This is an excellent time to plan community digital inclusion projects because tens of millions of dollars in federal digital equity funds will flow to Michigan over the next few years.
Are you interested in starting a community digital inclusion program in your area? A community digital inclusion program is a local, grass-roots initiative that seeks to deliver to members of a community — especially for the benefit of those who are struggling, digitally disadvantaged and in particular need of help — services that fit in one or more of the following five categories. Below are some ideas that will help bridge the Digital Divide in your community.
Engaging with your local community is important to understanding their digital inclusion needs and offering appropriate support for digital inclusion barriers. To address digital inclusion in your community, follow these steps:
What organizations, community anchor institutions and local leaders should be involved in the effort to improve digital inclusion in your community? How will you coordinate activities and work together to ensure all barriers are addressed?
Consider forming a group that meets regularly to discuss challenges and opportunities and share best practices and local digital inclusion efforts.
What data and information are needed to understand digital inclusion needs and how different populations might be affected by the digital divide?
Consider conducting local surveys asking residents about challenges they face accessing high-speed internet and programs and support they would like to see in their community. Ensure that the surveys can be accessed in paper form and local languages.
What are the current digital inclusion programs, offerings and resources available in your community?
What key goals and metrics should your team set to track progress on closing the digital divide?
What are appropriate strategies and programs community organizations should implement to address the key priorities?
Digital Inclusion encompasses the activities necessary to ensure that individuals and communities have the tools and resources to access and meaningfully use the internet and related technology. Primary elements of advancing digital inclusion include:
Digital Literacy is the ability to use current technologies, such as smartphones and laptops, and internet access to research, create content and interact with the world. There are five key characteristics of a digitally literate person. The digitally literate person:
Internet For All - Broadband 101
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