The technology must have sufficient speed, connectivity, adherence to standards, and integration to be useful for the novice, as well as expert user. Functionality - Information must be searchable and filterable. People must have the ability to track issues and themes with ease and consistent results. Computer networks can be used to include more citizens from all sectors of our society. These systems can support the needs of the traditionally disenfranchised and others not considered to be part of the mainstream.
Online systems can help people find others who share their concerns and interests.
People can participate in group conversations about particular topic areas and access these resources from online archives. Material about specific issues can be assembled for easy one-stop information shopping. Cities can offer matching services for volunteer organizations and public service jobs and online community support groups on many kinds of problems. LANs and sophisticated databases, groupware, project management, and other software tools are taken for granted in the business world, but non-profits and advocacy groups traditionally have lagged behind in office automation and the acceptance of new technologies. involve more citizens and media in information distribution. The primary purpose of most advocacy groups is the distribution and promotion of information and perspectives on particular problems and issues.