For several years I've been following Study Circles http://www.everyday-democracy.org/en/Index.aspx a very interesting process because it is congruent with my & my orgs view of family participation in public education. http://www.idra.org/Podcasts/Resources/Effective_Parent_Outreach/
http://www.idra.org/IDRA_Newsletter/June_-_July_2008_Parent_and_Community_Engagement/Authentic_Consultation/
The idea of 'deliberative democracy' is in the spotlight with the Obama network expecting input and dialogue, which is more possible with all the available social media tools.
What can't be replaced is authentic conversation. I recall Bryan Person's questioning of community existing simply or primarily through online networks & I agree totally. Bryan's blog quoted " Defining community. Tim said his Disaboom community "empowers people to be who they are and connect with people like them;" it provides a place for members to build "genuine and meaningful relationships."
Tiffany noted that her members can meet and communicate can meet with people they know -- or don't know. "
To consider large numbers of Facebook or LinkedIn contacts as a real community is illusory and naive.
But if you do have a strong, on the ground process such as Everyday Democracy, then you can accelerate, augment and extend the power of that real community through blogs, and all the fabulous social media tools that exist.
http://parentleadershipined.blogspot.com/2008/12/ncpie-artists-formerly-known-as-study.html