I have been an evangelist for online communications for quite some time now, convinced that when we pay attention to human dynamics, the Internet can be a positive agent for connection and change. The opportunity to take these practices to another culture has given me a whole new lens through which to view my beliefs and ideas. This has deepened my knowledge and affirmed my conviction that the Internet offers us a tool for positive community change. Following are brief summaries of events which support that conviction.
E-Conference
For two weeks in March of 2001, I was the guest of Project Harmony's Internet Community Development (ICD) Program. My role as one of three American trainers was to share my knowledge and experience of online communications and community, and to facilitate exploration of the application of online community to local needs. The conference included a learning circle for substantive discussions, the opportunity for socializing, a workspace for small groups and a document repository and reference room.
March Tbilisi Meeting
The Tbilisi conference brought together representatives from non-governmental organizations and small to medium businesses from Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Each participant brought his or her own personal and organizational agenda to the meeting, making the audience very diverse. There was little chance of pleasing everyone on every issue, however, there was a tremendous cross-pollination of ideas, expertise and experience.
Each participant expressed his or her vision, identified talents and skills, and struggled to reconcile theory with practice. Stories were shared, needs were discussed, and from this powerful and moving session there emerged some passionate and articulate statements about online experience. Idealism was balanced with pragmatism and "reasonable strategies" were thoughtfully discussed. By the end of the session, the group had moved past thinking of the Internet only as a tool for computer specialists or as a static entity.
Azerbaijan Meetings
The third and final phase of my work for Project Harmony was to work with ICD staff in their meetings with local groups. The goal of these meetings was to hear what people were doing in their organizations and communities, and where appropriate, to do customized training. We met with the following four groups over two days.
 Society for Humanitarian Research
Center for Legal and Economic Education
Mercy Corps
Flexible Solutions
An intense experience like this can tilt assumptions and challenge beliefs. My two weeks in the Caucasus was supposed to be in the service of others. I think I fulfilled that mandate. However in the end, I am most grateful for what I learned through my experience there.
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