RAFF IT UP! - Ideas for August & September, 2000

(We were concerned that people would miss our August Ideas while away on vacation - so decided to extend the idea into September!

Community Building and Internet Technology - An awesome RAFF idea

RAFF
We have been fortunate to learn how to use the Internet to enhance what we do, thanks to our teachers - Dwayne Mercredi, Connect NB Branche, and Gordie Mah with the JPGF CAN project.

To carry on in the RAFF tradition we have seen how the Internet has helped people become connected both in-person and on-line to learn and share about Community Building. There is high energy and fun associated with the connecting. We have learned that the public access sites set up through funding from Industry Canada are most successful when the spirit of RAFF is there and when there is an atmosphere of a Third Place. - Relationships

CBR has learned a great deal through email and by visiting various web sites. It was through the Internet that we met Jennifer Stone of the Kansas City Neighbourhood Alliance, Greg Ryan of Connecticut Assets Network, Connie Nelson in Spokane, and many others all whom have been great resources to us. We recently participated in a workshop on Adobe Pagemaker where the organization made sure the learning environment was engaging, friendship-promoting and fun. We had wine and cheese, a planned opportunity to learn about each other, and we had fun working in pairs at each computer. - Relationships and Friendships, Action, Food and Fun

Internet Technology has become a part of RAFF. Using email we can share stories, thoughts and information much more quickly and then pick up the phone or meet to chat. - Fun and Relationships

In our "Next Steps" workshop we will be encouraging groups to use the internet technology by perhaps creating a web site for their community building, doing searches to learn and share with others, and by learning about software that is out there to help with communication and planning.

Top Ten RAFF Reasons To Get Onto Technolgy and "The Net"

10. You can only order the food for your next gathering by email, and the event is tomorrow.
9. You spilled your beverage on the keyboard and you need to order another one (keyboard and/or drink).
8. You need more Action and you love the animated greeting cards...
7. You have to find the email for Ray Oldeburg's Third Place.
6. You need a map to show you how to get to the next Chat and Chew (www.mapquest.com) and the AMA phone line is busy.
5. You are on a diet and someone told you that virtual food is delicious… check out www.epicurious.com
4. IT IS Creative and fun.
3. IT can be an effective RELATIONSHIP and COMMUNITY BUILDER.
2. It is another fun way to help us learn, share and to get to know each other better.
1. Your son or daughter keeps telling you that the Internet is fun and even "old people are surfing"!

Watch for October's exciting RAFF Idea -
" RAFFing It Up with Evaluation"

Want to see past RAFF It UP! ideas???....click here.

http://www.cbr-aimhigh.com