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Clean Air Network (CAN)

Remember Mighty Mouse? The little engine that could?
The tortoise that beat the hare?
Great Aunt Effie who could turn three popsicle sticks, two pipe cleaners and some buttons into a magical toy?
Well, they don't have anything on the
Clean Air Network.

 CAN is an information clearing house. Its mission? Assist other environmental and health organizations with their efforts to clean the nation's air.

This small organization—modestly outfitted with hardware—took the Circuit Rider project for everything it was worth. Just as we'd hoped. It's techniques? Filter and distribute relevant information to its members—everything from Federal Register notices to Automotive News articles. Before the LEV-ZEV networking project, CAN was a "fax-aholic." By its national director's own admission, with the help of the Circuit Rider CAN's faxing dropped by more than two thirds. And they built their e-mail list from less than 50 to closer to 200.

Completing the circuit.
CAN quickly realized that what works for LEV-ZEV works for other issues, too. They capitalized on our resources to expand their use of communications technology.

The Circuit Rider maintained the LEV-ZEV listserv for its first 6 months. Then he turned the day-to-day management over to a well-prepared CAN staffer. And they've been at the helm ever since. And because CAN has even more information to share, they established another listserv to address broader clean air issues. Dubbed AIR-MAIL, it is now CAN's principal communication link with members.

"Without the Circuit Rider to hold our hands in the early stages, we couldn't and wouldn't be doing half of what we do today via e-mail."

Jayne Mardock
CAN

 To national director Jayne Mardock, the Circuit Rider project was key to improving the effectiveness of CAN's communication. "Without the Circuit Rider to hold our hands in the early stages, we couldn't and wouldn't be doing half of what we do today via e-mail." She also articulated one of the subtler benefits of the program. "The continuity was really important. We built a good, friendly relationship with the Circuit Rider so we could go back week after week and ask questions."

In a word, e-mail transformed CAN's way of doing business. Now business as usual at CAN is unusually productive.

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