2008-2010 BUDGET
TITLE OF PROPOSAL: Spruce Grove Community Networks
SUBMITTED BY: FACTS (Family And Community Twining Society)
We propose to work with the City and community groups to form online community networks, to complement in person networking, so that more people can be involved in building community in areas such as City planning, heritage and community groups.
OBJECTIVE:
To partner with the City of Spruce Grove, and other community organizations to set up online networks that will provide opportunities for more people to be involved in community life.
DISCUSSION:
Background:
FACTS was formed as a result of the Tri-Smart proposal. This proposal advocated developing and using smart technology for economic and people prosperity. As a result to this proposal an initial Uniting for Children network was developed prior to FACTS being formed. With the formation of FACTS network development has focused on heritage networks as illustrated in our Tri-Heritage Summer program. FACTS has made various presentations to the City to form community networks with limited success. During this past year FACTS has be developing Google blogger networks. Using Google makes it possible for community organizations to put up a website at minimal expense (the time it takes to do it). The blogger networking system developed by FACTS allows for participation at various levels as follows:
Commenter – anyone with Internet access can comment and vote on any open network blog.
Contributor – individuals need to be invited to contribute to a blog by the blog coordinator. They can request to be a contributor.
Coordinator – can edit other people’s and posts and delete inappropriate comments. Bog contributors can become coordinators by an existing coordinator providing permission.
Consultants – have full access to several blogs and can start new blogs in their network. Consultants also provide training for contributors, coordinators and new consultants. The FACTSnet blog coordinator, coordinates all FACTS networks.
To move from a commenter to contributor, to consultant requires a three-hour training session at each level.
Proposal:
Based on MetroQuest and the Tri-Smart proposal FACTS is proposing that the City sponsor initial advertising, network development and training. Experience with Metro Quest’s online and group participation can be used to develop plans for advertising, and community participation. Concepts from the Tri-Smart proposal could be used to guide network development as follows:
January – April 2009: Initial training and network development
May – August 2009: Employing youth for network development
Sept.09 – Dec. 2010: Community participation and ongoing network development.
Jan 2011 - : Ongoing network participation and development
Network Development:
1. The first network blog to be developed could be an overall community network which could replace our Spruce Grove FACTS blog.
2. The next group of networks to be developed could be community planning networks, which would be a follow up to Spruce Grove (Metro)Quest.
3. Heritage planning needs to be part of community planning (see previous presentations to council Spruce Grove Heritage network(s) could contribute to heritage planning for the City and the tri-municipal region and the province. See our Tri-Heritage Summer program.
4. A revival of the Uniting for Children and Youth Network could follow.
5. Then a network of community organizations could follow (see the FCSS 2003 Community Resource List).
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
If we want to have an immediate impact, network development and getting community participation needs to be a priority. This part of the budget is flexible. The training sessions are not flexible. The office space for the project is to house a provincial networking and digital archiving center. Once the project is complete this should be self funded and provide a source of income. Once initial networks are developed participation in networks by City staff would be offset by the benefits gained from participation. Since the cost for participation of City staff, community organizations and the public is voluntary; it is not considered in the following budget estimates:
Training | 5400 |
Employment of Youth | 14000 |
Network development | 6000 |
Advertising & promotions (see MetroQuest)* | |
Office space and equipment use | 12000 |
| |
Total | 37400 |
* This budget item to be determined. It would be similar to the costs for MetroQuest.
FACTS is also applying for matching funds for all budget items except for advertising.
CORE STRATEGIES:
This project contributes to the Building Community objectives as follows:
1. To foster residents' civic spirit, pride and active community commitment in Spruce Grove.
Genuine network participation will go meeting this objective.
2. To contribute to a culture that cares for and respects all citizens - regardless of age, income or background.
Networks could involve all citizens. Some will need assistance to participate.
3. To maintain and enhance civic and community facilities, parks, open spaces and services that contribute to an outstanding quality of life.
Planning networks could facilitate community involvement in this network.
4. To support neighbourhood beautification.
Neighbourhood networks could contribute to this objective.
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