Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the most common questions about community technology initiatives. If your question is not here, please send it to us!

What is Community Information?
Community information is information about local services such as daycare, employment, healthcare, housing, income support, recreation and transportation that can help citizens cope with the problems that arise through daily living. Click for a more detailed answer.

What is a Community Network?
A community network is a locally-based, locally-driven communication and information system designed to enhance community and enrich lives. Click for a more detailed answer.

What features do Community Networks usually have?
Community networks are as diverse as the communities for which they exist. Some provide public access sites for community members, some provide internet training, others focus on providing content for a community information website. Click for a more detailed answer.

What is the benefit of a Community Network?
Benefits include a central location for people to find community information, improved job skills, and low-cost internet access that allows community members to make their voices heard on the internet. Click for a more detailed answer.

Is there a Community Network in our town?
Search our directory to find out! Or click here for more options.

How can we start a Community Network?
Find out what your community members need, come up with a mission, figure out who will be involved and how to provide the services, secure funding, and take a good look at some planning guides. Click here for a detailed answer.

How can a Community Network get initial support and funding?
Don't ask for "contributions" -- sell an "investment" instead. Be specific about what sort of support you require. Try to get your funding from several different sources: community members and community organizations should be considered as well as traditional nonprofits and foundations. Click here for more fundraising ideas.

What resources are available to provide on-going support for Community Networks?
The best way to assure long-term survival for your CN is to develop a network of support right from the beginning. In his article, "Can We Keep Community Networks Running?", Steve Cisler suggests several strategies to do this. Three of these strategies are described here: being representative, being inclusive and making alliances. Resources that may help your CN to understand and implement each of these ideas are available if you click here.

How can we make our Community Network self-sustaining?
There will never be one set answer to this question, as each community network is unique and will look for funding in different places. If I had to name a single quality for sustainability it would be resourcefulness in searching for funds. Many community networks find that they must look to a number of resources for support. Who is providing this support now? Click here to find out.

How are Community Networks promoted and marketed?
Word of mouth, partnerships with local media, flyers, a website, and making sure your website is easy to find. Click here for a more detailed answer!

How can we get more diverse participation in our Community Network?
The key is access. Make your community network easy to find, easy to use, and low-cost. Make it accessible through several channels: use the telephone and radio deliver community information, not just the internet. It doesn't hurt to work with grassroots organizations, neighborhood groups, and other community organizations. Click here for a more detailed answer.

How can we train our Community Network's users and volunteers?
Workshops, classes, guides, tutorials, and a help desk are some ways Community Networks do this. Click here for a more detailed answer.

What features are most used in Community Networks?
Based on a November, 1998 email poll, the most used features in Community Networks are email, local online conferences, and community calendars. Click here for a more detailed list.

How can Community Networkers contact "birds of a feather" for mutual support?
Join a community networking email list, learn about organizations for community networkers, or attend community networking conferences. Click here for more details.

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