Institute for Global Communications (IGC)

INSTITUTE FOR GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS: PeaceNet * EcoNet * ConflictNet 18 De Boom Street, San Francisco, CA 94107 (415) 442-0220 voice (415) 546-1794 fax 154205417 telex e-mail: support@igc.org

WHAT ARE IGC NETWORKS? The IGC Networks -- PeaceNet, EcoNet and ConflictNet -- comprise the world's only computer communications system dedicated solely to environmental preservation, peace, and human rights. IGC, located in San Francisco, California, is a division of the Tides Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

ELECTRONIC MAIL Send and receive private messages -- including Fax and Telex -- to and from more than 8,000 international peace, environmental and conflict resolution users on our affiliated networks or to millions of users on other networks. Electronic mail is quick, inexpensive, reliable and easy to use.

CONFERENCES IGC's conferencing services offer easy-to-use tools in group communication and event coordination. Geographically dispersed people can communicate inexpensively on any subject. Whether you are administering an organization or distributing an urgent action alert, IGC conferences are an indispensable tool. Private conferences can be set up to facilitate internal group decision-making, task-sharing processes, or sensitive communications. Public conferences are great for information sharing, newsletter distribution, legislative alerts and news services.

INFORMATION RESOURCES IGC's several hundred public conferences also include events calendars, newsletters, legislative alerts, funding sources, press releases, action updates, breaking stories, calls for support, as well as ongoing discussions on issues of global importance. IGC is also an access point for the USENET system of interuniversity bulletin boards. IGC's capabilities allow you to search lists of speakers, U.S. Congress and world leaders, media, grant-making foundations or bibliographies.

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS/THE ASSOCIATION FOR PROGRESSIVE COMMUNICATIONS IGC regards international cooperation and partnership as essential in addressing peace and environmental problems. IGC maintains a major program to develop low-cost access to computer networking from outside the United States, especially from non-industrialized and Southern hemisphere countries. The result of this program has been the Association of Progressive Communications (APC) which now includes low- cost computer networks in eight countries. IGC has played a major role in starting the Alternex (Brazil), Nicarao (Nicaragua) and GlasNet (USSR) non-profit computer networks, as well as in providing technical support to all of the partner networks.

CURRENT PROJECTS Include developing computer networks for peace, environmental and international development organizations in Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Uruguay and Kenya. The focus of the work is to empower local, indigenous organizations by transferring expertise and capacity in computer networking. Operation and management of a local APC node becomes the full responsibility of the local organization. All APC partners are independent organizations, and retain full control over their network.

IGC collaborates with the United Nations Development Programme in work in Latin America. The International Programme is supported entirely by grants from major Foundations and individual donors. Contributors include: The Ford Foundation, General Service Foundation and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

IGC RATES After a one-time $15 sign-up fee, the monthly subscription is $10, which includes one free hour of off-peak time (after 6 p.m. and on weekends) and phone support. Domestic connect time is $5/hour for off-peak and $10 for peak time (M-F 7 am to 6 pm). Alaska and Hawaii users are subject to slightly higher rates. Internet connectivity is available from many locations for $3 per hour. International connect rates vary with each country's public data network. A growing number of countries have direct SprintNet connections at $21 per hour. Some gateways and storage space are extra.

HOW CAN I JOIN? Sign up online by having your computer dial (415) 322-0284 (N-8-1)- have your credit card ready! Type 'new' at the LOGIN prompt hit at the PASSWORD prompt, then follow the step-by-step instructions.

From: IN%"support2@igc.org" "IGC User Support" 12-DEC-1991 09:43:25.31 From peg!agarton Wed Dec 11 21:31:59 1991 Andrew Garton for Pegasus Networks From support Mon Oct 1 13:36 PDT 1990 To: support Subject: APC Information Cc: bmeeks Status: RO

GreenNet PeaceNet EcoNet

======== ======== ======

Alternex The Web

======== =======

FredsNaetet Nicarao Pegasus

=========== ======= =======

Global computer communications network for Environment, Peace & Human Rights

GLOBAL CO-OPERATION THROUGH COMMUNICATION The only global computer network designed specifically for environment, peace and human rights groups.

Dial Locally, Act Globally

========================== If you have a personal computer and a modem, you can communicate, share information, pool resources and plan events with individuals and groups all around the world.

Powerful Technology Made Accessible

=================================== World-wide communication made easy. Preparing joint projects through electronic mail, or finding the latest information on anything from Acid Rain to Star Wars is as simple as using a typewriter.

Inexpensive, Instant Communication

================================== You can send messages, letters, documents or telexes anywhere in the world, within minutes or hours, for only pence per page. The whole range of services is designed to meet the needs of progressive groups.

Keep in Touch with the Latest News

================================== Check your mailbox and conferences daily to monitor developments around the world. Postings come direct from people making the news, and those in close contact with newsmakers. Add your part of the story for the rest of the world to read.

HOW ENVIRONMENT AND PEACE GROUPS ARE USING THE NETWORK

Electronic Mail

=============== Groups and individuals can send messages to each other instantly for less than the cost of using the post, with greater dependability than the phone, and more flexibility than fax!

Computer Conferences

==================== Conferences (sometimes called 'electronic notice-boards' or 'bulletin boards') allow any number of individuals to:

--share information and opinions --assemble information from many sources --collaborate on research, writing, or planning of events --distribute and respond to "Action Alerts" --ask questions that can be seen and answered by any other user watching that conference

'On a 'typical day', we might find users of the Network doing the following:

======================================================================= --An organiser for an environmental group in Edinburgh consults computer conferences on toxic and nuclear wastes to gather information for a new local campaign. --A newsletter editor in Nottingham receives article submissions on- line, eliminating the need to key in the accepted articles herself. --A journalist in West Germany researches developments in US windpower technology for a feature article. --A peace group in Iceland sends comments to all the other members of an international peace network by writing them once in a private conference. --A solidarity group in Bath update themselves on events in Central America of the last few days (in English or Spanish), and send a message to the project they support in Nicaragua. --The headquarters of a major charity receives up-to-the- minute reports from all their regional offices on their latest fundraising campaign. --A lobbying group in Brussels communicates the latest info on NATO plans to its Washington and London offices. --A teacher on secondment in Canada sends messages home to his family in Britain. --An Irish campaigner adds info on the latest submarine accident to a conference building up a database of all known military accidents.

As you can see, our users are highly diverse. What they probably all share is a commitment to a future for the planet that works a lot better than the present. Our Network is helping them to communicate and co- operate so they can work together more effectively.

WHO IS USING THE NETWORK

Over 5000 groups and individuals are using the Network, including:-- Action Aid, ADIU, BASIC, CND, Central America Resources Network, Christic Institute, Climate Research Unit (Norwich), CRIES (Nicaragua), Dublin Portswatch, ECP, FoR, Findhorn, Finnish Peace Union, FoE, Global Challenges Network, Green Party (UK), Greenpeace, ITDG, Int'l Peace Bureau, IPPNW, Media Transcription Service, Nat'l Wildlife Fed., NATTA, Nat'l Peace Council, North Atlantic Network, NFIP support groups, Oxfam, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Quaker Peace & Service, Rainforest Info Ctr., SANE/Freeze, Sierra Club, Southscan, Survival Intl., Swedish Peace & Arbitration Soc., UNA, VERTIC, Vlaamse Vredesuniversiteit, War Resisters Int'l, WILPF, WISE, Worldwide Fund for Nature, Zimtecnica....

Is the Network widely connected?

=============================== Electronic mail can be exchanged with GeoNet, Interdoc, Poptel, Janet, Bitnet, Telecom Gold, Telex and Fax and generally most other academic or commercial networks.

Do you need a special computer?

=============================== No. APC networks are compatible with virtually any personal computer or computer terminal with a modem.

How much does it cost?

====================== The services cost only a fraction of the going commercial price so voluntary groups and individuals can afford them. See price tarriff at end.

Who is running the Network?

=========================== Each node in the Network is an independent organisation running wither under an explicit non-profit status, or a policy of socially and environmentally useful reinvestment of any profits. Staff have extensive experience and contacts in the international peace and environment movements, coupled with expertise in information technology and its applications.

What if I need help to use it?

============================== Our Network is designed to be easy and quick to use for those who don't know much about computers, and don't want to spend a lot of time messing about with them. And if you get stuck, user support is on the end of a phone during office hours and some evenings.

LIST OF CONTACT ADDRESSES

UK: GreenNet,25, Downham Road, London N1 5AA Tel +44 1 923 2624 Fax +44 1 2541102

Canada: The Web, 456 Spadina Avenue, Floor 2, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2G8 CANADA. Tel: +1 (416) 929 0634 Fax: +1 (416) 461 2886

USA: Peacenet / Econet, 3228 Sacramento St., San Francisco, California 94115, USA. Tel: +1 (415) 923 0900 Fax: +1 (415) 923 1665

Sweden: FredsNaetet, (PeaceNet Sweden; NordNet), Timmermansgr nd 4nb, 116 27 Stockholm, Sweden. Tel: +46 (8) 7200001 Fax: +46 (8) 7200035

Nicaragua: Nicarao, CRIES Equipo de Telecomunicaciones, Apartado postal 3516, Managua, Nicaragua. Tel: +505 (2) 26228 or +505 (2) 25137 (ext. 5 for both numbers)

Brazil: Alternex, c/o IBASE, Rue Vincente de Souza 29, 2251 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Tel: +55 (21) 286 0348

Australia: Pegasus Networks, PO Box 201, Byron Bay 2481, Australia. Tel: +61 (66) 85 7286

From support2 Wed May 22 17:59:54 1991 To: support Subject: IGC NetNews - May 1991 v5 n4 Status: RO Written 4:47 pm May 20, 1991 by jillaine in cdp:netnews "IGC NetNews- May 1991 v5 n4"

APC News

========

IGC regards international cooperation and partnership as essential in addressing peace and environmental problems. Towards these goals, IGC was a founding member of the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) which now includes low-cost computer networks in eight countries. Jeremy Mortimer is APC's technical coordinator and reports here on APC's involvement in international networking.

"As activists all over the world discover the possibilities of electronic communications, computer networks spring up to serve them. Usually run by the activist communities themselves, these networks initially serve a small group of organisations, or a small geographic area, but soon develop a need to be involved in international communications.

"The APC has developed a role in connecting these systems. We hope in some cases that they will eventually become new members of the APC. In other cases, we simply work with them to ensure that users of both networks have access to all the information and connections they need in their work. Sometimes this means setting up e-mail exchange only; other times the connection involves shared conferences as well.

"The London-based Poptel system (GeoNet) serves hundreds of Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) all over the world, and a link to APC systems was an early priority. London-based APC member GreenNet developed the software to accomplish both an e-mail and conference exchange -- not an easy task as the systems are substantially different.

You will find a list of conferences imported from GeoNet in the 'conferences' conference, under the "GeoNet" topic.

"Networks are springing up quickly around Latin America. In addition to the Brazilian and Nicaraguan APC nodes (Alternex and Nicarao, respectively), the United Nations Development Program has been sponsoring the creation of systems in Costa Rica (Huracan), Ecuador (Ecuanex) and Bolivia (Unbol). (See the 'intlaccess' conference, where there is a topic for each country, for more information about each of these networks.) The Instituto del Tercer Mundo in Uruguay, which has run an NGO network (CHASQUE) for the last 18 months, has recently applied for APC membership. For more information about CHASQUE, send e-mail to 'chasque'.

"Single-user bulletin-board systems (BBSs) based on the popular 'Fido' program are such a common first step for activist groups that we have developed software to allow APC systems to talk to them. Fido connections are in place at GreenNet (UK) and Web (Canada), and are being installed at other APC nodes including IGC. Fido systems as far afield as Estonia, Czechoslovakia and several African countries are now connected.

"The German political network, ComLink, which runs a type of BBS software called Zerberus, has also applied to join the APC. A link between our networks and theirs, which includes shared conferences, has been in place for several months. (See NetNews, October 1990.) In addition, the Moscow-based International Foundation for the Survival & Development of Humanity will soon open GlasNet, our future APC partner in the Soviet Union."

From support2 Wed May 22 18:00:54 1991 To: mcimail:3973060 Subject: IGC NetNews - May 1991 v5 n4 Status: RO Written 4:48 pm May 20, 1991 by jillaine in cdp:netnews "IGC NetNews - May 1991 v5 n4"

APC Partner Networks

====================

Alternex IBASE Rua Vicente de Souza 29 22251 Rio de Janiero BRAZIL +55 (21) 286 0348 fax: +55 (21) 286 0541 e-mail: ax!suporte

ComLink* Moorkamp 46 D-3000 Hannover 1 GERMANY +49 (511) 3503081 e-mail: sysop@oln.zer

FredsNaetet/PeaceNet Sweden Timmermansgraen 4 S-116 27 Stockholm SWEDEN +46 (8) 720 0001 e-mail: pns!support

GlasNet* International Foundation Ulitsa Vesnina Moscow 121002 USSR +7 (095) 241-8243 fax: +7 (095) 230-2608 e-mail: glas!support

GreenNet 25 Downham Road London N1 5AA GREAT BRITAIN +44 (71) 923 2624 fax: +44 (71) 254 1102 e-mail: gn!support

IGC Networks PeaceNet/EcoNet 18 De Boom Street San Francisco, CA 94107 +1 (415) 442-0220 fax: +1 (415) 546-1976 e-mail: support

Nicarao CRIES Iglesia Carmen 1 cuadra al lago Apartado 3516 Managua, NICARAGUA +505 (2) 26 2 28 or 25 1 27 fax: +505 (2) 26 1 80 e-mail: ni!ayuda

Pegasus Networks/EarthNet PO Box 424 Byron Bay 2481 New South Wales, AUSTRALIA +61 (66) 8 56789 fax: +61 (66) 8 56926 e-mail: peg!support

Web 401 Richmond Street West Suite 104 Toronto, Ontario M5V 3A8 +1 (416) 596 0212 fax: +1 (416) 974 9189 e-mail: web!spider _________________________ *APC Membership Pending

From support2 Mon Nov 11 16:15:45 1991 To: support tgray Subject: EcoNet Information Status: O

EcoNet, A Service of the Institute for Global Communications (IGC) 18 de Boom Street, San Francisco, CA 94107 USA voice: (415) 442-0220 fax: (415) 546-1794

WHAT IS ECONET? EcoNet is an international, computer-based communication system committed to serving organizations and individuals who are working for environmental preservation and sustainability. Most importantly, EcoNet is a community of persons using the network for information sharing and collaboration with the intent of enhancing the effectiveness of all environmentally-oriented programs. >From most U.S. cities, you need only make a local phone call.

ACCESS VITAL INFORMATION RESOURCES These resources on EcoNet include such data as the Environmental Grantmakers Association's directory of grantmakers, the Sierra Club National News Report, the National Wildlife Federation's Conservation Directory, Global Action Network's federal legislative information, action alerts, and newsletters from around the world. We have made international access even more affordable by establishing partnership relationships with like-minded networks in Canada, England, Sweden, Australia, Nicaragua, and Brazil. EcoNet users can also exchange information with users in the Soviet Union, via the newly-established GlasNet network. These connections also allow our users to be in constant communication with a wide range of internationally active environmental organizations and individuals. Electronic "gateways" allow you to send telex and fax messages nearly anywhere in the world and mail to users on many other electronic systems and most international electronic mail networks.

PUBLIC ELECTRONIC CONFERENCES Interactive public conferences on EcoNet let you read and participate in discussions on issues of interest to you. The public conferences focus on a wide range of environmental issues. Among many others, these include: global warming, rainforests, legislative activities, water quality, energy policy, toxics, and environmental education.

PRIVATE ELECTRONIC CONFERENCES You may set up a private conference - accessible to a specified group of users of your choice - to prepare a joint paper, to conduct business with your board or with affiliated organizations, or to plan an action or educational campaign.

WHY ECONET?

-- "EcoNet is a vital part of our information campaign to explain the importance of rainforests and what must be done to preserve them. It also brings the conservation movement together in a network that promotes cooperation and unity." Randy Hayes, Director, Rainforest Action Network.

-- "EcoNet is not simply a data bank of information, it's a data bank of people with information, with whom you can communicate. I'm making connections and meeting colleagues in New Zealand, Australia, France, Great Britain, Denmark and Brazil. I know them because I talk to them with EcoNet." W.J."Rocky" Rohwedder, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies & Planning, Sonoma State University, California.

HOW MUCH DOES A SUBSCRIPTION COST?

EcoNet's rates are among the least expensive telecommunications rates anywhere. For a one-time $15 signup fee, you receive a user manual, your private account and password, and one free hour of off-peak connect time during your first month. A monthly subscription of $10 includes an hour of off-peak connect time each month. (Peak time is Monday - Friday, 7AM-6PM, your local time.) Additional connect time is charged at $5/hour in off-peak hours and $10/hour in peak hours. There is a small charge for users requiring large amounts of online storage. Internet users have 24-hour access to EcoNet for $3/hour.

HOW YOU CAN JOIN

With a credit card you can sign up online (a) from home by having your computer dial (415) 322-0284 (N-8-1) or (b) from an Internet machine by typing "telnet igc.org". Then type "new" at the login prompt and password = .