WHAT IS
WATPA?
The Westchester
Alliance For Telecommunications and Public Access (WATPA), a not-for-profit community
organization, strives to coordinate development of a county-wide community network using
on-line, interactive electronic communications. WATPA is dedicated to the establishment of
a readily accessible, communication based information infrastructure in Westchester
County, New York to benefit citizens, educational organizations, business and government
for community and educational purposes. This is especially important for a large community
with a population of 900,000.
WATPA operates through
a series of action oriented committees, each devoted to realistic accomplishments in
special areas of concern. These include:
- -the direction of
cable/telecommunications and information policy at various levels of government, including
municipalities;
- -the development of an
inventory of telecommunications paths in the county as part of a broader planning effort;
- -protection of the civil
liberties and rights to inexpensive access to public data by the people of Westchester;
- -support and advice for
the increasing use of telecommunications and associated technology in the schools of
Westchester County;
- -the application of
telecommunications and associated technology in health and human services;
- -the application of
telecommunications and associated technology in the arts and sciences;
- -the impact of
telecommunications and associated technology on human health, well being and the social
fabric;
- -the impact of
telecommunications and associated technology on the county's economy.
- WATPA's experience
indicates that community networks are usually indigenous to central city metropolitan
areas. Very few traditional media focus on Westchester County issues and needs; WATPA
does.
WATPA welcomes as
members anyone who lives, works or is otherwise concerned with the future of Westchester
County. In a phrase from one of our sister organizations, all you need is the desire
"to help make our corner of the digital world a civilized and flourishing place to
live, work and visit." WATPA is funded by minimal fees for membership, and grants and
donations. To keep members aware of its activities, WATPA meets monthly, sends out
information through the US mail and maintains the Westchester Pathmaster homepage.
|
