Bridging the Organisational Divide

Technology capacity building for Community Organisations.

Preface

'Ours is a society and economy increasingly reliant on information technology. PolicyLink (the authors of this report) has worked to understand the impact these technological transformations have on low-income communities, with two key questions guiding our efforts. First, how might existing and emerging technologies be used as a tool to support community-building efforts? Second, can we draw from the decades of experience in the community-building field to inform current efforts to bridge the digital divide, the newest manifestation of inequity?

The answers to these questions lie at the intersection between the community building and community technology movements, one of the most inspiring and creative places in the social equity field. In this space lies the potential of linking the legacy and power of the social justice field to the promise of cutting-edge technological innovations. During the last year we have been awed by the passion and enthusiasm of pioneer community organizations, community technology centers(CTCs),and technical assistance groups, each of whom is using information technology to enhance community building efforts.

These community leaders are our national leaders. This report is a reflection of the field, and an effort to push it forward to new places with greater synergy and policy impact...Their innovations are the foundation for a future community technology policy agenda; one that includes:

1. promotion of universal access and training;
2. technology capacity building for community based organizations;
3. creation of community-driven content; and
4. development of IT applications.'

Contents

1. Introduction and Overview
2. Moving Beyond Access: Addressing the Organizational Divide
3. Challenges and Opportunities Facing Community Based Organizations
4. Promising Practices: Making Use of Relevant content and Applications
5. Next Steps: A Comprehensive Policy Approach to the Digital Divide.

Download the report - Bridging the Organisational Divide (pdf - 442kb)

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