Since '95 I have worked to help establish a range of projects that aim to use the net for community benefit. The ones that I am still actively involved with are UK Citizens Online Democracy, UK Communities Online, Newham Online, NewTel and Newham Young People's Parliament.
UKCOD is Britain's (and possibly the world's) first national online democracy service. It provides background information and discussion forums for anyone interested in using the Internet to further participation in the political process at local and national level.
UKCOD is supported by the European Parliament, Cabinet Office and Hansard Society. It is politically neutral and is seeking registration as a charity. The national site carries a range of ongoing discussions but there is also a lot of activity at the local level, for UKCOD is a keen backer of the Newham Young Peoples Parliament.
I am chair of this organisation.
UK Communities Online promotes online networking at the local level for community benefits. It was initiated by David Wilcox who helped set up the Development Trust Association, Groundwork and the Shell Better Britain Campaign. I have been working with David on this since '95.
David manages a web site called the Communities Online Forum which contains a great deal of information about community networking. In addition to the web site there are mailing lists and a national conference. The organisation is not constituted as yet but it will be a not for profit.
An initiative launched by a Conference held in '96 its vision is that by 2005 Newham will be recognised as the leading UK centre for digital communication and multimedia expertise, both in terms of commercial exploitation and in respect of benefits to the local community.
Newham Online is seeking to develop cross sector strategies to achieve its vision, a prime activity will be to construct a "digital city" where Newham people can learn, have fun, trade, offer services and develop ways in which the technology can yield real community benefit.
I am on the steering group of this project.
Project to explore the use of online technologies as a means of involving young people in local affairs. Age range 11-25. Project initiated by Gavin Sealey of Little Ilford Youth Centre and supported by LBN and UKCOD. I chair the steering group of this project.
NewTel exists to help Newham voluntary sector organisations to benefit from the net. Their site has a lot of useful information and resources and they have a publication for new users that is free to people in East London. I am on the Steering Committee of this organisation.