Community networks provide an important alternative to telecommunications incumbents, who minimize service in favor of maximizing profits. While community networks rely on a core group of socially-inclined technologists, their success is reliant on getting the community-at-large actively engaged in the network, especially if we are serious about digital inclusion. This brainstorming session will bring together people who have been involved with community networks from both technical and community angles with people who are interested in beginning community networks to share lessons learned, common concerns, and opportunities for getting your community involved in building their community network.

This session will explore the potential for technology to facilitate "Regenerative Commerce" in support of local community. Using the example of the recently launched Boston Community Change program (www.bostoncommunitychange.org) we will explore the integration of social networking technology, open source application and financial exchanges. We will also consider other creative potential for growth through the integration of and meshing of further technolgies such as U-Payment and SecondLife.

Web 2.0 has changed the way nonprofit organizations and their supporters communicate and give online. MySpace and Change.org are two very powerful new tools that allow your organization and its supporters to advocate and build community around your organization's mission and programs in ways never seen before.

This session will provide a general introduction to MySpace and Change.org, discuss the best and worst practices, how to get started, and introduce strategies to merge these social-networking Web sites with your Web 1.0 communications and fundraising efforts, such as your website, e-newsletters, and online fundraising and e-advocacy campaigns.