Do you recall my earlier blogs when I was struggling with changing the focus and direction of the original PetalumaNet focus in 1995-96? More than once, I indicated that – you cannot change the wind, but you can change the sails.
As of October 1, Eagle-Eyes and Hammerhead will continue to support the original intent and mission of what is now known as PetalumaNet (1.0), by keeping an eye for programs that promote greater use of “computer technology and telecommunications” in all sectors of a community in order to achieve the stated goals in a more effective, efficient and economical manner. (The 3 E’s).
WE – Me, Myself & I – will move forward and initiate PetalumaNET (2.0), whose missions will be to promote the 2 E’s – enhancement and empowerment – particularly, at the neighborhood level. No particular cause or community need will be imposed; but each neighborhood will be encouraged to select the “concern of their choice” from a “smorgasbord” of potential projects, such as: emergency preparedness, graffiti abatement, abandoned shopping carts, vandalism, more recreation areas – you name it.
PetalumaNET (2.0) will still promote greater use of ICT (Information and Communication Technology); but primarily as a tool to aid the enhancement or empowerment process of that particular neighborhood. One purpose of this initiative is to promote bottom up, rather than top down agendas. Remember an earlier quote, “Unless local community life can be restored, the public will never be able to resolve its most urgent problems.” WE believe, as a result of our efforts over the past two years of promoting the creation of NERTs (Neighborhood Emergency Response Teams), that a neighborhood approach has merit and can produce results. In the long run, it also creates a “sense of community,” second to none.
Just as the creation of the World Wide Web (WWW) in the mid-90s increased the Internet’s ability to provide information – from one to many – our CyberPlaces have matured to the point where the need to learn how to use “computer hardware” has been replaced by knowing how to use the various “program applications” in ways that will enhance the level of the 3 E’s. (Mentioned above.) Some high schools have even instituted “computer literacy” as a graduation requirement for the 21st Century world.
Since our government, education, health care, business and non-profit sectors are now using ICT daily, other sector applications are being explored. At the community level, neighborhoods are being identified as the logical place to help residents learn how to execute their responsibilities as citizens in a more effective manner.
Please continue to follow our CyberPlace adventures as “we shift our sails and adopt a new direction” for our journey through CyberSpace. Recall the title and direction articulated in Bill’s Blog #48, August 13, 2007 – “If you can dream it, you can make it.” http://bill-hammerman.petaluma360.com/default.asp?item=663712
Stay tuned as we steer toward a new dream for our favorite river town, Petaluma-USA.