Steven Clift is a visionary leader and an Ashoka Fellow whose expertise lies at the intersection of technology, democracy, and community engagement. With a career spanning nearly three decades, he has been a trailblazer in fostering civic participation through innovative digital platforms. As the founder...
Steven Clift is a visionary leader and an Ashoka Fellow whose expertise lies at the intersection of technology, democracy, and community engagement. With a career spanning nearly three decades, he has been a trailblazer in fostering civic participation through innovative digital platforms. As the founder of E-Democracy, Steven pioneered the concept of the local "online townhall" forum, creating the world's first nonpartisan election information website in 1994—well before the advent of social media giants like Facebook. His work has consistently focused on building real-name based online communities that empower citizens to engage with state and local issues in meaningful ways.
Currently, as an Ashoka Fellow, Steven is dedicated to expanding the impact of collaborative efforts that unite individuals around shared goals. His superpower lies in organizing and leading initiatives that harness the collective strength of volunteers and community members. By leveraging his skills in social entrepreneurship, government technology, and community outreach, he has successfully developed volunteer-driven online spaces that facilitate dialogue and foster democratic engagement.
Key projects under his leadership include the development of innovative platforms that connect citizens with their local governments, enhancing transparency and accountability. Steven’s commitment to social media outreach and public speaking further amplifies his mission to inspire others to participate in the democratic process. Through his work, he continues to advocate for a future where collaboration and civic engagement are at the forefront, demonstrating that what we can achieve together far surpasses what we can accomplish alone.
