The use of video taping as a technique to bring villagers into meaningful communication with each other and with government leaders is discussed. Three pilot projects are described: (1) a United Nations funded project in Rajasthan, India; (2) a Tanzanian project involving several villages; and (3) the Skyriver, Alaska project. As demonstrated by these three projects, videotaping technology shows potential for opening direct lines of communication between rural people and government agencies, gives villagers an opportunity to see themselves as part of a community, and raises community activism through participation in the formulation of community problems and solutions. However, the video technology must be part of a systematic process suited to local conditions before it can fulfill its potential. (Author/STS)