I want to tell you about a fantastic new (and developing) resource for congressional staff.

Back in September, Forum One was one of the sponsors of CongressCamp, an informal "barcamp" unconference here in Washington. For two days, attendees exchanged ideas on how social media and collaboration tools could increase citizen engagement with Capitol Hill.

As conversations came to a close, a session's focus turned toward creating something of lasting value. Hill communication folks are smart folks, but things are changing fast. Each Hill office typically has one person focused on social media. They depend on external advice and lack a single common resource for finding (and suggesting) the best tools and practices.

Even once the event ended, CongressCamp participants wished to help bridge the gap between citizen knowledge and congressional needs. They asked themselves, "How can we help Hill staff make their internet sites and services more useful for citizens?"

The result is the "Compass," a guide to online communications for Congressional offices.

Led by Wayne Moses Burke of the Open Forum Foundation, the Compass is just getting off the ground, and we could use your help. Hill staff are already using it and are anxious to receive feedback and expertise.

Wayne has created an open wiki that anyone can edit. Questions of interest to Congressional staff will be posted and answered. For example, we are currently authoring an article that answers the question: "What widgets are available to display social media content on a representative's website?"

I know we all have something to contribute. Get on over to the Compass and help improve Congress' ability connect with citizens!