The Ocean State Free-Net Strategic Plan Draft II May 16, 1996 Scanning OSFN's environment The base of information on which this strategic plan rests was developed during a four month process that included the following activities: A survey of current users Key informant interviews with individuals, including users, representatives of minority communities, the disabled, organizations that serve the economically disadvantaged, government representatives, and representatives of key partnerships. A survey of the needs and current involvement with the Internet of non-profit organizations. An analysis of the staffing of OSFN's current operations. A scan of relevant literature concerning Free-Nets throughout the nation. As a result of this review, the Steering Committee has identified the following trends, opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses. This analysis provides the framework for the vision, mission and values and the goals and strategies that follow. Trends with high relevance for OSFN The online market will expand dramatically. An increasing number of Internet carriers will be searching for content. Reaching, involving and supporting electronic non-participants will be an increasing need if we are to avoid a societal split between the information rich and the information poor. The youth and a growing segment of the workforce is becoming increasingly sophisticated about technology. As these individuals move into leadership positions in organizations and society, the concerns of OSFN will be held by an increasingly large constituency. Opportunities Rhode Island has a growing, high priority, telecommunications industry from whom support and strategic partnerships for OSFN can emerge. The cost for access is going down. The non-profit community has increasing needs for telecommunications support. Government in Rhode Island sees OSFN as a good way to interface with the community. OSFN is well positioned to participate and advocate within Public Utilities Commission and telecommunications industry discussions and debates. It is increasingly recognized that creating opportunities for increasing access to and sharing local information is in the public's best interest. Threats The cost of access to the Internet is going down which may effect the public perception of the need for a "Free-Net." Resources for non-profits are declining. As competition for the remaining dollars increases, all causes involved championed by non-profits will increasingly compete for the public's attention and resources. There is strong market demand among its users for GUI's and SLIP accounts that OSFN cannot currently provide. The imminent withdrawal of RINET's support will make or break the Free-Net's future. Government, non-profits and for profits are all in the midst of a major transition as the economy transforms. This pervasive change makes it difficult to gain attention or get anything done. There is a growing perception that Internet access is addicting and dangerous, an activity that parents must supervise and emotionally vulnerable individuals should be wary of. At a time when the cause of "helping the poor" is out of favor, OSFN may be viewed as just one more champion of "the poor." Strengths OSFN has already established a base of 3,500 active users (over 6,000 accounts) who can support its future development in a variety of ways. OSFN provides free information. OSFN provides free accounts. OSFN provides statewide access via local phone service. OSFN provides access from libraries, allowing individuals who do not have computer equipment at home to participate in the on-line community. OSFN has a strong, though changing, relationship with State Library Services and the CLAN system. Despite the transition in these relationships, OSFN has connections to RINET and other ISP's. OSFN has pulled together a core group of involved individuals who are committed to its future. These individuals are found among users, providers of information, allied organizations, and Steering Committee members. Weaknesses There is a lack of involvement of users in the governance of OSFN. The general public awareness of OSFN is low. Within its current structure, OSFN lacks outreach capacity to users and providers. Within its current structure, OSFN lacks the ability to make use of the volunteer resources that are available. The current system is unable to generate statistical data directly, leaving the Board without solid information to judge the effectiveness of outreach and without the ability to clearly define its user population. The current menu system is confusing to users. The current capacity of the system is insufficient, making it difficult for users to connect due to busy signals. Vision, Mission and Values Within this context, The Steering Committee of OSFN has confirmed its intent to pursue the following vision, mission and values. Our Vision We envision an inclusive, interactive, information rich on-line community that is available to any Rhode Islander. Our Mission The Ocean State Free-Net provides a non-profit, on-line, interactive public access system to all Rhode Islanders, assuring that there is an on-line route for individuals who wish access and assuring an electronic venue for the dissemination of information in the public interest. We recognize a responsibility to involve individuals who might otherwise be excluded from this electronic community. Our Beliefs Public access to on-line communication should not be entirely dependent upon financial means. Through on-line access, citizens should be able to research and receive information important to daily life. On-line capacity has the ability to enhance participation in government by increasing the quantity and quality of access to government generated information and to public officials. This access will help support our participatory democracy and contribute to creating open, responsive, accountable, ethical, intelligent government. On-line capacity provides access to technology that has the ability to enhance the quality of life for those with physical or mental disabilities. On-line capacity provides access to information sources that can supplement and enhance public education. The Free-Net should be supported by a corps of trained volunteers. Goals and Strategies In order to make this vision and mission a reality, OSFN must address several immediate critical issues and position itself to increase its outreach and technological capacity over the longer term. The Steering Committee has adopted the following goals and strategies. Critical Issue: independence from current sponsors The OSFN is in the process of separating from RINET and has been notified by The Office of State Library Services that its staffing support will be severely curtailed beginning in July. The next year will be the critical transition year in establishing OSFN as a free-standing non-profit organization. As its highest priority, the Board's attention must be focused on building all of the basic infrastructure for the Free-Net's operation. Goal I. To establish sufficient internal infrastructure so that the Free-Net can operate independently of RINET and the State Department of Library Services. Strategy A. To establish an operating budget and revenue streams to support the Free-Net Objective 1. To determine the base costs for operating the Free-Net during the critical transition of July 1 through December 31, 1996. Target date: May 15, 1996 Objective 2. To raise funds from users, other individuals who support the mission and values of OSFN, and providers to fund the six month transition. Target date: April 15 - September 30, 1996 Objective 3. To identify and pursue contracts with state government that assist in meeting Federal mandates for dissemination of information. Target date: April 15 - September 30, 1996 Objective 4. To establish a fee structure for users of the Free-Net who access the service from home, that will provide 50% of operating revenues by June 30, 1998. Target date: Implement by January 1, 1997, reach target by June 30, 1998 Objective 5. To pursue foundation and legislative support for startup support. Target dates: RI Legislature: July 1, 1996 RI Foundation: July 15, 1996 Champlin Fdtn: Nov, 1996 Objective 6: To cultivate donors within the telecommunications industry Target date: September 30, 1996 - March 30, 1996 Objective 7. To secure operating grants and/or in-kind donations from corporate sources within the telecommunications industry. Target date: March 30, 1996 and forward Objective 8. To develop a membership structure consisting of individual, organizational and corporate membership that will support at least 30% of the Free-Net's operating costs. Target date: To be implemented by June 30, 1997, achieving the 30% of revenue target by June 30, 1999 Objective 9. To become the contractor of choice of on-line dissemination of all federally mandated information dissemination projects, securing 20% of operating revenue from these sources. Target date: Revenue target to be achieved by June 30, 1999 Strategy B. To develop a relationship with a new vendor to provide technological support for the Free-Net's operation. Objective 1. To distribute an RFP and seek bids from RINET and from other Internet Service Providers. Target date for completion: April 1, 1996 Objective 2. Based on bids received and further negotiations, to identify the provider(s) who best meet the needs of the OSFN. Target date for completion: May 15, 1996 Objective 3. To contract for technological support. Target date for completion: June 1, 1996 Strategy C. To establish paid professional staff for the Free-Net Objective 1. To determine the initial staffing pattern for the transition period and project the longer term staffing needs. Target date for completion: May 1, 1996 Objective 2. To develop job descriptions for initial staff. Target date for completion: May 15, 1996 Objective 3. To conduct search and hire initial staff. Target date for completion: July 1, 1996 Objective 4. To establish personnel policies for the OSFN. Target date for completion: December 30, 1996 Objective 5. To confirm the longer term staffing needs of the Free-Net. Target date for completion: March 30, 1997 Strategy D. To establish a solid network of volunteers to support Free-Net operations. Objective 1. To assess the specific tasks that can be carried out by volunteers. Target date for completion: July 30, 1996 Objective 2. To develop job descriptions and establish supervision model for volunteers. Target date for completion: August 30, 1996 Objective 3. To recruit, place and train volunteers to carry out tasks as designed. Target date for completion: December 30, 1996 Strategy E. To reconstitute the Steering Committee of OSFN as a traditional non-profit governing Board. Objective 1. To revise the OSFN Bylaws, eliminating the Steering Committee and devising a governing Board. Target for completion: May 30, 1996 Objective 2. To constitute a Nominating Committee to identify candidates for Board service. The Nominating Committee will use the following criteria: Skills to be represented on the Board: Technical Fundraising Legal Accounting Business management PR/marketing/media Grassroots organizing Knowledge base Telecommunications/Internet market Local politics Information management Library skills Public education Consumers Users Providers: non-profits, government Under served communities Special access issues Target date for completion: June 30, 1996 Critical issue: increasing the use of the Free-Net by the non-profit community The non-profit community is a rich repository of information that pertains to the public interest. In addition, OSFN can provide cost effective Internet access for non-profits and be a means of disseminating information to constituents. Increasing the involvement of all of the diverse organizations in the non-profit sector is viewed as critical to the Free-Net's intention of providing information that contributes to the public good. Goal II. To increase the involvement of the non-profit community as information providers and users Strategy A. To work with NonProfit Resources, Technology Committee, to develop joint communications strategies with the non-profit sector. Objective 1. To confirm continued Free-Net membership on this Committee. Completion date: July 1, 1996 Objective 2. To piggyback OSFN message on NPR mailings. Completion date: On-going (six projected mailings) through June 30, 1997 Objective 3. To provide support to non-profits seeking to become information providers. Completion date: Staff and/or volunteers in place by September 30, 1996. Strategy B. To provide training in E-mail/Internet use for non-profit staff. Objective 1. To develop curriculum for training sessions (potentially in partnership with RI College and NPR). Completion date: December 30, 1996 Objective 2. To provide a training series for non-profits, scheduling sessions in conjunction with non-profit trade associations. Completion date: December 30, 1997 Critical Issue: increasing the use of the Free-Net by government entities Similarly, the Free-Net has the opportunity to provide a significant service to government and the public good by encouraging and supporting the dissemination of information about government in our state. The Free-Net, through its E-mail capability, also provides an important conduit for users to communicate directly with government officials. Goal III. To increase the involvement of government entities as information providers Strategy A. To become a contractor of choice for the implementation of Federal mandates for information dissemination. Objective 1. To identify all Federal mandates for information dissemination and the municipal, and state departments or offices charged with these mandates. Completion date: March 30, 1997 Objective 2. To market the OSFN as a dissemination tool to these entities. Completion date: June 30, 1997. Objective 3. To secure contracts with these entities equal to 20% of the OSFN operating budget. Completion date: December 30, 1997. Strategy B. To provide support to government entities seeking to become information providers. Objective 1. To provide specific assistance in formatting information and creating on-line content. Completion date: Staff and/or volunteers in place by September 30, 1996. Objective 2. To canvas all government entities via telephone and personal visits to assess information dissemination potential and educate about OSFN. Completion date: December 30, 1997 Critical issue: inclusion of non-participating populations The Free-Net was founded in the belief that our society should not be divided into the information have and have-nots. OSFN recognizes, in its mission, a special responsibility to encourage and support those who might not otherwise be able to participate in the on-line community. While the primary means of accomplishing access is through the expansion of public access sites beyond the library community, OSFN also realizes that specific outreach and encouragement will be needed to ensure that the opportunity to participate is a real one. Goal IV. To develop the capacity to do outreach to non-participating populations Strategy A. To build understanding among organizations representing non-participating populations of the potential of OSFN to improve and enhance lives. Objective 1. To staff the outreach effort. Completion date: September 30, 1997 Objective 2. To develop a list of organizations serving non-participating populations. Completion date: December 30, 1997 Objective 3. To canvas this list to determine interest in technology access issues and to identify venues for outreach. Completion date: December 30, 1997 Objective 4. To develop a Speaker's Bureau and formatted presentation on technology access issues and the potential of the Free-Net. Completion date: March 30, 1998 Objective 5. To schedule and provide Speaker's Bureau presentations. Completion date: April 1, 1998 through June 30, 1999 Critical issue: communicating with our constituencies and the general public The one fault that was consistently identified by users and other constituents of the Free-Net is the failure to communicate adequately. While this is understandable in a new organization, especially when functioning with borrowed staff, consistent, high quality communications efforts will be critical to the success of each and every strategy within this plan. Goal V. To develop and implement a planned communications strategy Strategy A. To develop a structured approach to communicating with users in a timely and accurate manner. Objective 1. To develop a policy structure for routine user communication. Completion date: September 30, 1996 Objective 2. To implement a routine cycle of communication with users. Completion date: October 30, 1996 Objective 3. To develop and implement a system of special alerts for users Completion date: November 30, 1996 Strategy B. To develop a marketing plan for information providers. Objective 1. To segment the information provider market. Completion date: November 30, 1996 Objective 2. To design separate communications and marketing strategies for each market segment. Completion date: January 30, 1997 Objective 3. To develop appropriate collateral materials Completion date: March 30, 1997 Strategy C. To develop and implement a public relations plan for raising the visibility of the Free-Net in the eyes of the general public. Objective 1. To design a routine schedule of press releases. Completion date: September 30, 1996 Objective 2. To develop and cultivate on-going relationships with journalists who cover technology in the local press Completion date: February 28, 1997 Critical issue: maintaining the technological relevance of the Free-Net The information technology revolution is clearly not over. A continuous review of the state of the art and the array of technological support for the Free-Net will be necessary. Goal VI. To upgrade the technological capacity of the Free-Net Strategy A. To stay on top of the trends and changes in the information technology arena, and take advantage of these changes to allow the Free-Net to enhance its current use of the existing technology (move away from dial-in only access). Objective 1. Move to a T-1 connection to the Internet. Completion date: July 1, 1996 Objective 2. Increase the current information storage capacity of the Free-Net. Completion date: December 31, 1996 Objective 3. Increase development of WWW capacity for information providers. Completion date: July 1, 1996 through December 31, 1997 Objective 4. Establish a link with the RIBASE project non-profit web pages and management assistance database. Completion date: May 15, 1997 .