Since at least the dawn of the 21st Century, our world has been in the midst of the Digital Age. From ecommerce, to streaming entertainment, to video communication, to selfies, there’s hardly a corner of the planet that isn’t touched by digital technology. Unfortunately, not everyone has equal access to the many benefits of broadband internet and other critical digital resources, particularly in rural and less densely populated areas.
Thankfully, there are individuals and organizations committed to bridging the “digital divide.” Digital Inclusion Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness and addressing digital disparities. As your local fiber provider, Ethos Broadband proudly supports Digital Inclusion Week and the crucial role it plays in fostering a more equitable digital landscape, which we share in greater detail below.
Digital Inclusion Week’s Goals and Vision
Organized by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, Digital Inclusion Week is a global initiative aimed at promoting digital equity and breaking down the barriers that leave too many communities and their people out of the rapidly expanding digital world. Typically held in early October, this week-long event assembles an array of various experts, stakeholders and problem-solvers to highlight the importance of digital inclusion and work towards solutions that ensure everyone has access to technology and the internet.
Participants have included representatives from government agencies at the federal, state, local and Tribal levels, as well as community organizations, educational institutions, and non-profits. Businesses, technology companies, agricultural interests, and economic development groups also contribute to the roundtable discussions surrounding the need for greater digital access.
The primary goal of Digital Inclusion Week is to raise awareness about the digital divide—the gap between those who have easy access to technology and those who do not. By shining a spotlight on this issue, the event helps educate the public about the challenges faced by underserved communities and the importance of addressing these gaps.
A Voice for Digital Inclusion in the Public Arena
In addition to broader awareness, Digital Inclusion Week brings together diverse voices to influence decision-makers. These collaborators develop strategies to advocate for policies that promote digital equity and improve the economic conditions of their communities.
Recent advocacy priorities include expanding broadband access to rural communities and Tribal lands, making much-needed investment in digital infrastructure, improving affordability of digital devices and services, and supporting community-based digital inclusion initiatives. Contributors also share stories of how their communities have addressed or even overcome the often-considerable challenges they have faced to keep up with the digital race.
The Value of Expanding Digital Literacy
Digital Inclusion Week also promotes digital literacy. As far too many of our fellow citizens fall short of even the most basic digital skills, this is a key need across the country. And Digital Inclusion Week provides an outstanding forum for sharing solutions to expand and enhance digital knowledge and skills that make a real difference in people’s career prospects and everyday lives.
Effective and properly funded digital literacy programs can equip individuals of all ages and educational backgrounds with the skills necessary to navigate the digital world, including senior citizens. From basic computer skills to internet safety to the ability to use online tools effectively, improved digital literacy can empower individuals to take full advantage of educational and professional opportunities. And few events proclaim the significance of digital literacy to the broader public as well or as far as Digital Inclusion Week.
A Call to Action!
Access to digital technology and the internet has become all-but essential for participating fully in modern society. Digital Inclusion Week is a vital initiative that addresses the disparities in technology to that access. By raising awareness, promoting digital literacy and skills, advocating for policy changes and government investment in broadband, and celebrating successes, the event contributes to creating a more inclusive digital world.
And you can help, too! If you’d like to learn more about Digital Inclusion Week and discover ways for you to support and promote its mission both globally and locally, check out the National Digital Inclusion Alliance’s Practitioner Support page. There are several resources available there to help you get involved and even advocate for greater equitable digital access in your community and region, as well.
And to stay on top of efforts to expand access to broadband internet in our area, follow Ethos Broadband’s social pages!
