VolResource passionately believes in the opportunities that the internet provides for voluntary and community organisations (VCOs). These are as varied as the sector is diverse, but we have identified the following issues as of potential importance. We welcome comments and suggestions for improvement. Email: vr@volresource.org.uk or use the form (see bottom trail bar). See also Voluntary Sector and IT page and the other pages referenced there.

NOTE: This is a draft document - please do not link to or reproduce in any way. Thanks!

As an information channel

• Means to ensure wide availability of internet services for the whole range of VCOs, both to access and to post information.
• Local and regional media should develop 'home page' facilities for local groups and societies, freely available or in return for limited marketing rights. The extension to news and event diaries should be encouraged. (See The Beehive facility)
• National web sites enabling smaller voluntary organisations without a local focus to share the benefits of central technological expertise, simple web page design (e.g. templates) and basic web hosting. (See smartchange)
• National sites encouraging and enabling individuals and informal organisations to get involved with social issues. (See Citizens Connection, TimeBank)
• Regional and 'sub-sector' sites including links to, and working with, appropriate other channels.
• Portals to make access to such sites and facilities easier, along with a degree of co-ordination. (See parts of VolResource)
• National media of all types should develop a 'community commitment' appropriate to their size and focus. This should be linked in with web sites 'signposting' to further resources, which is liekly to include sites described above.

• The provision of online information and other facilities to assist VCOs, both nationally and regionally. (See VolResource, various donation services)
• Working with the public sector to deliver services utilising the internet (e.g. advice).

• Provision of community based internet and IT resources should as far as possible be on the basis of enabling access for wide community purposes, even when connected with a project with a limited remit.

As an efficiency tool

• Exploration of ways to enable and encourage small to medium VCOs to invest in and utilise ICTs. Identifying potential for improvements in internal, external and public processess can require imagination and creativity as much as an appreciation of what the internet and other technologies can do. More work is required which addresses varying needs across the diversity of the sector.
• Possible areas include:
  • online advertising of paid and volunteer job vacancies (see TimeBank, VolResource workopp listings); online applications;
  • online purchasing of supplies; use of exchanges to share or seek out resources within the sector and elsewhere;
  • online training;
  • service delivery such as advice, information for members;
  • campaigning device, such as lobbying by email, co-ordinating action;
  • 'intranets' for staff, trustee, volunteers, members to communicate and be involved using electronic voting, virtual conferences etc.; distribution of reports, minutes etc.
  • processing for and complying with statutory requirements (e.g. filing annual returns, VAT and PAYE)

As a fundraising facility

As a community service/project facilitator

• See Local Connections: Making the Net Work for Neighbourhood Renewal, a report from Communities Online.
• Examples: local publishing (eg for community history projects); community (social) networking; community skilling (for small business or community development); online neighbourhood information and neighbourhood management; computer-aided scenarios to design communal gardens, set up local allotments, provide for better security, design protected play areas for young children or special recreational areas for local teenagers; alternative learning environments; online translation and cultural expression for minority communities; encouraging creativity.
• See also the various Community Telecentre projects (whatever they are called), including those connected to Healthy Living Centres, Community Cafes/Drop-ins etc.

Requirements for action

• Discussion forum around these issues - online (Communities Online: CONet expanded slightly?)
• Central resource and organisation of some description (could be virtual!), as means of bringing together learning from (as far as is possible) ALL relevant projects and research, and disseminating info.
• Consultants broadening their understanding of the sector, beyond their prime focus, and sharing of knowledge.

Glossary

ICT - Information and Communication Technologies. This encompasses the internet (web sites, email, news groups), the delivery mechanisms (computers, phone lines, digital TV, mobile technology) and other data transmission devices and services. 'Electronic networking' covers any technology with the potential for at least 2 way communication.

VCO - Voluntary or Community Organisation

Further reading

See VolResource page: Voluntary Sector and IT - research, reports and projects