Beyond Kiwanis: Internet builds new communities

By Haya El Nasser, USA TODAY Thu Jun 2

James Cudney manages three kids, frequent business trips and up to 15 homeland defense programs for a technology company. His wife, Elaine, works full-time at a top accounting firm and is active in a business club. He's a Cub Scout leader; she's the Scout pack treasurer. They go to church, attend community events and rarely miss school functions.

So forgive the Cudneys if they don't buy popular arguments that sprawl, mobility and the automobile have unraveled community bonds in American life. The Cudneys are as connected and engaged as they've ever been.

"But I would not be able to be involved if it wasn't for the Internet," says James Cudney, 41. "I wouldn't have been able to be the Cubmaster of Pack 152 without e-mail. I don't have time to do traditional phone trees and calendars by hand."

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