By the time you read this, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance will be wrapping up its annual Digital Inclusion Week, observed during the first work week in October. The 2023 theme was “Building Connected Communities”: expanding digital literacy and accessibility is very much a matter of community partnerships.
“Everyone is still learning how to do Digital Inclusion and Digital Equity work,” says Walter Prescher, BridgingApps Digital Navigator. “The field is still new enough to allow for plenty of adaptation and experimentation. So, because there isn’t a definitive model, there is a lot of room for collaboration and partnering between organizations, rather than competition.”
BridgingApps Participates in Digital Inclusion Week
Easter Seals Greater Houston is among the many partner organizations (including nonprofits, Chambers of Commerce, and municipal governments) who supported the NDIA’s mission through Inclusion Week events and media campaigns. On the BridgingApps team, our 2023 contributions included:
- An Assistive Technology Lab visit with Glenn Hegar, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
- An Affordable Connectivity Program signup event with Brazos Valley Community Action Programs.
- Shooting a Verizon promo video at the American Legion post in Bryan, Texas.
- A contribution to the video “This Is Digital Inclusion Week 2023!” (See our clip below, and the full video on YouTube or the DIW2023 web page.)
Promote Digital Inclusion, Year-Round
You don’t have to wait for Digital Inclusion Week 2024 to make your own contributions to digital equity. At any time of year, organizations can:
- Host digital-literacy programs
- Feature digital-inclusion resources in seminars or expos
- Invite individuals and digital professionals to share relevant stories on blogs, podcasts, or social media
- Raise funds for affordable devices and connectivity
And individuals can:
- Share relevant information, events, and organization links on social media
- Share with their friends, families, clubs, and congregations
- Volunteer with nonprofits that provide digital-inclusion services or digital-literacy training
- Stay informed about digital needs through the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (see next section) and other resources
About the NDIA
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance is committed to advancing digital equity by:
- Supporting community programs;
- Equipping policymakers to act;
- Emphasizing that “With Digital Equity, We All Win.” (Expanded digital inclusion means more educational opportunities, more qualified workers, and more effective health care and community services.)
The NDIA’s work is built on four “Pillars”: practitioner support, policy, awareness, and data/research. Digital Inclusion Week is just one of many NDIA initiatives, which also include:
- Organizing other major events (watch for details on the next “Net Inclusion” conference, scheduled for February 2024 in Philadelphia)
- Educating communities, nonprofits, and other organizations on the benefits of digital inclusion
- Advocating for laws that support affordable broadband and access to digital devices
- Analyzing community resources and needs
To stay in the updates loop, sign up for the NDIA e-newsletter. If interested in NDIA membership, see their Join the Community page.
For Additional Information
- “Building Connected Communities” at heart of state, national emphasis during Digital Inclusion Week (The Highland County Press, October 2, 2023)
- Building More Connected Communities With Verizon and Civic Nation (Forbes, October 2, 2023)
- Digital Equity Act of 2021 (U.S. Census Bureau)
- I’m taking action for Digital Inclusion Week 2023! (NDIA)
- NDIA Blog
- Not Sure Where to Start? Think Low-Cost, Low-Time, High Results (NDIA)