Telecomm and Community Economic Development

New Publications from CPA for Community Organizations

Community organizations that aren’t fully using technology are missing opportunities in community economic development and job creation, and have decreased access to resources. Only 6 percent of community organizations use video teleconferencing and just under half (44 percent) have some type of voice mail system.

Help is available in the form of a new four-volume set of books from the Center for Policy Alternatives, Community-Based Organizations and the Telecommunications Industry, which takes a closer look at how well community organizations are using the technology available to them.

Community-based development organizations must take advantage of the entrepreneurial opportunities available through the telecommunications industry. Technology has the capacity to stabilize communities through job creation, small business development and increased training opportunities.

Vol. I Involvement of Community Organizations; $20.

This volume reviews current trends for use of telecomm technology and contains a survey of more than 150 community organizations detailing their use of communications technology.

Vol. II Selected Federal and Private Programs for Technology Assistance; $20.

A resource for non-profits seeking funding or technical assistance, with a focus on the Telecommunications and Information Infrastructure Assistance Program (TIIAP).

Vol. III Opportunities for Community Organizations; $20.

Volume III contains overviews of three categories of telecommunications markets as they relate to community organizations: mobile communications, the common carrier market and the broadcasting and broadcast services market.

Volume IV Federal Funds for Community and Economic Development; $30.

This volume is a comprehensive list of federal communications and technology resources. The guide describes objectives of each program, criteria for obtaining and maintaining grants, procedures for applying for technology-related grants and a list of key contacts.

All four publications are available as a set for $50.