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Overview
Empowerment education is an approach that engages people in an individual or group process of dialogue where they identify their issues, critically assess the historical, social and cultural roots of these, and develop strategies for action to change their social and personal lives. Community organization is a process used by health prevention and promotion advocates and educators to assist communities to identify common goals and issues, to mobilize resources and to develop and implement strategies for reaching their goals (Minkler, 1990). Health communication programs have been used as effective strategies for promoting health practices and activities in individuals, groups, and communities. The combination of health communication strategies with community events, skill-building, and support groups and classes have proven to be effective in many diverse communities. Community Nets ( or Free Nets) are community centered communication networks found in many cities and rural communities. These free (or nominal fee for those who can afford it) computer services provide online access to public libraries, government services and documents, community agencies and businesses, news, weather, sports, discussion and support groups, and general access to the Internet. Skills in website building, and using the Internet are often available to community members. People can use these networks through dial-in access from home, public library terminals, on the Web or via Telnet. The Vancouver Community Net has been operating since 1994 (formerly known as the Vancouver Free Net). The network welcomes volunteers to assist with the provision of community interest information, educational materials, and general operation of the service. Nurses could offer a much sought after service by offering their expertise to the community using this communication medium. Recently, new Community Nets have formed in the Lower Fraser Valley (Langley City, Walnut Grove, Aldergrove, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge) and Central Fraser Valley areas (Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope). At the present time, Surrey, Delta, New Westminister, White Rock, Richmond, Burnaby, and Coquitlam are serviced by the Greater Vancouver Community Net. These areas, especially Surrey are growing so phenomenally fast, that a distinct Community Net for the area will likely be necessary in the next few years. The British Columbia Community Networks Association offers assistance and guidance for communities wishing to create a local Community Net. Again, Nurses could be viable players in the support and creation of local Community Nets in the Fraser Valley, and other areas in British Columbia, especially in rural areas.
Ends In View
This learning activity gives the learner the opportunity to:
2. Explore the information and services available to the community of the Vancouver Community Net and the Lower Fraser Valley Community Net.
3. Engage in the creation of empowering/preventive information materials for potential use on a British Columbian Community Net.
In Preparation
1. Read: Chief Information Office . (2002). Planning for e-Government Online: http://www.cio.gov.bc.ca/Strategic_Initiatives/eBC_Feb4_02.ppt
2. Read: Telecommunities Canada. (1996). Developing a Community Access Application.
Available Online at:
http://www.tc.ca/cap-appl.html
3. Read: Industry Canada. (1997). Access: Cornerstone of the Information Society. Available
Online: WWW: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/SSG/ih01642e.html
4. Visit: the Universal Access Projects and Workshops Home Page. (1999) for papers and discussions of key issues related to national community Internet and Computer access at:
http://www.fis.utoronto.ca/research/iprp/ua/
5. Visit: Vancouver Community Net at http://www.vcn.bc.ca
6. Visit: CAP: Community Access for the Lower Fraser Valley (Port Coquitlam based): Geographic Service Areas: Langley City, Walnut Grove, Aldergrove, Port Coquitlam, Pitt
Meadows and Maple Ridge. At http://www.fvrl.bc.ca/capwebsite/
7. Visit: Telecommunities Canada, Inc. at: http://www.tc.ca/
In Practice
1. Choose one of the Community Nets listed in # 7 to 9 in “In Preparation” and choose one resource available there (or think of one that does not exist yet) that you feel motivated to become involved with.
2. Prepare a brief document to submit to the Community Net you selected, that can contribute to the health and wellbeing of the targeted communities served by the Community Net.
3. If you feel comfortable doing so, submit your work to the Community Net manager.
In Reflection 1. Would the Community Nets in British Columbia be useful for health prevention and promotion purposes? How?2. Consider the possibility of becoming a regular volunteer for a local Community Net. A) What benefits for the community could this provide? B) What benefits for your professional development could this provide? 3. How could you help to create a unique Community Net for the Kwantlen University College community areas (Surrey, Richmond, Delta, White Rock)? References
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