ALTERNET
Using Computer Communications for Positive Social Change
by Margaret Gouin


The AlterNET project has been started by a group in Ottawa, Canada, who seek to establish an international computer network to promote communication among people and organizations working for peace, social and economic development, a healthy global environment, and other goals compatible with these.

Access to and use of information is central to the task of social change. AlterNET would assist users, from across Canada and internationally, to communicate with one another quickly, easily and inexpensively. It would facilitate the sharing of ideas and information to an extent that has until now been impossible.

As currently imagined, AlterNET would be a network (association) of non-profit computer messaging systems located across Canada and in other countries. Each local system would be locally owned and operated, and would have its own computer capable of receiving and filing messages sent by local users. It is expected that most of the messaging would take place at the local level, but it would also be possible for users to send messages, via their local system, to individuals or organizations in other places. A variety of communications patterns would be possible.

AlterNET proposes an approach which is intended to help overcome the barriers to easy, effective and low-cost use of this technology for positive social change:

* immediate creation of a demonstration system that
could be used to show the potential use of computer-
assisted communication for social action.

* initiation of contacts with organizations and
individuals that share AlterNET's goals, to explore
with potential users how the proposed system could
help them in their work and to identify their needs
and capabilities. We will also be seeking
organizational and financial support.

* identification of others, in Canada and
internationally, who share similar interests regarding
the promotion of appropriate computer-assisted
communication for goals compatible with AlterNET's.
This would include those who have already established
networks, databases, electronic resource systems,
etc., for the attainment of these goals.

* work with such groups and individuals to help set up
and link appropriate computer-assisted communication
systems.

A non-profit organization is being incorporated to set up and operate an Ottawa communication center. The objectives and functions of this proposed center are based on the above strategy, and also include:

* proceeding with the development of the international
network, and of procedures that would simplify usage
and keep costs to a minimum (with special attention to
promoting the use of public-domain software);

* training and otherwise assisting users, with
particular attention being given to encourage access
by groups and individuals who, due to past and present
functioning of society, might otherwise have limited
access to the use of such technology (e.g. low-income
individuals, women, certain racial groups, the
disabled, etc.);

* working on the creation and sharing of online
databases tailored to the needs of users;

* helping suitable organizations in Canada and the Third
World to identify needs which could be most
effectively met through the use of computer technology
and to select systems appropriate to their needs and
budgets, and assisting with training in the use of
such systems.

The system would have to be large, robust, efficient, replicable, affordable and secure. Although it will have advanced capabilities, it must be easy to use. It should include capability for messaging, bulletin-board posting, conferencing, shared projects (e.g. joint authoring of publications), information/data bases, educational projects (distance learning), archiving and system back-up, forwarding/receiving messages and data, polling and referenda, and the dissemination of public-domain software. The technical problem of designing such a system is a matter of priority.

Although the AlterNET project is barely two months old, it has already attracted a great deal of interest and enthusiasm, locally and internationally. We are very positive about the future of this project and look forward to collaborating with others on an international scale for its realization.

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Author's note: This article has been prepared by Margaret Gouin
using material supplied by Richard Kerr and discussions within
the Ottawa planning group. Comments, questions, information on
possible contacts, and offers of assistance would be most
welcome, and may be addressed to Margaret at 181-B Britannia
Road, Ottawa, Canada K2B 5X1 (tel. 613-829-1382) or on The
Source (id: BDA570; Parti name "Rune", Parti conference
"Alternet"); or to Richard on CoSy (id: rmkerr) or Envoy (id:
ccic.ott.kerr).