From: Andrew Lang <lang@igc.apc.org>
Subject: Computer Networks and the Nonprofit
Followup-To: alt.activism.d
Originator: daemon@pencil.cs.missouri.edu
Organization: ?
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1992 04:04:17 GMT

/* Written  6:17 pm  Nov  9, 1992 by mstein@igc.apc.org in igc:labor.announce */
/* ---------- "Computer Networks and the Nonprofit" ---------- */
From: Michael Stein <mstein>
Subject: Computer Networks and the Nonprofit Community

Computer Networks and the Nonprofit Community
Hastings College of the Law - 100 McAllister Street
November 16, 1992
2:00 - 5:00 P.M.

** Summary **

In our depressed economic climate, nonprofit organizations are
looking for innovative ways to share information and resources.
While computer networks are a logical method of achieving this,
they have not been fully accepted by the nonprofit community.  

The Bay Area Nonprofit Computer Consortium (BANCC) is pleased to
announce a round-table discussion between information providers and
computer-oriented nonprofit organizations about the role of
telecommunications in the nonprofit community.  Topics discussed
will include the following:

1. Although computer networks are sometimes touted as a panacea for
   the difficulties facing the nonprofit community, they are of
   little use to many organizations.  What types of nonprofit
   organizations (e.g. advocacy groups, direct service groups,
   lobbyists) are most likely to benefit from telecommunications? 
   What can be done to bring these groups on-line and help them
   use the technology effectively?

2. What is the best way for nonprofit training providers to 
   approach telecommunications?  Should they teach generic
   telecommunications concepts or focus on specific computer
   networks (e.g. HandsNet, PeaceNet, or the WELL)?

3. How can we overcome the Balkanization that exists between 
   nonprofits using different computer networks?  Can electronic
   gateways be made easier to use?

4. The Internet continues to grow at an astonishing rate.  What 
   effect will this giant network have on existing on-line
   services?

5. A number of voices have argued in favor of a national
   telecommunications network.  What are the proposals on the
   table, and what role could BANCC member organizations play? 

** What is BANCC? **

BANCC is composed of nonprofit organizations that provide computer
education, access to technology or otherwise promote computer use. 

The following organizations currently belong to the consortium:

   Community Data Processing - A project of the Center for Economic
     Conversion, CdP's goal is to help social-change and social
     service organizations improve their effectiveness through the
     use of computer resources.

   Community Information Program - Provides technical management
     for an online database of human services and community
     information available through libraries and agencies.

   Compumentor - A mentor organization that matches skilled 
     volunteers with technically needy nonprofits.

   Computer Access - A special project of Media Alliance offering
     hands-on computer training, production, consultation and
     technical support.

   Computer Resource Center - Provides technical training, over-
     the-phone technical assistance, and free access to hardware
     and software on an appointment basis.

   Institute for Global Communications - Manages PeaceNet, EcoNet,
     and ConflictNet -- global computer networks connecting and
     serving members of the peace, social justice, and
     environmental communities.

   Public Interest Clearinghouse - Assists California legal 
     services programs and other public interest organizations in
     making effective use of microcomputers.  Coordinates
     LegalAid/Net -- an subset of HandsNet that links legal
     services providers nationwide.

   Support Center - Helps nonprofit organizations improve their 
     management and technical skills so they can become more
     effective and productive.

** For More Information **

For more information, contact Aaron Delwiche at (415) 565-4695 or
send electronic mail to pic@igc.org.


Newsgroups: misc.activism.progressive,alt.activism,alt.politics.clinton