|
|
Grassroots Networking is an Infoxchange Australia initiative developed to:
- improve the social, economic and environmental circumstances of low-income and disadvantaged communities;
- strengthen the capacity and cohesiveness of these communities and their social networks.
Grassroots Networking develops and implements direct action strategies to address such issues as affordable access
to information tools, economic development of communities through community enterprise initiatives and increasing
skills, provision of content that is relevant to and produced by communities and a society devoted to lifelong learning.
|
Affordable Access
Grassroots Networking provides affordable access to a full range of technology solutions that will encourage the development of an informed civil and democratic society.
Many people do not have access to the tools that are essential to full participation in the information age. Koori's, the elderly, the financially disadvantaged, those with disabilities, and residents of some rural regions lack an affordable and accessible telecommunications services. Further, lack of access to affordable hardware, software and support is also an inhibitor to participation.
Resources:
Green PC
IXA Internet Services
|
Economic Development
Grassroots Networking is about building sustainable communication infrastructure that assists in generating economic benefits.
If communities are to become competitive in attracting, retaining and developing businesses, they must develop modern telecommunications facilities and cultivate a well-trained workforce.
Communities need support to develop the familiarity with the digital economy that will attract business opportunities and investment.
People who can use computers are more employable and more able to get jobs that pay above the minimum wage. They can use the networks to communicate with others in useful ways and to draw on knowledge.
Resources:
Yarra Assist
e-ACE
Green PC
The Language Factory
|
Relevant Content
Grassroots Networking explores how communities can take their content needs into their own hands and develop the information and services that meet the diversity of their local needs.
Like no other medium in our communications history, the Internet allows ideas and voices to be shared from community to community and from citizen to citizen, with no controlling authority to determine the content or dictating how information is transmitted. All citizens have the right to contribute to their community in the real-world sense; the same right should apply online as well.
Resources:
e-ACE
Collingwood Neighbourhood Renewal
Broadmeadows Neighbourhood Renewal
Reservoir East Neighbourhood Renewal
Parenting Xchange
|
Lifelong Learning
People with lower education levels are missing out on the opportunities that the internet can afford. Because change is the only constant of the information society, it is imperative that people develop the lifelong learning skills to adapt to what amounts to a moving target. The required skills are not just technical or scientific but include the ability to solve problems, to multitask and to work well in teams.
Resources:
Infoxchange Training
|
|
|
