Education
American Federation of Teachers (www.aft.org), is an 900,000-member union of public and professional employees, including public and private school teachers, paraprofessionals and school-related personnel (PSRPs), higher education faculty and professionals, employees of state and local governments, nurses and health professionals. Check out their site for the union's views on school reform and a variety of related issues.
America's Technology Literacy Challenge (www.whitehouse.gov/WH/New/edtech/0cont.html) On February 15, 1996 the President proposed the creation of a $2 billion, 5 year Technology Literacy Challenge fund. This site provides information on the fund, as well as President's Challenge itself.
Benton'sThe Learning Connection (www.benton.org/Library/Schools), an update of the Benton Foundation's 1995 report by the same name, examines how educators are grappling with the difficult interplay of technological change and educational values. It reviews the potential for technology-driven education reform, spells out an agenda for building the human infrastructure of the Information Age, describes some of the activities of major institutional players in the education arena, discusses how the success or failure of efforts to reform schools will be decided by communities around the country, and provides resources for further research.
Benton's The Next Generation of Universal Service: Discounts for Schools and Libraries (http://www.benton.org/Library/Nextgen/discounts.html), published by the Benton Foundation, Washington DC, presents the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service's proposals to the Federal Communications Commission on how to implement the Telecommunications Act's universal service provisions, particularly the required discounts for schools and libraries for communications services.
The Federal Communications Commission (www.fcc.gov)is an independent government agency responsible regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. It is also king of all communications web sites with universal service proposals--including information on discounts for schools and libraries, calendars for hearings and decisions on regulations and instructions for how to file comments in FCC proceedings. The Federal Communications Commission, 1919 M Street NW, Washington DC 20554; 202/418-0200.
KickStart (www.benton.org/Library/KickStart) is an initiative of the United States Advisory Council on the National Information Infrastructure. Created by President Clinton at the end of 1993, the 36-member Council comprised representatives of state and local government, and community, public interest, education, and labor groups--as well as creators and distributors of content, private industry, privacy and security advocates, and learning experts in NII-related fields. The Benton Foundation was chosen to continue the work of the KickStart Initiative, publishing the KickStart reports on its website and helping communities realize the promise of new technologies for education, health care, and community building.
KidsCampaigns (www.kidscampaigns.org) is a website that contains several noteworthy campaigns concerning children, including a national public service campaign produced by the Advertising Council, called Whose Side Are You On? This campaign seeks to motivate Americans to act on behalf of kids. KidsCampaigns is also the electronic home of the Coalition for America's Children, 350 organizations from the local children's hospital to the PTA and Junior League all working to improve the lives of America's children.
Massachusetts NetDay (www.massnetworks.org) is a sophisticated, well-organized, education-reform-focused Netday effort that stands out from many other NetDay activities. Whether you're participating in the national NetDay movement or not, check out how this state could serve as a model to your efforts to bring connectivity into your classroom.
National Association of Secondary School Principals (www.nassp.org), is the preeminent organization for middle level and high school leaders representing a diverse membership. The web site offers information on topics ranging from the universal service fund to an listing of "web sites of interest to educators."
National Education Association (www.nea.org), America's oldest and largest organization committed to advancing the cause of public education.
NetDay (www.netday.org) is a grass-roots volunteer effort to wire schools so they can network their computers and connect them to the Internet. Labor and materials come from volunteers and support from companies, unions, parents, teachers, students, and school employees.
The President's Education Technology Intiative (www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/OP/edtech) site provides current information on the Administration's education technology policy.
Smart Valley, Inc. (www.svi.org), is a non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating the deployment of technologies that make Silicon Valley a better place to live and a stronger competitor in the world economy. Collaborating extensively with the private and public sectors, Smart Valley creates and facilitates the implementation of projects that accelerate the adoption of technology in various sectors ofthe community with emphasis on education and local government.
Technology Student Association (www/tmn.com/Organizations/Iris/tsawww) is the only student organization devoted exclusively to the needs of technology education students who are presently enrolled in, or have completed, technology education courses. It is composed of over 150,000 elementary, middle, and high school students, in 2,000 schools/chapters spanning 44 states.
Twenty-First Century Teachers (www.21ct.org) is a nationwide volunteer initiative encouraging teachers to work with their colleagues to develop new skills for using technology in their teaching and learning activities. Twenty-First Century Teachers are pioneers in using technology to enhance teaching and learning--from the English teacher who develops professional networks online to share innovative curriculum ideas with colleagues, to the science teacher who helps students access up-to-the-minute science information from around the world over the Internet, to the third grade teacher aide who uses multimedia technologies to create exciting learning opportunities.
Telecom Environment
Benton's Debate On the Future of Television (www.benton.org/Policy/TV) The Benton Foundation views free, over-the-air broadcast television as an important information service, crucial to an informed democracy, and a vital part of the emerging National Information Infrastructure. Benton offers this space to educate the public about what's at stake and to include citizens and noncommercial interests in the debate on the future of television.
Benton's State and Local Strategies for Connecting Communities (www.benton.org/Library/State/statehome.html) report provides a look at where states are heading on the telecommunications front including a look at the planning process and infrastructure commitments that states are instituting regarding telecommunications.
Benton's Telecommunication Act Homepage (www.benton.org/Policy/96act)Although passage of the Telecommunications Act may have appeared as the end of the road to communications policy reform, it is just the beginning. In the months to come, there will be a number of opportunities for public interest advocates to help shape the changing communications landscape. The Benton Foundation will be tracking these opportunities and hopes your organization will use us as a resource as you decide how you will make your voice heard.
Benton's Universal Service Library (www.benton.org/Policy/Uniserv) Over the past two years, the Benton Foundation has commissioned a number of research papers on the subject of universal service and now hosts the World Wide Web's most comprehensive library of universal service and access documents. The site contains links to over 85 online documents.
The Center for Media Education (tap.epn.org/cme) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of the electronic media. CME fosters telecommunications policy making in the public interest through its research, advocacy, public education, and press activities.
The FCC's Telecommunications Act of 1996 page(www.fcc.gov/telecom.html) includes information listing the proceedings the FCC will complete to open up local phone markets, increase competition in long distance, and other steps to advance affordable telecommunications services throughtout the nation. You will find copies of news releases summarizing action, announcements of meetings where these items will be discussed, and charts describingthe work ahead of us and where (within the FCC) and when it will be completed.
House Telecommunications Subcommittee (www.house.gov/commerce/telecom.html) Located in the House Commerce Committee, the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protections has similar duties as its Senate counterpart. Its homepage includes information regarding hearings and markups, membership of the Subcommittee, as well as the limits of its jurisdiction.
National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (www.erols.com/naruc) provides information on their web site about upcoming meetings, new items of regulatory interest, and a readable listing of the NARUC's public policy positions. The listings for state, federal, and international utility regulators are also accessible from the NARUC homepage.
Senate Commerce Committee's (www.senate.gov/~commerce/subcmte.htm#Comm) web site provides information on the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, including a list of its members, its areas of jurisdiction, legislation currently under consideration, and how to contact the Subcommittee.
The States Inventory Project (www.states.org) has built a comprehensive resource of infrastructure, initiatives and strategies for networking education and the public in each of the fifty United States.
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Health
The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (www.ahcpr.gov), a part of the Public Health Service in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the lead agency charged with supporting research designed to improve the quality of health care, reduce its cost, and broaden access to essential services. AHCPR develops and disseminates research-based information to increase the scientific knowledge needed to enhance consumer and clinical decision making, improve health care quality, and promote efficiency in the organization of public and private systems of health care delivery.
Case Western Reserve University hosts two excellent health resources:
The Bolton School of Nursing's Nurse Web(http://fpb.cwru.edu/) focuses on the future patient care and in extending the profession of Nursing, and the Cleveland Health Sciences Library (http://www.cwru.edu/chsl/homepage.htm)
The Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) promotes health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. Their website includes tips to accomplish this, and links to various other health-related government sites.
The Cleveland Freenet(http://biocserver.bioc.cwru.edu:70/1/cwru/internet-services/freenet) is a telnet accessable community information network. The Medical Arts Building section of the main menu leads users to a wealth of health information ranging from an Alzheimer's Disease Support Center to the Bioethics Network of Ohio.
Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (www.healthpartners.com/better_h/partners/chess.htm) is an easy-to-use, interactive personal computer system that provides information and support to patients facing serious health issues, including breast cancer and HIV. CHESS includes disease-specific medical, social and legal information; problem-solving tools to help users make decisions, implement action plans, and reduce disease-related risk behaviors; guidance for using health and social services; and on-line communication capabilities that link patients to resource experts and others with the same disease.
Healthfinder (www.healthfinder.gov) healthfinder is a gateway consumer health and human services information web site from the United States government. Healthfinder can lead you to selected online publications, clearinghouses, databases, web sites, and support and self-help groups, as well as the government agencies and not-for-profit organizations that produce reliable information for the public.
Health Online: How to Find Health Information, Support Groups, and Self-Help Communities in Cyberspace (Addison-Wesley Publishing Co.,1996), written by Tom Ferguson, guides readers through the health resources on all the commercial online services--such as American Online, CompuServe, and Prodigy--as well as on the Internet, World Wide Web, specialized electronic bulletin boards, and databases at the National Institutes of Health. Includes advice on how to start self-care newsgroups. This book can be ordered online from Amazon.com (www.amazon.com).
The National Health Information Center (nhic-nt.health.org) is a health information referral service. NHIC puts health professionals and consumers who have health questions in touch with those organizations that are best able to provide answers. NHIC was established in 1979 by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), Office of Public Health and Science, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
National Library of Medicine's The Grateful Med program (igm.nlm.nih.gov) offers assisted searching in MEDLINE and other online databases of the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). It was developed through the User Access Services project of NLM's System Reinvention initiative.
Grassroots Communities
The Alliance for National Renewal (www.ncl.org/anr) brings together a network of people and organizations who want to better their communities. Check out their "Community Renewal Resource Links," for information on a wide range of programs, projects, organizations, publications and online tools designed to help community builders share information and network among one another.
Brandeis University's Florence Heller Graduate School for Advanced Studies in Social Welfare (www.brandeis.edu/heller/what_is_heller.html) examines policies and programs that respond to the changing needs of vulnerable individuals and social groups in society. Heller and its nationally renowned research centers have pioneered in a variety of areas, including: health policy; children, youth, and families; aging; human resources; mental retardation and developmental disabilities; women and aging; and social change.
Center for Policy Alternatives (www.cfpa.org) is the nation's leading non-profit, non-partisan public policy and leadership development center devoted to community-based solutions that strengthen families and communities. CPA links elected leaders across the fifty states with private and non-profit sector leaders in the search for common ground, new ideas and resources to create solutions that work.
Charlotte's Web (www.charweb.org) is a regional community network serving 14 counties with access, content, training and support in electronic communication. It provides a range of free and low cost services including "wide-area" intranet and various Internet and networking services to nonprofits and small governments, access to libraries, government services and documents (such as city council minutes or tax records), business, consumer, medical and legal information. It might even help you find out how to fix your car or landscape your yard.
Civic Practices Network (www.cpn.org) born of the movement for a "new citizenship" and "civic revitalization," is a collaborative and nonpartisan project dedicated to bringing practical tools for public problem-solving into community and institutional settings across America.
Communitarian Network (www.gwu.edu/~ccps) is a coalition of individuals and organizations who believe that individual liberties depend upon the bolstering of the foundations of civil society: our families, schools, and neighborhoods. Their message emphasizes the development of a sense of personal and civic responsibility and supports debate on this "social side of human nature." From their site, visitors can request their electronic or quarterly newsletters, and can also look over a lising of upcoming events.
Community Builders' Guide to Telecommunications
The Contact Center Network (www.contact.org) sponsors the IdeaList, an online resource that enables any non-profit or community organization to use the Internet to post and update detailed information about its services, volunteer opportunities, internships, publications, etc. The IdeaList hompage also has a searchable directory with links to 10, 000 non-profit websites worldwide.
HandsNet (www.handsnet.org) is a national, nonprofit organization that promotes information sharing, cross-sector collaboration and advocacy among individuals and organizations working on a broad range of public interest issues. The website houses forums and provides action alerts on a wide variety of issues, from budget and tax policy to health issues.
HUD USER (www.huduser.org) HUD USER is the primary source for Federal Government reports and information on housing policy and programs, building technology, economic development, urban planning, and other housing-related topics.
The Institute for the Study of Civic Values (libertynet.org/~edcivic/iscvhome.html) is a non-profit organization established in Philadelphia in 1973 to promote the fulfillment of America's historic civic ideals. On the site one can find out about these civic ideals, community efforts to fulfill them, and the many projects that the Institute sponsors, such as Neighborhoods Online.
LISZT (liszt.com) is a searchable database of thousands of Internet mailing lists.
Neighborhoods Online (libertynet.org/community/phila/nol.html) is divided into three main sections: Building Community, The Neigborhoods, and Neighborhoods Online: National. Together these three sections provide information regarding community development, neigborhood-based organizations, local statistics, and information on federal agencies and national organizations that address neighborhood concerns.
NetActivism: How Citizens Use the Internet, 1st ed. (Sebastopol, CA: Songline Studios, Inc., 1996), written by experienced net advocate Ed Schwartz, is one of the best books on the market that easily and clearly explains the benefits and pitfalls of using the Internet as an organizing and advocacy tool. You can order this book online from its publishers, O'Reilly & Associates, Inc. (www.ora.com).
Office of Neighborhood Associations (www.teleport.com/~ona123) is a key link between Portland citizens and the city bureaus, helping citizens put their ideas into action and addressing issues that arise at the grassroots level. ONA and eight district offices help people working in neighborhood associations throughout Portland to improve the quality of life in their communities.
Rebuilding America's Communities (www.libertynet.org) From creating jobs to rebuilding neighborhoods to improving schools, here is what the federal government is doing--and how local communities can best use these resources.
The SafetyNet Conference (Stevens Square Community Organization) (http://freenet.msp.mn.us/conf/safetynet) is a place for residents of urban neighborhoods to share and learn about crime prevention tools and techniques, and to draw upon the resources of the larger community. In addition, block club leaders and community activists use SafetyNet to network within their own neighborhoods around the issues of crime and safety.
The Urban Strategies Council is an advocacy and policy resource organization focused on reducing persistent poverty and increasing economic opportunity. The nonprofit Council brings information and expertise to grassroots and policy levels throughout American cities, publishing information on poverty issues, convening community forums, and facilitating community planning processes. The Urban Strategies Council, Thornton House, 672 13th Street, Suite 200, Oakland, CA 94612, telephone: 510/893-2404; fax: 510/893-2404.
The U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov) The official home page of the United States Census Bureau houses a database thatis searchable by zipcode.
Wichita Independent Neighborhoods (www2.southwind.net/~wininc) was incorporated in 1994 by 12 existing neighborhood associations who, spurred by the momentum of the Neighborhood Initiative, offered a concrete example of how neighborhood residents can dramatically improve their quality of life. New efforts by WIN. include helping formulate public policy decisions that affect neighborhoods. They work closely with local elected officials on a number of issues, including zoning, neighborhood courts, citizen patrols, housing and social service problems.
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Access
ACEnet (www.seorf.ohiou.edu/~xx001/default2.html, The Appalachian Center for Economic Networks, is a community economic development organization which focuses on building a healthy regional economy. Their homepage provides information on ACEnet's many low income assistance programs, and also houses a library of papers that document the programs and strategies they have found most effective in developing a community's economic vitality.
Benton's Telecom Act Page (www.benton.org/Policy/96act) tracks and describes the many opportunities for public interest advocates to help shape the changing communications landscape. The Benton Foundation hopes your organization will use us as a resource as you decide how you will make your voice heard. This site includes text of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, as well as current policy initiatives relating to it.
Break Away Technologies (www.breakaway.org) promotes and improves the quality of life of urban children, youth, and families through values-based, character-building education, focusing on increasing the level of computer literacy and availability in targeted areas. Through an integrity-grounded education, the organization helps urban children, youth, and families 'break away' from unproductive behavior and then connect to that which holds the promise of a bright future.
CTCNet (www.ctcnet.org) is a network of more than 200 community technology centers where people get access to computers and computer-related technology, such as the Internet.
The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Neighborhood Networks (www.hud.gov/nnw/nnwindex.html) seeks to enhance the self-sufficiency, employability, and economic self-reliance of low-income families and the elderly living in HUD-insured and -assisted properties by providing such residents with onsite access to computer and training resources. Residents and property owners are working with local businesses, educational institutions, private foundations, and other community organizations to create and operate computerized learning centers.
National Urban Leage (www.nul.org) is the premier social service and civil rights organization in America. The League is a nonprofit, community-based organization headquartered in New York City, whose mission is to assist African Americans in the achievement of social and economic equality. The League implements its mission through advocacy, "bridge building," program services and research.
Plugged In (www.pluggedin.org) has helped to provide East Palo Alto organizations and families with access to computer technology, serving as a nationally recognized model for connecting low-income communities with the information economy. Community members of all ages use state-of-the art computers to do online research, work on resumes, complete homework assignments, or participate in one of 30 classes offered in partnership with local agencies.
RAND (www.rand.org) is a nonprofit institution that helps improve public policy through research and analysis.
Times Mirror Center for People and the Press: Survey on Online Usage (www.mediainfo.com/ephome/news/newshtm/stop/stop1018.htm) Entitled, "Technology in the American Household: Americans Going Online ... Explosive Growth, Uncertain Destinations," the survey offers a glimpse at the state of the online services industry today -- and shows that, while we have a long way to go before there is widespread public acceptance of online services, the industry is making great strides.
United Neighborhoods of New York (www.unhny.org/unh/iti.html) The thirty-seven settlement houses in New York City that are members of the United Neighborhood Houses of New York (UNH) provide social services that ameliorate the conditions of poverty and enrich the communities they serve through information and referral, educational, job training, counseling, advocacy, cultural, and recreational activities. Equally important, settlement houses are serving as a community access point where local residents can come to learn about and use computers for personal and professional development.
U.S. Dept of Commerce includes National Telecommunications Infrastructure Administration's (NTIA) Telecommunications Information Infrastructure Assistance Program (TIIAP) (http://www.ntia.doc.gov/tiiap), which makes grants to help organizations make use of the NII. Check out projects that have won past grants.
U.S. Dept of Labor (stats.bls.gov:80/datahome.htm) This is the address for the homepage of the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Virtually Wired (www.vw.org) is a unique community resource located in Downtown Boston. As a non-profit educational foundation, its goal is to promote informational literacy. Since its grand opening in July,1996, it has offered extremely low cost access to the Internet and classes on topics related to information technology.
Journalism
American Prospect's Electronic Policy Network (www.epn.org) provides information and commentary on national politics and major policy issues. Visitors to their site can read EPN's virtual magazine, "Idea Central", to read articles on issues as varied as welfare, civic participation, and health policy.
American Society of Newspaper Editors (www.asne.org)
provides links to national journalism associations, commercial and non-commercial online newspapers, and journalism publications on the web.
The Democracy Project (www.pbs.org/point/democracy) is the section of PBS's website which, in their words, is a "laboratory for interactive news programs and features to inform, inspire and engage you in America's public life." Currently, The Democracy Project is providing updates on the Congressional Campaign Finance Hearings, as well as opportunities for online discussion of current events.
HandsNet (www.handsnet.org/handsnet2/hn.weekly.digest) provides a service, called the HandsNet Weekly Digest, which provides a selection of policy, program and resource articles posted by HandsNet members each week, and is searchable.
Journal of Criminal Justice and Popular Culture (www.scj.albany.edu:90/jcjpc)was created to serve the criminal justice/criminological community by publishing reviews of all types of popular culture artifacts and original essays pertaining to the intersection of popular culture and criminal justice. The Journal is published bi-monthly, and every issue ever published is avaliable on their web site.
Pew Charitable Trusts- Civic Lessons Report(http://www.pewtrusts.com/Pubs/misc/lessons.cfm) is the in depth evaluation of four projects funded by the Pew Center for Civic Journalism to ascertain how civic journalism has worked in a variety of settings. The four projects were located in San Fransisco, CA, Madison, WI, Charlotte, NC, and Binghamton, NY.
Newspapers
American News Service (americannews.com)
American Reporter (www.newshare.com:9999)
Chicago Tribune (www.chicago.tribune.com)
Los Angeles Times (www.latimes.com)
New York Times (www.nytimes.com)
San Francisco Chronicle/Examiner (www.sfgate.com)
San Jose Mercury News (www.sjmercury.com)
Slate (www.slate.com/default.asp)
The Spokesman-Review (www.virtuallynw.com/sr/cover.htm)
StarNet (Arizona Daily Star online) (azstarnet.com)
Wall Street Journal (www.wsj.com)
Washington Post (washingtonpost.com)
Wichita Eagle (www.wichitaeagle.com)
For other newspapers online, check: Yahoo's list of newspapers (www.yahoo.com/News/Newspapers) Top
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