What is the Internet?

  The Internet was at first intended for military use. It was designed to provide a communications network that would withstand nuclear attack. If the most direct connection was taken out, routers would redirect traffic around the network. Use of the system was very restricted. There was no way for the general public to get access to it. Also, it was very difficult and quite cumbersome to get connected. But, as the commercial world discovered the huge potential of the concept, the race to offer this service to as many people as possible began in earnest. Lower costs and easy access enabled an increasing number of people to make use of the NET.

  The Internet consists of powerful computers that are connected via telephone lines. Users log on the system with a computer and a phone line. They navigate (browse or read what others have put out for general reading) the NET by using some of the commercial browsers (Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer). This way they get access to a very large electronic library scattered all over the world.

  The information you get from the Web is not actually located in one place. It is stored in the memories of the powerful computers that make up the backbone of the NET. The user may also publish his own information, by designing and uploading a web page (the elecronic version of a brochure, or guide). The number of visitors to the page depends on many factors - good design, interesting and up-to-date content and information, and advertisement are some of the more important ones.

  Messages may be sent instantly to anyone who is connected to the NET. The number of recipients is limitless. This way requests for donations may be sent out to a large number of people using only one message. All is needed is to list the e-mail addresses of donors.

  At present, it is relatively easy and cheap to get connected to the NET. There are about 150 million people worldwide who use the Internet regularly, and more than 300 million Web sites that are accessible to the "surfer".

  The number of users in Jordan is very small (about 30,000), but is rising steadily. As awareness of the benefits of the Internet becomes widespread, this number is expected to rise dramatically. The main limitations are computer literacy, cost of the hardware and connection to the NET. The trend in cost has always been downward. A point will be eventually reached where the cost of getting connected becomes affordable to a large segment of Jordanian society.

The Internet and NGOs in Jordan

  The Internet is a powerful tool for accessing and disseminating information almost instantaneously. This means that people can talk to one another in a fast, easy and cheap way. The cost of an e-mail message to Germany, for example, is as cheap as a local telephone conversation. But, of course, you must have the hardware and be connected to the NET in the first place. So, the initial cost of getting connected is relatively high, but the subsequent benefits and savings outweigh this in the long run.

The main advantages of the Internet for NGOs are as follows:

1. Access to a virtually limitless amount of information that relate to NGOs all over the world. (Try to search for "NGO" and see how many pages of information you get back!).
2. Access to specific information that is of interest to one's own NGO.
3. New ideas on how to raise funds may be taken from other NGOs. Sponsors may be found by "surfing" the Web. In a relatively poor country like Jordan, tapping the funds given out by International organizations is very important to improve the level of services that the local NGOs provide.
4. Easy and cheap communication with NGOs worldwide. Experiences are compared and enhanced.
5. Dissemination of information and requests for donations may be sent out to a large number of people using only one message. All is needed is to list the e-mail addresses of recipients and donors. The savings in cost, effort and money are tremendous. Mailing lists may be prepared, which need not be curtailed.
6. Posting a web page by an NGO allows others to know about its existence and activities on a world-wide scale. Co-operation is facilitated and improved.
7. A number of NGOs of similar activities and interests may choose to set up a newsgroup. This is a forum for discussion, where a free flow of information can take place. Questions posted by one member may be answered by others in the group.
8. Hot news and information are sent out in a trice. There is no delay caused by conventional mailing. Last minute changes to schedules and programmes can go out immediately. This reduces the number of embarrassing situations that might occur.
9. The Web can be accessed from anywhere, anytime. You need not be in your office to keep up with developments or make contributions. You could work in the early hours of the morning on those nights when sleep just eludes you.
10. The Internet offers NGOs the opportunity to set up and access a common database. All relevant information is pooled in one site, cutting time of access.
11. The interactive nature of the NET enables the NGOs to talk directly to its constituency, as it were. Feedback is had and processed in order to improve the services and increase flexibility. This also allows greater participation in the decision-making process. Democracy at a micro level is enhanced.

How can I help my NGO by using the NET?

  The scope of the uses of the Internet is virtually limitless. No one work can encapsulate the benefits derived from having access to the NET. In this introductory course, a taste of the tremendous potential of the Internet is given. The special conditions prevailing in Jordan are taken into consideration.

• Accessing NGO databases: Find out what other people outside Jordan have been doing. E.g.: [Links Foundation] [NGOs on the Web] [International Organization Web Sites] [International Data and Information Sources]
• Finding and contacting sponsors and donors: There are limited funds available to Jordanian NGOs from local sources. It is possible to build up a database of potential sponsors and donors and promote the work and activities of one's NGO. E.g.: [United Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Service]
• Promotion of one's NGO's work and activities: Designing a Web page and telling people about it goes a long way towards promoting one's NGO and puts it on the world map. The Web masters of the various NGO listings may be contacted to include a link to one's site. Also, the various search engines have to be told about the page to be included in their databases.
• A database may be prepared to help in the work of the NGO. This base may be published and readers inside and outside Jordan encouraged to make suggestions and contributions. An example of an Internet database: Y2K Status of Medical Equipment at the Ministry of Health.
• Mailing lists of donors or service users may be prepared and used for easy access. News and electronic newsletters are transmitted cheaply. There is no need of huge amounts of print paper, or expensive postal dues.

Further reading: Internet Use: NGOs in Action

Places to visit: The NGO Café (A cozy spot for NGO members)