In a number of ways, the high-tech field can find a role in the community, not just the economy. High-tech companies are poised to add value to the Puget Sound region's quality of life:

Partner with not-for-profits: High-touch can enhance high-tech when technology firms look at not-for-profit organizations as resources for product development as well as employee satisfaction. Looking for a way to test accounting or communications software? Partner with a not-for-profit which can provide content and passion. Encourage employees to volunteer so they get the satisfaction of seeing how their work can improve people's lives.

Help your favorite school or charity with technology planning: Help charities spend limited technology dollars wisely. As a knowledgeable technology user, you can help them say "no" to donations of helplessly outdated equipment that staff and volunteers cannot support. You can help them find the best hardware, software, connectivity and support systems for their kids.

Support strategic communications: A regional version of the Benton Foundation — looking out for the public interest in communications policy and providing guidance in using traditional and new media — could add value to existing efforts.

Develop applications supporting citizen interaction: Develop software that supports citizens telling their own stories — such as the Community Publishing System the Blethen Maine Newspapers are using to enable citizen communication based on neighborhoods, small towns, or issue areas. Create new "commons" where citizens can experiment with technology to improve life quality.

Experiment with educating new consumers: Bridging the "digital divide" by providing education and sample products to information "have-nots" will expand markets and improve community. Not-for-profit organizations are likely partners. Consider collaborating with high-tech peers through such organizations as the Washington Digital Media Alliance and the Technology Alliance.

Partner with schools, libraries and community centers: Check out such creative organizations as Powerful Schools and the Technology Access Foundation to see how technology is being delivered to at-risk children and families. Help Seattle Public Library improve and expand its Community Contacts Database to provide better information about community sector groups to media and citizens.

Continue expanding philanthropic experiments: Organizations such as NPower and ONE/Northwest are bringing technological know-how to the community sector. Social Venture Partners is making personal connections among energetic individuals in the high-tech community. It's engaging them in community problem-solving. Individuals and groups can continue creating projects that demonstrate new approaches to philanthropy, with or without the help of new technologies.