However, beware personnel changes. Turnover is common. Take care to get the community grid 'owned' by partner organisations while you have a champion in those organisations backing you. This may be a challenge. Sometimes discussing ICT in a local forum is like the blind men describing an elephant.
Technology is one area where people often lack a common vocabulary and framework for discussion.
Tips A community grid plan starts from a different perspective than that of a traditional ICT project. The focus of the plan should not be on deploying technology per se, but on strategic planning for effective use of the technology. The plan needs to first address the needs and capacities of local populations as established in the overarching Community Plan for the area. The plan should also address the needs and capacities of local organisations - both statutory and voluntary. It needs to help organisations make sense of technology within the context of their mission, goals, and resources.