The Public Interest Computer Association:
Nonprofit Support for the Challenges of Technology

The not-for-profit sector has embraced the concept that
information technologies can dramatically impact the way it
conducts its business. In the past five years nearly 50 percent
of nonprofits have become involved with computers and are at
some stage of automation, either through the internal operation
of an information system or through an external contract for
maintenance of financial accounts and mailing lists.
Unfortunately for many nonprofits, the lack of appropriate
guidance and ongoing support in the selection and operation of
computers and information systems has increased their management
difficulties.

The nonprofit sector requires a support system that encompasses
all levels of service, starting with a needs assessment process
(in order to make an appropriate selection of equipment), and
continuing with education of staff in effective operation of
hardware and software and technical and consulting support with
a sole focus on nonprofit applications.

According to a Rousmaniere Management Association study, 20
percent of the nonprofit sector indicated complete
dissatisfaction with their use of computers, and 40 percent were
only moderately satisfied. Supporting this research, the Center
for Local Community Research's survey found that more than 50
percent of nonprofits indicated technical assistance support was
a major requirement for increasing their effective utilization
of computers.

These studies bear out the experience of the Public Interest
Computer Association in Washington, D.C. in working with its 232
member organizations.

The primary work of PICA is to find solutions for its
constituents' overwhelming requirements for:

* accessing and purchasing computers and software that match
current requirements for information mangement systems and
includes the flexibility for future growth;

* training and assisting in the management of information by
building the skills of staff to match the capacity of the
computer system;

* resolving daily difficulties associated with the operation
of the computers; and

* incorporating the growth patterns of the organization with a
comprehensive computer system upgrading plan.

The Public Interest Computer Association addresses the concerns
and issues unique to nonprofits through its vast array of
services. It provides a component to educate the sector about
future trends and developments in information technologies. The
three core services are:

* EDUCATION: building knowledge of and skills in information
technologies.

* ACCESS: providing an unbiased environment to study, test,
and compare hardware and software.

* TECHNICAL SUPPORT: giving individual, prompt, and expert
assistance to solve problems regarding computer based
information systems.

PICA operates a training and access lab. It has a resource and
software library that gives nonprofits an opportunity to preview
and access software and hardware prior to purchase. In
addition, the center trains on operating systems and software
packages, researchs information; holds private consultations
concerning internal issues associated with the utilization and
management of computer technology, and offers experts in
specific areas of computers and nonprofit management. The staff
provides individual attention to their clients in an unbiased
atmosphere.

PICA also participates in advocacy by representing the public
interest sectors' perspective in the policy decision making
process. This is an important role to the association. This
year PICA has presented its members' views in a filing with the
Justice Department in the review of the information services
restriction on regional telephone companies and with the FCC in
its decision to remove the exemption of access fees payment by
the value added networks.

------
Author's note: For information about PICA contact its executive
director, Denise Vesuvio at 2001 O Street, NW, Washington, DC
20036. (202) 775-1588.