Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Introduction Social scientists cite any number of indicators to illustrate that Americans’ level of civic engagement is on the decline. Membership in organizations whose health may be seen as an indicator of strong community involvement—such as the Parent-Teachers Association (PTA)—has declined steadily over the past several decades.[3.numoffset=”3″ Robert D. Putnam, op. cit. p. 57. About […]
Introduction Different types of online groups attract different types of Internet users and elicit different kinds of participation from members. People involved in medical support groups are different from people in hobbyist online communities. Those drawn to groups involved with civic engagement are different from those who belong to professional and trade groups. And the […]
Introduction The Internet is an unparalleled medium for global communication, but it also has the potential to give people more information about what is going on in their local community. On balance, however, the vast majority of Internet users say that the Internet is a useful tool for becoming involved in things going on outside […]
Introduction Cleveland, though not known as a hotbed of Internet activity, is taking some innovative approaches to using the Internet for economic and social purposes. Most prominently, the city is using approximately $3 million in revenue from cable fees to subsidize Internet access and computer training through community development corporations (CDCs). A number of CDCs […]
Net Joiners: The people who find groups on the Internet, then become members In addition to fostering chatter, the Net is drawing people to groups they had not previously encountered. In part of our survey we asked respondents about the online group they most frequently contacted via the Internet. We enquired whether they belonged to […]
Many use the Internet to connect with online communities that embrace their hobbies, their professions, their passions, and their beliefs 28 million go online with church groups, sports leagues, and social organizations in their home towns WASHINGTON-The Internet allows tens of millions of Americans to participate in a thriving social world where they enjoy serious […]
Introduction Portland prides itself as a center of manufacturing for high-tech goods and an entrepreneurial city where independent-minded people find a receptive climate for starting new businesses. Portland also has a strong sense of identity as a community, with a passion for environmental protection and a strong ethic of managing growth throughout the region. City […]
Introduction Communities and economic development groups across the country are exploring ways to encourage people and organizations to go online. They believe that good things will happen in their communities with greater Internet connectivity. They think it will help their children learn, improve the job skills of their workforce and make their community a more […]