The increasing realization that digital inequities restrict a community’s efforts to reach their goals has led to a striking number of communities creating community-wide digital inclusion coalitions. Up to this point, the efforts have largely been local with a minimum of national involvement. Interest in digital inclusion coalitions is spreading through networks of libraries, schools and nonprofits but there are many cities where these organizations either don't have the influence and experience needed to drive civic coalitions, or may themselves need grassroots community support and "demand" to stick their necks out with political leaders.
The activities in this workshop will be based upon NDIA’s
Digital Inclusion Coalition Guidebook. The Guidebook includes strategies for developing and maintaining community-wide digital inclusion coalitions, common challenges, decision making structures and essential coalition members. The workshop activities will be structured to support building coalitions at all points in their development, from first steps to advanced strategies.