N.E. Turner, Randall Pinkett

Abstract

At the intersection between community building and community technology lies tremendous synergy. Each of these domains seeks to empower individuals and families, and improve their overall environment. Surprisingly, approaches that combine these areas have received very little attention. In response to the "digital divide" (NTIA, 1995, 1997 & 1999) the challenge in many minority and low-income communities has been to identify strategies for engaging residents with technology, providing economical access to technology, and encouraging meaningful use of technology. These efforts have largely, and justifiably, focused on establishing infrastructure and providing training. As computers and the Internet continue to penetrate these communities, it begs the question of what can be done to truly leverage a given technological base. From among the three models of community involvement with technology æ community computing centers, community networks, and community content (Beamish, 1999) æ there are a limited number examples where technology has been used to promote community building by regarding residents and other community members as key stakeholders in the process. Conversely, from among the multitude of models for community revitalization, such as community organizing, community development, and community building (Hess, 1999), we are only beginning to witness the benefits that are afforded by incorporating technology into these approaches in a meaningful way