Step 1: Create a leadership team.  The team should consist of leaders from all the key sectors of the community, including education, government, business, and community organizations.  

Step 2: Conduct an assessment. Use the CENIC Self Assessment Guide for Communities to find out which sectors are well connected, which are not.  Draw a map that shows which high-speed services are available to which neighborhoods and districts.  Evaluate the communities strengths and weaknesses.

Step 3: Create a plan of action.  Use the Assessment Guide framework to structure your ideas for action initiatives.  

Step 4: Announce the plan and begin implementation.  The media can be a valuable ally in spreading the word about the why getting connected is important and what the community is doing about it.

Connected Communities used this approach with cities and counties across the United States and in Japan.  All sectors of the community, including the communications companies, get involved.  The process  initiates a community-wide dialog that creates a strong base of support.  

The process has three phases:

The process varies by size of community.  Small and medium-size communities use a half-day workshop.  Large cities and counties may require multiple sessions.  We can customize the CSPP Guide to meet the needs of the community, adding or deleting sectors as appropriate.

For more information on how the process works contact Mike Freeman (970-419-4388 x1) or Susan Estrada (760-510-8406 1#).