They do have a link to their software ... https://github.com/FrontPorchForum/open_porch-they have been careful to expand as a business in ways that generate revenue, so I do not know about their plans outside of Vermont.
My biggest concern as a non-profit in this space dedicated to building bridges online for community engagement is the need for _public_ and inclusive spaces online that connect neighbors. So the models that support block level or so connecting need to be complemented with open and public spaces with effective inclusive outreach. Otherwise, we are chopping communities up into selective private virtual gated communities. Great for the neighbors that have vibrant exchanges, but not so great for those on the wrong side of the tracks.
To connect with this neighbor connecting field join up at: http://e-democracy.org/locals
Yes, of course. We have 17 new neighbors forums in the start-up pipeline and therefore are building our training foundation.
For now, check out start a neighbors forum. My key piece of advice is that if you want to build new social capital rather than transfer existing community capacity into an online space is to really really pump the outreach. I just got back from a free produce distribution event where those waiting for the food listen to various invited in community speakers and then get their package. My short invitation was translated into Spanish and my outreach partner was in the English speaking room. The hard reality is that many of these folks don't have Internet access at home, but just down the hall is the digital literacy computer lab. I asked if many in the room used the lab. Most hadn't in this group. After I went to the lab and spoke with lab leader and he suggested teaching people how to join the area neighbors forum as part of their curriculum. Very cool. I should note that this level of outreach has been funded by the Ford Foundation among others, but the lessons are free to share!
Say, noting the UK, examples, definitely check out the Networked Neighbourhoods project and their study.
I agree with much of what they say except that we find the trust-building value of real names trumps the few positives and major negatives from anonymous or alias-based local networks - except potential in high high crime areas where the retribution from online organizing could be severe.
Also check out Harringay Online and the slightly more journalism-centric community sites effort Talk About Local. (IMHO, anything with a blog editor in the center is more journalistic and less many to many.)
Finally, here are our two most active Neighbours Forums in the UK in Bristol and Oxford.
This is what we do everyday with "Neighbors Issues Forums" at E-Democracy.org. Want to join us?
In my neighborhood for example, I host a public open network with 800 neighbors or roughly 20% of households for two city defined neighborhoods. We host dozens more in the Twin Cities, but also a few communities in England and New Zealand. Many are in start-up mode where we are support a forum leader in their attempt to get started. (Don't let pretty pictures on Ning sites or the ease of Facebook lull you into thinking tech alone will make this easy.)
Many others create more private spaces for smaller areas. They are sort of like virtual gated communities. But to be honest if the population area covered is less than 1,000 even 2,500 you probably do not want that exchange in Google - while for us openness is a cornerstone for real community building and reaching a critical mass that is not just middle class home owners. Our areas are large enough to be part of broader community life not just electronic block clubs. Our sweet spot is serving areas with between 5,000 and 15,000 people.
OK, here are some slides. If you want some in-depth audio with them, check here. And here are some some links galore.
