Introduction
We have founded this organization as an educational nonprofit that will promote digital equity via attempts to restore the Internet as a Public Commons, and setting up a platform cooperative, that will be governed by the teachers and community stakeholders. We have primarily been influenced by work from Althea and NYCmesh. I realized how simple it is to conceive of a community owned network when I was a member of NYCmesh in 2017. If each member owns the router in their home plus the antenna on their roof, then they are one node in the network, and together they form a community owned network. Starting a fixed point wireless network is not that difficult, but in many cases, it is appropriate to make large investments in fiber, which is a secure investment that can reap returns for 40, 50 or 60 years. So, we have created this wiki as a starting point to collaborate with various community stakeholders and crowdfund Internet infrastructure.
Tools
Part of our work with communities will be introducing them to tools like those listed here.
Miro
Loomio
We are using Loomio to implement democratic consensus decision-making for our organization. In addition, we seek to assist local communities with using tools like Loomio. Please contact Ron to get access.
Watch this video introduction to consensus decision-making with Loomio.
Wiki contributions
Ask for permission to begin adding to the wiki in this section.
Chat GPT4
Broadband Community Advisor:
As a consultant specializing in advising communities on owning and managing their telecommunications and broadband networks, I can guide you through the process of creating a crowdfunding campaign to support the establishment of a local Internet infrastructure as a public commons operating as a cooperative. Here are the steps and tools you can use for your campaign:
- Define the Project and Goals:
- Clearly articulate the purpose of the project: Establishing a community-owned Internet infrastructure.
- Set specific, measurable goals for the campaign, including the total funding target and milestones.
- Identify the Target Audience:
- Analyze the community to identify potential supporters and donors.
- Segment the audience based on their interest and capacity to donate, focusing on those who can pledge higher amounts.
- Choose the Right Crowdfunding Platform:
- Select a platform that aligns with your project type and audience. Platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or GoFundMe are popular, but also consider specialized platforms focused on community projects or tech ventures.
- Evaluate platform fees, payment processing options, and the ability to handle large pledges.
- Develop a Compelling Campaign Page:
- Create engaging content that explains the project, its benefits to the community, and why it’s necessary.
- Use videos, images, and testimonials to make a strong, emotive appeal.
- Clearly state how the funds will be used and the impact of each donation level.
- Offer Attractive Rewards or Incentives:
- For higher pledges, consider offering meaningful rewards, such as naming rights in the infrastructure, early access to services, or recognition on a donors’ plaque.
- For a cooperative model, you might offer membership benefits or voting rights in the cooperative’s decisions.
- Set a Realistic Timeline:
- Determine the campaign duration based on your funding goals and preparatory work. Typically, 30 to 60 days is standard, but longer campaigns may be needed for substantial goals.
- Plan a Marketing and Outreach Strategy:
- Use social media, local media, community events, and word-of-mouth to promote the campaign.
- Engage local influencers, community leaders, and organizations to endorse and share your campaign.
- Prepare for Transparency and Communication:
- Plan regular updates for your backers about the campaign’s progress and milestones.
- Be transparent about challenges and how funds are being used.
- Leverage Matching Donations:
- Seek local businesses or philanthropists who might be interested in matching public donations to encourage more pledges.
- Post-Campaign Follow-up:
- After the campaign, provide regular updates on the project’s progress.
- Acknowledge and thank your donors, maintaining engagement for potential future phases or support needs.
- Legal and Financial Preparation:
- Ensure you have the legal structure in place for receiving and managing funds, especially for larger donations.
- Consult with a legal advisor to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations regarding crowdfunding and cooperative formation.
- Community Engagement and Feedback:
- Throughout the campaign, actively engage with the community to gather feedback and build a sense of ownership and participation in the project.
- Risk Management:
- Prepare a risk management plan addressing potential challenges in the project and how they will be mitigated.
- Evaluation and Adaptation:
- Continuously evaluate the campaign’s performance and adapt strategies as necessary.
By following these steps and leveraging the appropriate tools, you can effectively create and manage a crowdfunding campaign to support your community-owned Internet infrastructure project. Remember, the success of such a campaign heavily relies on community engagement, transparency, and the clear communication of benefits and goals.