Guiding Principles for Community Computing

 

Make everyone feel welcome and included. Create an environment were people from different backgrounds can work and learn from each other.

Have clear objectives. What do you want to do?

Be flexible. People define their own agendas and good things come out of that.

Make your center accessible. Location matters. Go outside the traditional boundaries: for example, your center can be located in a public health center.

Each location is unique - don't rebuild somebody else's program, but learn from them.

Let people know about and use your services. If you don't do outreach, you'll only reach those who're already skilled or interested.

Partner! Team up with other programs in your community.

Staffing is important. Look for people who have great community organizing skills and are interested in technology.

 

Thanks to Paul Vandeventer at Community Partners in L.A. for articulating these principles.