.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think this is a huge opportunity. I don't have the ability right now to act on this, but I think the idea is solid and I will keep it front and centre for the next step with the app.

If there is anyone out there that has some skills in setting this up shoot me a message!

[–]inigomelo -1 points0 points  (10 children)

No BB10?

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 5 points6 points  (2 children)

:( Sorry. I didn't have the funds to have someone code for BB. If I recover the costs for the student coding of apple and android then I will pursue BB. I promise.

[–]pbeaul 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Just an FYI, there's very little you need to do development wise to get a basic android app ported to BB10. Android apps simply need to be "converted" from a .apk to a .bar file so that it can be included in BlackBerry's store... If you were interested it is a fairly simply process.

http://dborba.com/androidport/

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I had a look and will act on this.

[–]lyndy650Ontario 3 points4 points  (4 children)

You could run the android version on your bb10 if you like! I forget the specifics about it but it isnt too difficult!

[–]emcniece 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Didn't BB recently announce that android apps will be available for qnx?

[–]samebrianBritish Columbia 1 point2 points  (1 child)

You download and run a program on your computer.

Can't remember the name of the program.

Also, even that's old info now because BB has some "in house" way now.

Go, young friends...to the Googles!

[–]lyndy650Ontario 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh ok, even better! I haven't had a BB for a few years now so im a bit out of touch. I am thoroughly enjoying the Android life now

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I found these tutorials that line up with what you say...

https://supportforums.blackberry.com/t5/Downloaded-Applications-for/You-Upgraded-to-OS-10-2-1-and-want-to-run-Android-Apps-on-Your/td-p/2784957

http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/how-to-install-android-apps-on-a-blackberry-phone

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have done some looking around and it seems that BB10 can run android apps. Here is the link to the file... http://goo.gl/nKSN2g at the top of the window you should be able to download the file on your BB10.

There might be a setting for security restrictions for 3rd party apps, but that is beyond what I know for BB10.

Can you let me know if this works?

As a work around for right now another option could be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RGNq_8si64

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I also found these for reference, should be pretty easy!

https://supportforums.blackberry.com/t5/Downloaded-Applications-for/You-Upgraded-to-OS-10-2-1-and-want-to-run-Android-Apps-on-Your/td-p/2784957

http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/how-to-install-android-apps-on-a-blackberry-phone

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 16 points17 points  (6 children)

Here is a response to a common question I get...

"What does Democracy Link offer in terms of communication that other social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook or email can't provide?"

Through consultation with political scientists and representative offices, mediums such as twitter and facebook have limited in accountability and certainty the person is in fact a constituent of the MP, MLA, Councillor, region in general. It is also why form letters and online petitions through various NGOs carry less weight with the elected representative.

Emails (if signed with postal code at least), phone calls (with local phone code proxy), and physical letter achieve the needed standard of accountability for an elected representative to deem the communication to be valid and appropriate. The issue is doing these things comes with barriers, such as time use, interest, ease, etc.

The majority of Canadians have limited contact with their various elected reps, if any at all. On my website from Who Participates? A Closer Look at the Results of the National Youth Survey "Participation in at least one civic activity (which includes contacting a party or politician) increased the percentage of highly informed and interested individuals. There was a 14.5 percentage point increase and 15.6 point increase in the number of highly informed individuals in political and process knowledge, respectively. There was also a 6.9 point and 9.1 point increase in the number of highly interested individuals in politics and the election, respectively." (p.23)

"Being contacted by a party or candidate increases political knowledge by 20.8 percentage points and process knowledge by 15.6 points. As well, there was a 6.9 point increase in political interest and a 9.1 point increase in election interest." (p.22)

Essentially contact begets more contact, and produces more informed and engaged citizens.

Again, emails can do this, however, what democracy Link brings is the removal of all barriers in creating a personal email with all the pre-filled information for accountability. So one gets the benefit of ease, and the power of a personal email/letter. It also has the ability to easily add ministers, something that normally isn't done. Even myself as a seemingly politically engaged person struggles with wanting to contact my rep. I wanted to make something that could help myself and others with this barrier, if they have it, which I feel many Canadians do.

[–]ThereAreThingsBritish Columbia 0 points1 point  (1 child)

"Councillor" has two Ls in Canadian English.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks, Fixed.

[–][deleted] -1 points0 points  (3 children)

I have e-mailed and received responses from numerous politicians up to the finance minister. E-mail is ubiquitous, what shortcoming do you fix and how?

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

That is super to hear that you have received responses. Good for you!

From my comment above, "Again, emails can do this, however, what Democracy Link brings is the removal of all barriers in creating a personal email with all the pre-filled information for accountability. So one gets the benefit of ease, and the power of a personal email/letter. It also has the ability to easily add ministers, something that normally isn't done."

So, in short, all info is pre-filled, just fill in the subject and quick message. The Email address, name(s), your name, your contact and other information is all pre-filled for all your elected representatives (Federal, Prov. and Municipal). Also the app is always kept up to date and easy to update for the user.

You may be prostar at getting your emails out, as you said with your responses you get, but many people struggle with even getting past the hurdle of setting up the email, let alone finding the representative's email address. We brought this all into one app as best we could to help and facilitate the most. Hope that helps!

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Yeah I suppose I've been lucky. Then again I'm surprised at how accessible many people are. Sure you're not going to get in touch with Barack Obama but your local MLA has a fraction of the email and more free time, you'd be surprised how quickly they respond.

I see the value. Does it require the politicians to have the app or will the app simply 'do the dirty work' for me and contact them via whatever means they have available?

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ya I agree. I would expect a little more personal email from my MPs and MLA and especially Civic.

It does the dirty work on your end (that sounds bad), but it routes through your regular email so on their side it looks exactly like an email. That was the goal. The ease of a form letter, but the accountability and personal touch of a properly formed email.

[–]NewTRX 5 points6 points  (4 children)

I assumed it would just compile email addresses or something? Why does the app need access to my phone?

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (3 children)

To make phone calls. Just as if it were a phone contacts app, it opens your phone and makes a call. Hope that helps!

[–]Zedkhov1 4 points5 points  (3 children)

Good on you for doing this. I work for a small studio and tried to get a similar thing off the ground. Because there was no money in it, no one who makes decisions was interested. Bums me out.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 15 points16 points  (1 child)

Ya, besides the $300 I have received in donations, I have funded the project out of pocket. I don't mind too much because I know it is for the good of Canada.

[–]Zedkhov1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Im glad you could make it work. I looked into potentially bringing businesses in to offer discounts and rewards for getting involved and just getting ppl to vote, but it would be a full time gig. I was probably thinking too big because my bosses threw around monetization. What was truly important in getting ppl involved and interested.

So glad someone followed through with something like this. Keep with it!

[–]RedgeQc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Crowdfunding (Kickstarter) could be a good idea for these project.

[–]fractalbum 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Great work! I hope you get lots of donations and continue developing. The location services or postal code entry would be really useful for people that are less engaged. Lots of other great ideas here too. If everyone that upvoted here would donate even $5, I'm sure it would go a long way...(I just did).

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much! I saw it come through!

[–]jickay 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Hi, I'm a graphic designer in Calgary who is looking to bolster social engagement. Great idea. I'll be trying it out for sure. I would love to help design the interface. Setting up the functionality is a big part of the hurdle, but it would be a shame not to have the proper UI to add that extra nudge by making it easy and pleasing to use. PM me if you could use the assistance!

Edit: I also wanted to add a suggestion, which is ironically, to add suggested topics for people to write about. Another one of those nudges to give people direction on how to focus their letters.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I PMed you.

and We don't have a specific suggestions feature in the app, but we do have a feedback button in the info window. (for others reading!)

[–]fractalbum 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Another suggestion for eventual development: Add a platform where MP's can submit a question to either their riding or to Canada as a whole, and have all the users of the app vote on the issue.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That was sent to me as a PM and I think that could build within a larger community platform. It's a good idea.

[–]mambotangohandala 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A good step towards the goal-'Direct Democracy'

[–]Deimosberos 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is exactly what young people need to get more engaged. Bravo and good luck!

[–]ikidd 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Man, it would awesome if you found a way to make a backbencher grow a set and actually listen to his constituents instead of the party whip. I'd also like to fart rainbows, but that's not going to happen either.

Best of luck.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Well all we can do is keep encouraging, and now it can be easier to do so. Give em hell if you wish! but try be respectful and diplomatic :)

[–]spammeaccount 2 points3 points  (8 children)

Most MLAs/MP don't even bother to respond to their official email addresses.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 9 points10 points  (2 children)

They may not respond, however the information is categorized and they are tasked to listen to our correspondence. When I was researching the app I talked to political scientists, MP offices, MLA offices, current and former elected officials, and elections Canada. Everyone said the same thing. Communicating, even if not reciprocated is good for our democracy, and it is listened to.

I understand the frustration and negative views people have of politicians, and I harbor some of these feelings too. But it holds us back from empowerment and commanding our democracy. We need to break this self imposed oppression and do it the easiest way that can be conceived. I tried my best to do this.

[–]MagickSkoolieBus 4 points5 points  (1 child)

This is a step in the right direction. Easier access to your reps is an important thing.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thank you :)

[–]TangoZippoCanada 2 points3 points  (3 children)

I don't know about that.

I probably send 30-50 emails/year to politicians. I'd say I get a response about 75% of the time.

Ministers usually just send form responses, but opp critics and my own representatives typically respond.

[–]samebrianBritish Columbia 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Hi /u/TangoZippo,

It's great to hear that you are interested in [horrible thing]! We have been pushing for this for several months now and it's finally coming to fruition.

Please keep an eye out in future months for [horrible thing 2] to start shaping up!

Sincerely, Your Fucktarded MP

This is the only form of response I get. Well, once I got "it's election time, fuck off".

[–]TangoZippoCanada 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Then you either have a shitty MP or are doing something wrong.

Do you give your mailing address on the email? If not, that's probably the reason.

[–]samebrianBritish Columbia 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Actually I was personally told it was election time so to fuck off for that reason when I sent in my letter about the School District and MoE in BC covering shit up regarding how my kid was treated.

edit wait, I already pointed that out. Oh well. I even used my university-registered email address to send it (and yes include my physical address).

[–]skidoo_elanOntario 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A lot of the time its the constituency assistant that replies and reads those emails. They also forward important emails to the MPs' private email. Constituency emails are hard to find online though.

[–]skidoo_elanOntario 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Few questions

  1. How do MPs reply with this app?? Where do received responses go?

  2. What does the assigned email you send look like? First.lastname@democracylink.ca?

  3. In your research, do offices have to keep count of voter's preferences and statistics? If not, why can't MPs just ignore our emails? What did you find out about that? What do they do with the information? Also its all confidential so we must trust they are honest with the information.

This app is great, lots of potential, will help young folks get involved and helps spamming their inboxes to create change a lot easier!

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

A try at some answers..

1) and 2) The app routes through your own email, so they see it exactly as an email and respond as such.

3) -In the effort to make the app, we tried as best as possible to make it non-partisan, both in what you the user sees and the elected representative sees. Unless they have you on a list already they won't know your voting preference, and this is ideal for the citizen who didn't vote for the elected representative. Say, ~35% C, 23% L, 22% N. N and L have more incentive to use the app and try convince because they are the underdogs.

-If we have a negative view of our politicians we tent to fall into the trap of thinking the elected representative ignores the emails. The truth is they don't know, unless you are already on a list, ones voting preference. And IF an elected representative did discriminate, that is just horrendous, and that member should be ashamed for being so vindictive. What I feel is that any elected representative is surrounded by and influenced by the people who regularly come into personal or other communication. That tends to be those in their party. So we need to break this by empowering all citizens, underdogs or not, to respectfully communicate more with their elected representatives. I know that if I were to email my own chosen, elected, and winning MP or MLA, I am most likely going to get an automated message. That is the nature of things with large constituencies (I would expect my municipal representative to message back though!).

-I don't know exactly what they do with the information, but I am sure they have the administrative personnel read and group messages on topics, and then pass on the ones that are most meaningful and important/pressing, and then the trends of what people are saying. This would be really interesting to know exactly what they do actually, perhaps I will follow up on this.

-The one thing I have found, personally through life, is that people will riot if personal information is leaked; medical, tax, educational information, people loose it, and with good reason. I have confidence that what we send in email or phone or letter mail to our elected representative is kept secure. And if not, a figurative hell will open on that elected representative and they will loose their seat. At that point...it's personal. :)

[–]KingofSuicidesCanada 1 point2 points  (3 children)

I just downloaded it and I shared the link with everyone in my Facebook network. Brilliant idea!

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Thank you so much for sharing it!

[–]KingofSuicidesCanada 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Thank you for making it. Seriously, this is something we all should have. There's no reason any Canadian with a smartphone shouldn't have this. It's brilliant and more than useful - vital to a healthy representative democracy.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much. Seriously, thank you. You saying this means a lot.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (5 children)

Stronger communication options to our elected representatives, and more political engagement from our citizens will make a difference.

Yup, but that doesn't mean sending a tweet or e-mail.

It means registering here http://www.ocl-cal.gc.ca/eic/site/012.nsf/eng/home then heading to Ottawa with big bags of money and some box seats for some Sens games.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 3 points4 points  (4 children)

How do I go about getting big bags of money? That could help me.

[–][deleted] -3 points-2 points  (3 children)

Step 1: Be born into a wealthy and well connected family. Ideally with the last name Trudeau.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 5 points6 points  (2 children)

So you are telling me I need to marry a Trudeau, change my name, OR better yet have a father who profited from Imperial Oil money ;)

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Lol, ok I was being somewhat facetious. It all depends on what you're trying to accomplish. People don't just want more open and connected politics, they want to accomplish some specific goal or task.

This is most easily achieved on the municipal level. You want to build a fence or something that doesn't comply 100% with the zoning by-laws? You can apply for a a minor variance.

You want to change the Criminal Code so that animals are not considered simply "property" ? Well, that's gonna take a long time and much cajoling and soliciting of individual politicians.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's all good :)

[–]truelaiCanada 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I like people who understand what to do with technology. You are doing it right, sir.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you. :)

[–]Skeptickle-oneBritish Columbia 0 points1 point  (9 children)

This is a brilliant idea! Any chance it could be made compatible with tablets as well such as my Samsung Tab S???

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (7 children)

It should work with your tablet! Just not the phone function unless you have a VOIP, Skype with credits, Etc. Best of luck!

[–]Skeptickle-oneBritish Columbia 0 points1 point  (6 children)

Unfortunately not at this time. Play Store says it is incompatible with my device. Would be great if it was compatible as it'd be much easier to type an email on a tablet compared to a phone. Still, good on ya for creating the app. Good stuff!

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (5 children)

That is odd. What version of android are you running?

[–]Skeptickle-oneBritish Columbia 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Running 4.4.2 On a Samsung Tab S

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Asked my andriod guy. I'll get back to you!

[–]woodyaftertasteBritish Columbia 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Same error here with a nexus 7 on 5.01.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

okay, just talked to my android guy, he said he should have that fixed in the next day or two (we will need to release an update)!

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oi! The update is ready. :) Feel free to download the app and and let me know if it is working for you on your tablet. The phone feature won't work unless you have a VOIP or Skype credit.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oi! The update is ready. Feel free to download the app and and let me know if it is working for you on your tablet. The phone feature won't work unless you have a VOIP or Skype credit.

[–]Lunched_Avenger 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I know there's costs to implement some of the features discussed on this thread, but maybe implement a donate option to help cover these costs. Don't let the complexity hold this back. It's a great place to learn how to do such things, and in the end will contribute to even more people being able to participate and interact with their governing bodies. (which seems to be the main point of this project anyways)

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I do have a donate button in the info section of the app and on http://democracylink.ca/. Hopefully more people donate! :)

[–]Madflavaflav 0 points1 point  (1 child)

This app is amazing!! You don't need to search by MP/MPP name, just search your city 😂 Seriously, thank you.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some cities have multiple! but I can see where some people have the challenge not knowing where to start!

[–]TragicLeBronson 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Giving the Android version a go my first impression was very good. Especially the intro and privacy disclaimer. I hope this kind of thing catches on. One thing you need to do is change the input fields for things like names so I don't have to manually capitalize them. I also thing it would be more intuitive to set up my own profile and then go the "main" screen where I see phone and email icons BEFORE being asked for the information of who I would like to contact. I think it would be worth your time to look into using location services without actually collecting or storing data. Basically a function that offers my local representatives information without me needing to enter it in. Also, I think the vast majority of people would be ok with you saving location data as long as you explicitly state that it would not be connected to any of my personal information. I should also point out that Android and iOS have design guidelines that would make your apps far more professional BUT I understand that your are a political scientist first and a dev second. I LOVE the concept!!

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Thank you for the suggestions!

I also noticed the non capitalization. That is on the list to fix. We had a mad rush to get one android version functional before the release and I just didn't have the time to mentioned this to the coder.

The location service has come up multiple times. I will think more about how we can do this. Thanks again!

[–]TragicLeBronson 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Thanks for the reply! Someone else mentioned "Material Design" which I think is worth your time looking into and implementing. Take a look at /r/android and count the titles with either material or lollipop in the titles to see how much it matters to the app community.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am seeing that now! Thank you! new to this and I was more focused on how it would work. Now it's on my radar!

[–]Bender248 0 points1 point  (1 child)

What's the point when representatives are bound to party discipline, you'll receive cookie cutter responses at best

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wrote this to someone else, have a read and be positive..

"They may not respond, however the information is categorized and they are tasked to listen to our correspondence. When I was researching the app I talked to political scientists, MP offices, MLA offices, current and former elected officials, and elections Canada. Everyone said the same thing. Communicating, even if not reciprocated is good for our democracy, and it is listened to.

I understand the frustration and negative views people have of politicians, and I harbor some of these feelings too. But it holds us back from empowerment and commanding our democracy. We need to break this self imposed oppression and do it the easiest way that can be conceived. I tried my best to do this."

[–]Vex_Detrause 0 points1 point  (2 children)

This is a pretty good app! This will potentially encourage younger crowd to join the discussion of political issues than directing their complain to social media.

It simplifies the process of emailing a representative to one click, after the first setup of course. The drop down list of representatives is a good compromise too for the costly location services.

This might be a good avenue for learning too. A quick description of the representative title behind a small question mark beside the title perhaps. Also a link to a good source of Canada government structure would be nice too for new Canadians/immigrants.

Thanks for this. My parents are always updated with current news but less versed in computer/email. They would love this app as well.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the suggestion! In order to keep even the perceived partisanship down, we went with no description, not even a note or link or letter of which party the member is from. BUT I will see if this comes up again and consider it. :)

[–]Vex_Detrause 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Woah! Forgot what I said with the link and title description. It is actually there. A big button and a link out to a good source is available. Its in the front. Great job guys!

[–]flarkisOntario 0 points1 point  (7 children)

So an "open" app that as far as I can tell is closed source. Kind of defeats the purpose if you ask me. If this project is being done for the greater good than there is no reason not to open it up.

Opening up the code would be my #1 requirement before giving these people any money.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 5 points6 points  (5 children)

Talked to my Android coder, will be released as soon as he can work to do that. Would have been nice of you to have kindly asked as opposed to insinuating I was maliciously hiding something. The priority for a while now was releasing the app, and that was 3 weeks late. Just takes time. And do you really think a guy would go out there and make a free app at his own expense with no ads for the non-lucrative political market, then try get people to just give money to him? Ha! not likely! I am totally going to loose money on this app, but that is okay, because I feel it is for a good cause, and I am proud of it.

[–]voronaam 0 points1 point  (2 children)

As a suggestion, could you consider providing an APK download link on the site or using proper App Store such as FreeDroid?

I won't cover reasons to not use Google App Store here. As somebody who cares about freedom you may be well aware of them already.

[–]straemerOntario 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you mean F-Droid? Freedroid seems to be a video game.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here is a direct download link http://goo.gl/nKSN2g But for updates I will eventually have one on the website. :)

[–]flarkisOntario 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Apologies. The app bubble has made me cynical. And to answer your question, yes and I've seen people try to do it. Honestly if the source is released I'll probably have a look and make some small contributions.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's okay, thanks for the message back. It just wasn't on my radar, but is now and I will have that when my andriod guy can do it (week? week and a half max?). I promise. I want to be as open as possible :)

[–]sybau 0 points1 point  (11 children)

This is fantastic. Thanks! Sharing on Facebook if that's cool

Could use material design tho...?

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 2 points3 points  (10 children)

material design? sorry, like a better look?

Thanks regardless!

[–]ChristianSky2Québec 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Material design is Google's flat design guidelines for Lolipop

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah! Thanks I get it now. Perhaps in future updates.

[–]sybau -2 points-1 points  (7 children)

Yeah man, take a look at Hipmunk - has a fair amount of setup that you could incorporate and make the jump from "finding your rep" to "contacting your rep" less pervasive... As that's what your app attempts to do, correct?

I really expected this app to detect my location and give me the info auto without me having to look it up. I live in Belleville, ON - this riding gets called everything from "hastings" to "Prince Edward County" to "Quinte"/to " Quinte west" - if I didn't already know my reps names this app would have been useless to me ultimately.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 2 points3 points  (6 children)

Fair points. limitations in cost and design prevented us from using locational services. We also wanted it to be as risk free in terms of information and what is collected, i.e. nothing. There is a feature in the add rep menu to go online and find with a postal code and that was the closest we were able to do.

In subsequent updates I will consider this, but it does add a very large jump in complexity for coding and information adaptability.

Thank you for the feedback!

[–]sybau -2 points-1 points  (5 children)

Hmm, I never considered the costs for a developer I suppose. Nonetheless, for it to function as intended I think you'll need to embrace location services and a bit more automation.

Good luck with it!

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (4 children)

Ya. It would make it much easier, I agree. Thanks!

[–]sybau -1 points0 points  (3 children)

Np.

Do you mind me asking if you have a mixed cultural background? I'm do clinical social work and have a huge interest in culture and its adaptation amongst immigrants.

I fins it fascinating and truly touching that people find this country great enough to want to prop up and encourage the basic individual to embrace their civic duty.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I am of dutch decent, parents born here, so no mixed cultural background. The sand in the background of the picture really brings out my caucasianness. :P

I hope other stand up. We all need to be involved or we get runaway governments that think they are a part from the citizens.

[–]sybau 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oddly enough, just before Harper came to power, I remember professing to my family (we're made up of staunch liberals and staunch conservatives, but we love eachother and always remember that it's just politics) "I don't care who takes it, I just want to see a majority government - I'm sick of seeing shit just not get done!"

And my older, wiser (conservative) uncles disagreed with me - citing the "unchecked power" dogma - but I didn't accept that, I thought, it'd be better to get shit done - I don't care what party takes power, I want a majority government.

In the years since that has happened, I still, to this day, remember that as my most profound public statement of stupidity and naeivity.

That saying "absolute power corrupts absolutely" is so accurate that it turns the masses off of believing it.

[–]sybau 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I feel your dutch background is shining through our recently americanized canadian identity (sad for Canadians, happy for the Scandinavians).

[–]JueJueBeanBritish Columbia -1 points0 points  (3 children)

As a person who keeps hearing about "contact your representative or MLA", this is a good idea. I wouldn't even know where to being.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Hey you should contact your representative or MLA! ;)

Start with downloading the app and then do your best to fill in the info. I am here if you need any help!

[–]JueJueBeanBritish Columbia 0 points1 point  (1 child)

As of yet my phone is too ghetto, I have an iPhone 3? the OS is too old to download anything. However, I will as soon as I get a better phone. I enjoy politics.

[–]GeoffdeRuiter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is great to hear! I know it's hard if you care about the impacts of phones. Best of luck!

[–][deleted] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I just use google.