So you want to hold a web fair. Web fairs can be used for both neighborhood organizations and not-for-profit agencies. To make things easier, and to be inclusive, we will refer to them as "organizations and agencies." Here are a few answers to some frequently asked questions:

WHAT IS IT?

The web fair is a multi-phased community development project that will culminate in an event that adds web content that is relevant to your community. Web fair activity in the preceding months includes:

• Intensive organization/agency communication and outreach
• Internet presentations at organization/agency sites
• Content development assistance

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

• Increases computer literacy and awareness of the Internet.
• Provides an inexpensive means for organizations and agencies to promote themselves and share information.
• Builds public awareness of organizations and agencies.
• Strengthens relationships and facilitates the flow of information among participants in organizations/agencies and between groups.
• Provides concerned citizens with access to resources that help address the problems facing our communities.
• Connects residents and staff with elected officials at all levels of government.
• Supports activism and political empowerment.

WHY WOULD MY NEIGHBORHOOD OR AGENCY WANT TO USE THE INTERNET?

Consider this: Millions of people use the internet every day. And that number is growing exponentially. Some people use the internet for business, others for research, and still others for recreation.

Why should your organization or agency consider taking advantage of the internet?

ACCESS MEANS EMPOWERMENT

Let's look at a few things you can do with the internet:

• ACCESS RESOURCES THAT ADDRESS NEIGHBORHOOD PROBLEMS. Communicate with organizations and/or agencies that have dealt with similar problems; see what "best practices" have been developed and are being used around the country; talk with experts; read relevant policy works; track legislation; learn about grant opportunities; get demographic information; register for publications; it's all at your fingertips.
• CONNECT WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS AT ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT. Use the internet to send correspondence to the Mayor and other local officials. Don't stop there -- send electronic mail (e-mail) to the local HUD office, the Governor, or any State Department. Keep going -- e-mail your Congressional Representative, your Senators, Federal Departments, Cabinet members, the President. With one click, you can e-mail them all at the same time! It's a new form of activism. Yesterday's march on town hall may be replaced by tomorrow's internet advocacy.
• GET INFORMATION AND SERVICES FROM YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT. Around the country, local governments are rapidly developing internet-based resources. See what kind of information is being offered on your city's web site.
• AND EVERYTHING ELSE! There is a universe of information and resources on the internet that can contribute to a better informed citizenry and more vibrant communities -- access information on employment opportunities, social services, transportation, educational opportunities. The list goes on...

NEIGHBORHOOD/AGENCY PROMOTION

Are there misperceptions of your organization or agency that you want to correct? Are there cultural attractions or community institutions that go unrecognized? Are there events you want to promote? Are you seeking to attract new neighbors? Developers? Businesses? Tourists? Clients? Employees?

The internet offers your organization/agency a unique opportunity to inexpensively, and effectively market itself to a vast and ever-expanding audience. Don't be timid. Tell your story on your home page.

STRENGTHEN THE CAPACITY OF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION

Think about the tools your organization/agency has at its disposal -- Committed residents or staff? Funding support? A computer? Are these tools hard to come by? Are they optimally used?

Though no silver bullet, the internet adds a lot of firepower to your organization/agency. As a tool for communication, for research, or for marketing, the internet is one of the most powerful resources an organization or agency can access. And, because it's a flexible new technology with diverse uses, you can determine how it can best be utilized by your organization or agency.

INCREASE COMPUTER LITERACY IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

If you've been on a job interview recently, you were probably asked about your computer skills. Today, basic computer literacy and knowledge of the internet can be the difference between a job offer and a rejection. Use the Web Fair as an opportunity to improve your computer skills and develop your computer literacy. Pick up new skills or enhance ones you already have. And share that knowledge with others in the community. Who knows, maybe one day organizations and agencies, like job seekers, will be distinguished by their level of computer literacy. So make it a goal -- 100% computer literacy --- and watch your organization/agency thrive!

I'M SOLD (APPLAUSE). WHAT'S THE NEXT STEP?

That's where the Toolkit comes in. It breaks the process down into 10 steps and provides detailed information on how to move through the steps, as well as samples of letters, fliers, and other documents the St. Louis CIN has used.

So, on to the next step!