Community networking is nothing new. The new tools of the Internet can greatly
help extend social networks within a community. They come in as many varieties
and flavors as communities themselves, but most have at least one of these key
features: Communication lines: Communication is a key aspect for any community. Having a common means of communication for one community has several important effects. First, it allows for exchanges where none were possible before. More dialogue allows for a greater understand and empathy between community members, increasing social capital . This can be further amplified by the sharing of a common medium.
Digital Community Space: Just as public spaces such as monuments or bulletin boards are important repositories of shared culture, events and common experiences, so to can online space serve to announce future events and mark past ones. Many community networks have space for individual web pages or other contributions. These can then be seen by anyone else in the community, providing at the same time a voice for a community member and a shared identity for the community.
The Potential for Organic Behavior A good community network should be designed such that it is adaptable for the needs of its users and allows them the ability to create change in the community, either within the network, or in the physical community itself. Shaw and Shaw describe a community network in Newark that featured a discussion board for medical advice. The idea was residents could post questions, and medical professionals could respond. One woman learned of her need for exercise, but complained that the local park was too unsafe to walk in. Other women responded with their desire to exercise, and soon some one had organized a group to walk together, with safety in numbers. This was, in effect, an organic, computer-mediated collective action by community members to improve their quality of living.
There are many ways of implementing community networks, from a simple email list where residents of an area can announce news or voice concerns to complex, graphical universes.
The focus should be on the means of communication (email, chat, forums, etc) and on providing content that is important and useful. Ideally, most of the content should generate from within the community. The idea of having networks originate from within the community is not new, and has a theoretical basis as well.
Allan Friedman
January, 2002
