Voluntary sector's IT is "far behind", catch-up plan proposed.

OTTAWA -- The voluntary sector "is far behind the private and public sectors in making effective use of information management/ information technology", the Voluntary Sector Initiative's Information Management/ Information Technology Joint Table says and calls on the federal government to implement a five-part-IT strategy to "strengthen the sector's ability to serve Canadians" before the conclusion of the VSI in the spring of 2005. The VSI is a joint effort of the federal government and voluntary organizations.

In its report, Strengthening Voluntary Capacity through Technology, the Joint Table recommends:

* a campaign to encourage funding agencies to change their policies and procedures to allow for IM/IT investments;

* a access to IT planning, hardware and software, training and technical support to provide the sector with ongoing access to IT planning and expertise, including hardware and software that meets their needs, training to keep abreast with technology and technical support at the lowest possible rates;

* a voluntary sector portal whereby an online location be established to link sector-related information. It would also provide a meeting place for the exchange of ideas and sharing of best practices;

* a funding exchange which would entail the creation of a Web-based interactive funding service to connect funding agencies with organizations needing funding;

* a technology awareness campaign to raise awareness among the sector boards and managers about the benefits of technology as well as provide information about the tools available to help organizations to not only adopt technology but to also use it effectively.

The monies to implement the strategy would come from $10 million allocated by the VSI in 2000, IM/IT Joint Table co-chair, Don McCreesh said "strengthening the capacity of the volunteer sector to manage and use technology as an investment in the quality of life of families and communities across the country." In order to develop a picture of the sector's current needs the Table reviewed literature and consulted with voluntary organizations and technology experts to determine the sector's needs.

(To read the full report go to website: communityaction.ca)