Every year, Digital Inclusion Week (DIW) raises awareness of solutions addressing home internet access, personal devices, local technology training, and support programs. Sponsored by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), Digital Inclusion Week 2021 represents hundreds of affiliated organizations working toward digital inclusion and empowerment nationwide.
In years past, CTN celebrated DIW by hosting community trainings, advocacy events, meetups, and discussions. When the event went virtual in 2020, CTN’s director Kami Griffiths presented a webinar on Connecting the Unconnected for the Austin community. DIW 2021 will include both in-person and virtual activities, with dozens of registered events happening around the country.
To close out the week in Austin, Kami Griffiths will join a live webinar event discussing how nonprofits have tackled the digital divide during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hosted by the Austin-based organization Mission Capital, the webinar will take place on Thursday, October 7, at 1 p.m. Central. Registration is currently open.
As we keep busy with events and new programs, CTN team members took time to reflect on what digital inclusion means to us. In other words, why do we do what we do? Here’s what some of our passionate team members shared at our recent staff meeting:
Digital empowerment means …
- Maximizing personal potential
- Improved quality of life
- Access and skills to conquer daily challenges
- Connecting with community
- Building a more equitable world through technology
- Independence
- Access to information
- Skills to navigate internet resources
- The world opens up!
While we all play different roles in the work of digital inclusion, one thing is clear to us all: digital literacy has the power to transform lives. This week presents a wonderful opportunity to advocate for the unconnected and spread the word about the digital empowerment movement. As our world becomes increasingly digital by the year, we have to ensure that everyone — no matter their age, income level, or background — has the opportunity to reap the benefits of the information age.
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