When charity leaders discuss the need for better broadband access, they often note that faster, more reliable Internet connections will help them become more productive.

Marnie Webb, a co-chief executive officer of TechSoup in San Francisco, sees another benefit.

Ms. Webb says nonprofit groups should also be using the Internet as a way to help connect the people they serve.

Organizations should be attempting to provide access to people who cannot otherwise use the Internet — and to share information about neigborhoods and issues that don’t typically get noticed online.

Find out more about this concept by watching a video excerpt from my recent conversation with Ms. Webb.