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Nonprofits' Policy & Technology Project
A Project of OMB Watch

1742 Connecticut Ave, NW · Washington, DC 20009-1171
Phone: (202) 234-8494 · Fax: (202) 234-8584
Email: coordinator@ombwatch.org
 

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NPT Project Releases Report Examining Nonprofit Uses of Internet Technology for Public Policy Purposes The Nonprofits' Policy and Technology (NPT) Project announces the release of Democracy At Work: Nonprofit Use of Internet Technology for Public Policy Purposes.  Democracy at Work is a snapshot of how nonprofits utilize newer information technology tools to engage in public policy activities. It is intended to serve as an introduction to the usage of technology tools by a range of nonprofit organizations across various issue areas.  This report is part of a series developed under the NPT Project to help educate the nonprofit sector about uses of newer information technologies for public policy purposes. It is our objective that this paper and further research will help produce a better picture of:   The types of information technology tools needed for effective and efficient online public policy participation;   The best, and most appropriate, uses of particular sets of technology tools in various public policy activities for nonprofits; and   Current and emerging issues with regard to nonprofit use of technology for public policy purposes. Although nonprofits use many types of technologies for many purposes, the focus of Democracy at Work is on uses of newer information technologies (e.g., the Internet) in the context of nonprofit public policy activities. The decision was made to limit this initial discussion of newer information technologies to tools that strengthen multi-directional interaction, are being incorporated into the regular activities of nonprofit organizations, and can be easily acquired and utilized by nonprofit organizations and will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of nonprofit public policy activity. For the purposes of this report, nine general areas of public policy were identified: Public Education, Research, Access to Research and Information, Administrative Advocacy, Judicial Advocacy, Legislative Advocacy & Lobbying, Organizing and Mobilizing, Public Private Collaborations, and Voter Education & Participation. Each area features a discussion and examples of nonprofit activity. This report is a first attempt to not only define the current state of nonprofit technology usage in public policy contexts, but also an attempt to define the basic issues and points of assessment for further investigation. The NPT Project is planning to provide an online version and annual update of this paper, and will be developing an online resource center to help nonprofits interested in using technology tools to engage in public policy matters.  [Return to Top] Democracy at Work: Summary of Findings The Internet is not yet a major policy tool for involving participants. The enormous growth in the number of nonprofit web sites and organizations using e-mail over the past two years has not yet translated into widespread use of the Internet or the Web by nonprofits as an important policy tool.   There are not currently a large number of examples of “effective” uses of information and communication technology by nonprofits in public policy activities. The relatively few examples frequently cited as models or indicators of the current state of nonprofit activity are often do so without a rigorous assessment of their actual value as a means of affecting policy.   Web site content is not consistently maintained or kept up-to-date. Even among those nonprofits that are using the Internet and the Web as a major policy tool, information is often not updated or disseminated on a regular basis. This raises concerns both about the ability and inclination of nonprofit organizations to modify their organizational structures in order to assign the necessary support to keep web site information up to date, and meet the needs of the increasing volume of participants.   The web is more passive than listservs. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the web, as it is currently viewed and utilized by nonprofits in general, may be too passive to be considered a powerful advocacy tool.   Nonprofits are using a narrow set of technologies and applications. Within each of the nine public policy activity areas covered by this paper, a fairly narrow set of commonly used techniques emerged. The best overall approach seems to be a combination of e-mail alerts to convey basic information which would then guide the recipient to a web site containing an effective set of tools.   Interactivity is narrowly defined by nonprofit activities. While the end goal of nonprofit technology use ostensibly is to engage a potential user’s attention and to encourage some level of participation with the organization, it appears that Internet-based activities lack a clear, consistent level of interactivity.   Creating a strong identity on the Internet is important for nonprofits. Nonprofits need a better understanding of how to establish a consistent and easily recognizable presence on the Internet.  This includes selecting an organizational identity through domain names and registering with major search engines and online directories to insure that their postings are publicized before they become outdated.   Barriers to Internet use are prevalent. Lack of knowledge about and access to affordable tools, training, and technical assistance are frequently cited as top reasons that more nonprofits do not engage in online public policy activities.  While the research and development of for-profit software and tools will continue at a fast pace, it is not clear that these products will be well-suited for the nonprofit sector.   Politically conservative and progressive nonprofits use the Internet at different levels and in different ways. Political web sites generally provide news and information on policy issues through the “one-stop” shop model of information sharing. Conservative sites often use higher-end Internet tools to coordinate pre-defined public policy activities that encourage people to respond to issues. Progressive web sites, in contrast, tend to emphasize access to available Internet tools — and learning how to use those tools — to help individuals and groups better develop their own public policy efforts.   There appears to be a disconnect between nonprofit interest in using technology for public policy purposes and funding for such activities.  Foundations are often reluctant to support advocacy activities.  In addition, there are indications that many foundations do not have web sites and, in general, do not fund many technology-related projects.  Thus, funding for policy and technology projects may be particularly difficult.                     [Return to Top] Contents of Democracy at Work Part I:  Introduction Background & Findings Part II: Nonprofits, Public Policy,  and Technology 1998 Nonprofit Access to the Internet Nonprofit Use of Technology for Public Policy Purposes (Conservative and Progressive Websites, Interacting with Policymakers, Campaigns, Organizing, State and Local Activities, Access to Databases, Search Engines and Services, Accommodating Special Needs) Part III:  Technology Resources Capacity Building, Tools and Resources, Choosing the Right Tools, New Trends Part IV: Public Policy Participation Areas of Activity and Examples (Public Education, Research, Access to Research and Information, Administrative Advocacy, Judicial Advocacy, Legislative Advocacy & Lobbying, Organizing & Mobilizing, Public-Private Collaborations, Voter Education & Participation) Part V: Conclusions Appendix Common Information Technology Tools & Terms [Return to Top]