ANNUAL REPORT, COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE

		 National Capital FreeNet, January 14, 1994

Submitted by Dave Loan, Past Chair, CRC

	The Community Relations Committee was created to provide
non-technical support for current and potential users of the
National Capital FreeNet.  That is, to inform the National
Capital community about the goals, function and features of NCF
and to examine current users' needs and make recommendations to
the Board of Directors on ways to meet those needs.  In 1993,
the CRC carried out a number of initiatives under this mandate.

	Two projects, started in late 1992, were completed in early
1993.  An information brochure, aimed at introducing the general
public to FreeNet, was completed and printed in January.  The
brochures were distributed to libraries, municipal buildings and
schools.  

	The second project was the February 1st Launch - the formal
"opening" of FreeNet to the public.  The Launch was held in the
Rotunda of Regional Headquarters.  Members of the public, the
media, local politicians and corporate and government sponsors
were invited to "tour" FreeNet at public terminals and to
register for membership.  About 150 people came out, and FreeNet
received a tremendous amount of media coverage.  Immediately,
registrations started pouring in and the system experienced its
first "traffic jams".

	The Launch over, the CRC next started a number of ongoing
projects.  One of FreeNet's goals is to provide public access
for all.  With this goal in mind, a sub-committee was created to
organize public access terminals, with supporting documentation,
in libraries and other public areas.  After some months of
operation, the sub-committee became independent of the CRC and
now answers directly to the Board.

	As FreeNet grew in size, it began attracting the interest of
many government and non-government organizations who wanted to
become information providers.  For larger organizations, this
presents problems of how to structure their material, how to
assign personnel, how to respond to e-mail and public postings,
etc.  The CRC formed a sub-committee to create an information
package for information providers.  So far, the group has
examined the issues, written a questionnaire for current
information providers, and is currently reviewing the data they
have collected. 

	In an effort to attract  new users, new sponsors and new
information providers, the CRC has set up displays at the RMOC
Community Day, the Environmental Fair, and two area computer
shows.  The Committee plans to attend more shows in 1994.

	As we move into FreeNet's second year, the CRC faces many
challenges:  continuing work on the information providers'
manual;  preparing a portable display for shows and fairs;
approaching various cultural, ethnic and other groups to
encourage diverse participation in FreeNet;  and meeting new
tasks as they arise.

	On a personal note, I would like to thank the many hard-working
and dedicated members of the Community Relations Committee - too
numerous to list - who have participated over the past year.
Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Dave Loan
Past Chair, CRC