“From Digital Divide to Digital Inclusion”
A terrible chasm divides communities in the United States into those that have access to high-speed Internet and those that do not. This problem exists across regions and cities, isolating communities from the information super-highway and crippling sustainable growth. From Oakland to Ocotillo, California faces a bold challenge to bridge this digital divide and ensure that all Californians have access to affordable Internet technology and the training needed to customize that technology to meet their local needs.
Media Alliance – in partnership with the City of Oakland, OTX West, the Community Technology Foundation, and the California Consumer Protection Foundation – gladly accepts that challenge. On February 15, 2008 we will bare it all – displaying in full force the opportunity that lies before the city of Oakland in furnishing neighborhoods with little to no access with reliable, affordable, and relevant high-speed Internet. We hope that you will join us at the Oakland Digital Inclusion Summit (a.k.a. ODIS) in paving the next steps to achieve this bold and achievable goal.
To capture the full potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) like the Internet, initiatives must not only promote access to technology, but must also incorporate digital inclusion in their strategy. This means that communities must have access to the hardware, skills, resources, and technical support necessary to make ICTs like the Internet meaningful to daily life. In addition, these tools should be affordable, reliable, and available in the first language of the community. This ensures that the community is indeed empowered by a local and practical technology rather than encumbered by a new external or luxury good.
Right now, we have an incredible opportunity to advocate for digital inclusion. Over three hundred cities, towns, and counties across the United States are pursuing greater access to Internet technologies for their communities. We will highlight some of these and other digital inclusion initiatives, like CUWiN, as we approach ODIS in February. It is crucial that these initiatives include digital inclusion programs that live up to the potential to bridge the digital divide, and not simply accepting or dismissing these divides as fact.
The good news is that community advocates are already creating sustainable digital inclusion programs. For example, various advocates have convinced their elected officials that when public resources such as utility poles and streets are being used to set up new high speed Internet projects, municipal governments must guarantee that the public receives significant and meaningful benefits. Look for examples of these community advocates on digi-I within the next few weeks.
Working towards a just and democratic society is an ongoing struggle, and technology provides no “magic bullet” solution for alleviating poverty, racism, or other problems we experience on a day-to-day basis. However, digital inclusion programs that put underserved community members’ needs first and that are managed in a fair and thoughtful manner can make a difference in how we are able to participate in the world around us. Digital inclusion programs move us closer to ensuring all community members have the resources, skills, and support to advance social, political, and economic equality.
To learn more about digital inclusion, check out A Digital Inclusion Advocacy Toolkit and Bridging the Digital Divide.
In the next post, look for more information about Oakland digital inclusion initiatives and the upcoming ODIS!
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