Academic Essay

Community development increasing relies upon the Internet to bridge divisions and to forge linkages between disparate communities. From Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn, to instant messaging and e-mail, communities across the United States have turned to the Internet as a way to not only connect communities but also to provide core government services. It is not an exaggeration to claim that the Internet has transformed the way that communities do business. In a 15 to 20 page paper, reflect upon what strategies community developers could enact that could capitalize on the Internet to not only provide government services to citizens, but to also spark renewed development and interest in local communities. You may wish to focus on the following considerations: How can communities provide greater access to broadband Internet access to their citizens? Do all citizens need Internet access? If so, how would that enhance responsible community development? What government services should be transmitted to citizens via the Internet? Which should not? Why? Are social networking sites an effective mechanism for communities to link citizens and to encourage community development? What dangers, if any, confront community developers as they seek new technological means to provide linkages between citizens and between government and citizens? You may, and indeed are encouraged to, support your arguments by strategies that you have either read about in the news or have seen enacted in your local communities. Use this as an opportunity to brainstorm about ways that community development can be enhanced in this, the Internet age.