Globally, many complex issues, like the ageing population and health inequalities, require attention. People are experimenting to combat these issues in their local contexts through bigger or smaller networks; however, much of the knowledge about these initiatives remains localised and elitist and omits the voices and perspectives of citizens.…

The South African government strives to increase citizens' participation in economic, political, social and trade activities through online connectivity, by providing free Wi-Fi for previously disadvantage, peri-urban communities. This was in an attempt to contribute and promote poverty alleviation, growth and economic transformation among…

An Oregon pilot effort enabled rural leaders to use computer networks and databases through the Internet. The "virtual community" thus created facilitated communication among diverse audiences separated by distance. (SK)

Discusses national information policy changes that are hoped to occur in the Clinton administration. Topics addressed include the Reagan/Bush legacy of privatization; public access to electronic databases; citizen involvement through information technologies such as computer networks; pricing for government information products and services;…

Presents a vision and a national strategy for civic networking based on the development of the National Information Infrastructure. Topics addressed include a public interest communications policy; benefits of civic networking, including improving services and reducing government costs, reducing poverty and health care costs, and improving…

Discusses digital convergence, moral responsibilities, democratic principles, and the need to provide access to basic equipment that can be part of an information network; access to public information, including the ability to receive and transmit information necessary for effective citizen participation; and effective interfacing, i.e.,…

Discusses using the Internet as a tool for delivering information to rural areas and the possible benefits, such as telecommuting, effective dissemination of medical information, and the promotion of grass-roots activism. The means rural residents use to connect to the Internet and their use of bulletin board systems are described. (nine…