Internet’s Real Strength Is Building Community

To the Editor:

We applaud your timely focus in “Acting Up On Line” by Paul Demko (April 9). However, with his focus on using this technology for mainly federal legislative battles, Mr. Demko underemphasizes two important elements of this new communication tool — one a potential and the other a reality.

A still untapped strength of electronic communication is its ability to link activists and organizers (from a local or regional organization, or geographic area) in ongoing conversations that build community, broaden education, and permit planning on common issues. This is a vision of the Internet as a community builder and as an effective means to the end of citizen participation and democracy. Without the presence and commitment of people to place-based activism, e-mail activism by itself is just one step below “astroturf” organizing efforts.

As the host of 225 listservs or e-mail lists (up from just 103 in the previous year), we at ONE/Northwest experience the power of these relationship- and capacity-building tools every time we see two or three or 10 people meet at a conference who only knew one another through their e-mail conversations. Immediately, conversations begin at a substantive level, picking up on a dialogue from a week or a few days before. The distances and differences between Montana and Arizona, or British Columbia and Georgia, become very, very narrow.

Secondly, the potential that networking technology offers for mobilization and communication cannot be fully used when organizations and activists lack the computers, office infrastructure, or training to be effective. Imagine a non-profit office with outdated computers, e-mail access through only one terminal, and minimal training and technical support to turn these potential obstacles into tools. Anyone who has ever had their computer screen freeze up in the middle of an important document knows the fear and loathing that technology, without the support of a computer “help desk,” can bring.

Although some organizations have received financial support to move their office technology toward the next century, many still lack these tools. Many more still regard technology as a capital investment rather than the integral and ongoing program expense that it must be. It would be like buying a new car but neglecting to change the oil, or replace the tires when they wear out. Yet both will extend the life of the car and its effectiveness and utility in getting you where you want to go.

In the long run, effective communication will enable more effective planning and mobilization. We urge both organizations and supporters to join with us in supporting and building this technology and technical-assistance capacity in our growing areas of service.

Eva Shinagel
Development Director
Online Networking for the Environment (ONE/Northwest)
Seattle