Supporters, Mediators, Champions: C+V Organisations in an Inclusive Information Society Susan ODonnell Models Research NUI Maynooth, 7 March 2002

Research findings Study on Voluntary Organisations and an Inclusive Information Society in Europe Found three roles: supporters, mediators and champions

Training and Employment Increasing employment opportunities for staff and volunteers Training in basic computer skills Training aimed at sustainable employment

Democratic Participation and Online Content Supporting the online political process Strengthening civil society Expanding online content and the public sphere

Building social capital Increasing awareness of ICTs Building trust in ICTs Building online support networks for disadvantaged groups

Supporter Role Most common role for voluntary organisations A natural extension of their work in communities or with disadvantaged groups Provide awareness of and sense of trust in IT

Mediator Role Look for opportunities to encourage people to use IT Mediate government online information Make the benefits of IT available to those without it

Champion Role Deliver support and services to encourage IT access and effective use Produce information and put it on the Internet (including discussion lists) Encourage people to produce information and other content for the Internet

Thank you! Susan ODonnell Models Research Abbey House Upper Abbey St. Dublin 1