Electronic media have the potential of increasing civic participation immensely by facilitating communication directly from the home. In particular, computers and e-mail offer new tools such as listserv discussions. These are like e-mail clubs that people sign up for by sending an e-mail message saying they would like to join the discussion. Once a person has joined, they receive all the messages sent by other participants to the listerv address and all the messages that the individual sends to the listserv are automatically distributed to the other participants. The listserv can be moderated (by a facilitator who reviews all messages before they are sent out), or it can be un-moderated, with the message exchange happening automatically. In either case, citizens can be directly engaged with each other and their representatives in exchanging views on hot issues, referenda, new initiatives and other concerns.

Campaign Fundraising

Some politicians are turning to telecommunications as a means of raising campaign funds.

• Jerry Brown’s 1992 presidential campaign raised millions of dollars in contributions of $100 or less through creative use of a 24-hour-a-day 800 telephone number, direct mail, and televised info-mercials.

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