National Civic Review 90:3

In This Issue: Digital Democracy: Civic Engagement in the Twenty-First Century

Contents

NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Christopher T. Gates

ARTICLES

Civic Renewal and the Commons of Cyberspace
Peter Levine

Cyberspace bears a resemblance to the commons of medieval England or American colonial society. In both settings, shared stewardship generates social capital. However, left unchecked, modern "enclosure" movements may fence in the virtual frontier.

Access for All: Public Library Contributions to Civic Connectivity
Danielle Patrick Milam

Public libraries are on the front line, bridging the digital divide and wiring communities for civic engagement. Across the country, innovative programs leveraging support from foundations and the public and private sectors are helping individuals and communities become e-literate.

If E-Democracy Is the Answer, What's the Question?
John D. Nugent

The forms and processes of representative democracy may change as the irresistible force of Internet access meets the unmovable object of American government. To date, however, the encounter has largely complemented rather than revolutionized existing practices.

The Politics of E-Gov: The Upcoming Struggle for Redefining Civic Engagement
Costis Toregas

E-government has the potential to make the relationship between citizens and government more citizen-centric. It is essential that normative concerns, including trust and equity, inform the process whereby digital democracy takes shape.

The Virtual State: Transforming American Government?
Jane E. Fountain

The move from paper-based transactions to digitized operations will result in tremendous efficiencies throughout all levels of government. It will also increase citizen access and change existing forms of civic participation. This article takes a look ahead to the transformations in government structure that the virtual state may entail.

CitiStat and the Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance: Using Information to Improve Communication and Community
Marsha R. B. Schachtel

On the streets of Baltimore, e-governance is becoming a reality. By bringing administrative data together with highly detailed GIS maps, the city of Baltimore is increasing the efficiency of service delivery across government departments. A neighborhood-focused alliance is also using information technology to support residents' efforts to strengthen and build community.

Unraveling the Community Genome: What Makes Civil Society Work?
Suzanne W. Morse

Rejuvenating civil society requires paying attention to how communities are working today. This article identifies ten elements of successful communities and considers ways to strengthen them.

Collaboration Through Network Structures for Community Building Efforts
Myrna P. Mandell

Network structures connecting governments, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations have become increasingly common. This changing world of governance requires new skills and strategies on the part of public managers.

Building Better Citizens: Increasing the Level of Civic Education Among Teens in Jacksonville, Florida
Pamela Zeiser

An innovative program reaches out to disadvantaged students to improve their citizenship skills and increase their interest in civic awareness.