MyFunCity: Brazil Launches First Private Social Networking

SAO PAULO and BOSTON, October 5, 2011 -

“Myfuncity-Sustainable Cities (Cidades Sustentaveis)” will analyze how well the population is being served by public services in real time. A partnership between Our Sao Paulo Network (Rede Nossa Sao Paulo) and the Brazilian Network for Fair and Sustainable Cities (Rede Brasileira por Cidades Justas e Sustentaveis) will make it possible for this data to guide public policy-making processes

Brazil is the first country in the world to implement a social networking website focused on civic responsibility, called “Myfuncity-Sustainable Cities”. Starting today, every citizen will be allowed access to the social network, which creates a new form of political and civic engagement through blogging, websites and social media sites, as well as through other existing online media. “After its launch in Brazil, Myfuncity will be released in the United States and Europe. Facebook will support the new tool in all countries,” said Mauro Motoryn, president of Myfuncity and one of its creators.

The platform will enable public management to be integrated with the social network through digital technology, allowing citizens to assess the quality of their cities across 12 indicators, covering traffic, safety, the environment, public welfare, health and education. Each one of the Myfuncity indicators will be rated by users on a scale of 0 to 10. The scores will be sent to a database that will then generate an accurate map of the population’s level of satisfaction with regard to the public services offered in any particular city or region.

Myfuncity users need only an internet connection to submit their assessments via Facebook and Orkut, or through an iPhone and iPad app downloaded for free from the Apple App Store. In Facebook and Orkut, Myfuncity will allow users to interact, invite friends, send messages and comments, use the like button and send photos. Additionally, users will be able to tag their current location, post their opinions regarding city areas and, at the same time, access data posted on Facebook, Orkut and Twitter. Android and Blackberry versions of Myfuncity, as well as other versions, will be made available at a later date.

According to the president of Myfuncity, Mauro Motoryn, social networks strengthen the power of citizens to help transform their city. “The transformational power of the Internet extends itself to both big and small causes because it connects thousands of citizens who are willing to share their opinions and suggestions, and who want to make effective contributions to change the city where they live,” said Motoryn.

CONTACT:
Deborah Jacob
Account Executive Director/VP
Hill & Knowlton Brazil
Direct Line: (+55-11)5503-2877
Fax: (+55-11)5505-9487
djacob@hillandknowlton.com

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