Portfolio Project

Community development increasingly relies upon the internet to bridge divisions and to forge linkages among disparate communities- From Facebook, MySpace, and Linkedln, to instant messaging and e-mail, communities across the United States have turned to the internet as a way to not only connect communities, but also to provide core government services- It is not an exaggeration to claim that the internet has transformed the way that communities do business- In a paper, reflect upon what strategies community developers could enact to capitalize on the internet, not only to provide government services to citizens, but also to spark renewed development and interest in local communities Do all citizens need internet access? If so, how can communities provide greater access to broadband internet for their citizens? How would this enhance responsible community development? What government services can be transmitted to citizens via the internet? Which should not? Why? Are social networking sites an effective mechanism for communities to link citizens and to encourage community development? What dangers, if any, confront community developers as they seek new technological means to provide linkages among citizens, and between government agencies and citizens?