National Communication Networks

The goals of the Gulf Peace Team (GPT) require cooperation on a scale that is
rarely achieved.  Such cooperation requires reliable and effective
communication from the GPT to the grassroots of each country.  The National
Communication Network (NCN) in Australia, combined with considerable effort by
the Australian overseas team members to maintain daily communication of
accurate information, went a long way toward achieving the original goals of
the Australian GPT.

The initial Australian effort was almost totally focused on establishing a
three-level communication network at nine critical population centers in
Australia.  The three communication channels were fax, phone, and computer
network.  With a couple of minor exceptions, all the equipment already existed
at various centers and offices.  It was only necessary to get permission to
use the equipment for our purposes and find someone to monitor each place on a
daily basis.  These same people had to be willing to see to it that relevant
information was distributed to appropriate people,  groups or to the overseas
team.  This monitoring and distributing was eventually taken over by the
various support teams that came into focus for each volunteer.

The channels were worn in by daily use until relevant people became familiar
enough to use them easily and comfortably.  All other results followed as a
result of the free flow of information.  First, potential volunteers were
receiving regular information about the camp and its progress.  This allowed
them to make the decision to go.  Second, those who wanted to loan or donate
money were provided with information they needed so they could make their
decision to support the GPT with money.  Third, the support groups formed for
each volunteer, and eventually became the monitors and distributors of
information.  They also dealt with the home media on behalf of their
volunteer.

This network allowed any activities or experiences by the overseas members to
be reported quickly and directly into the grassroots of Australia.  It also
allowed the nonviolent activities and other information that were occurring in
various parts of the country, to be quickly conveyed to the overseas members. 
Thus a two-way inspiration occurred.  The usual dependence on the media was
minimized, making it very difficult for them to edit out our perspective on
the issue.  At the same time, it made it easier for the media.  They were able
to deal with local and regional people who they knew and trusted.  The total
result was significantly improved.  This model can be applied in any country
where the technology is readily available and widely used.  The NCN allows the
international activity (e.g. peace camp) to function as a physical
manifestation of the nonviolent resistance in the home country, where each
overseas activity directly stimulates the grassroots at home,  and each home
activity inspires greater confidence and effort by the overseas team.  This
mutual stimulation creates a synergy that has rarely been possible in the
past.

Jerry D. Smith