A digital public square (DPS) is a user-driven website that relies upon user-generated content (UGC), created by a group of people with a common interest in a specific community.
At its most basic, a digital public square represents an evolution in how people discover, read and share news, information and content.
The DPS offers a platform for dialogue and encourages people to connect in a virtual setting to establish relationships that can effect social change.
The term “digital public square” was originally coined by the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties during the development of yourPBC.org.
The site was created as a digital public square project for Palm Beach County, Florida, and was funded by a Civic Initiatives Leadership Grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.