Technology has transformed the way we live and work. Every nanosecond, it presents us with more ways to build relationships for positive social change. PolicyLink has always recognized its value for lessening economic disparities, addressing and eradicating social injustices, strengthening community institutions and infrastructure, and providing people with tools to advocate for themselves and their communities.
Our research on community use of technology has addressed issues ranging from the digital divide and job training for IT careers to nonprofit use of technology for geographic mapping and electronic advocacy (e-advocacy). Each report illuminates another aspect of the importance of technology for strengthening communities and regions. Each sheds light on organizational best practices and policy strategies to ensure that technology is placed in the hands of those most in need, and that technology tools can, indeed, guarantee that the wisdom, voices, and experiences of the people are integral parts of the national discussion for policy change.
Bridging the Innovation Divide: An Agenda for Disseminating Technology Innovations within the Nonprofit Sector, Winter 2007, highlights twelve community innovators that employ four technology practices—neighborhood information systems, electronic advocacy, Internet-based microenterprise support, and digital inclusion initiatives—to strengthen the capacity of communities for advocacy, knowledge-sharing, and economic development.
Click Here for Change: Your Guide to the E-Advocacy Revolution, Spring 2007, features technology tips to help organizations and coalitions strengthen their offline advocacy tactics; target decision-makers to pass or defeat a proposed change; connect with "hard to reach" communities; organize for mass mobilization; track online activity to identify strong supporters; and reach out to more supporters for online donations.
Moving Beyond the Divide: Workforce Development and Upward Mobility in Information Technology, Spring 2006, outlines the context for IT workforce development, analyzes the role of community-based training programs, and concludes with policy implications for the employment training field.
Community Mapping: Using Geographic Data for Neighborhood Revitalization, November 2002, describes how community mapping efforts are being deployed across the country. It guides readers to the nation's leading resources, and to the most innovative usages of these new technologies.
Bridging the Organizational Divide: Toward a Comprehensive Approach to the Digital Divide, PolicyLink, September 2001 (pdf), highlights pioneer community organizations, community technology centers, and technical assistance groups, each using IT to enhance community building efforts.