Advancing Equity and Prosperity through Digital Access

Symposium: RD905
Virtual Event, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. EST  |  February 9, 2022

In partnership with 

 

Agenda
Speakers

The topics of digital equity and inclusion are certainly not new, though the pandemic has brought them into clearer focus. While many activities and resources have moved online over the past decade, the pandemic forced many institutions and organizations to offer a significant portion of their programs and services exclusively online. Whether it was trying to attend classes, apply for government benefits, or practice religion, many people were excluded from fully participating in their communities if they lacked internet access, the devices to use the internet, and the digital literacy skills to navigate technology successfully.

This Symposium is an opportunity to learn about digital equity and inclusion, and how it impacts many communities across the U.S. We’ll explore everything from what these concepts mean, the data and national context of who is digitally excluded, how nonprofits are working to bridge digital divides, how to identify funding and other resources, and what your successful programs might look like. Most importantly, we’ll support you in starting to outline what you can do in your organization to start (or expand) your work towards digital equity in your community.
 

In a dynamic series of speakers and panels, you will:

• Gain an understanding of the federal landscape of policies and funding opportunities, including how to access state and local partnerships.
• Hear about models and best practices you can replicate in your community--including effective tools and resources to advance digital inclusion
• Also enjoy exclusive access to FREE pre- and post-sessions that together deliver a comprehensive package of new tools, skills and resources to advance your digital equity programs:
  • Free pre-session—”Digital Inclusion 101” webinar with National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) Digital Inclusion practitioners have been working to end the digital divide for decades, creating their own community, definitions, resources, and gaining knowledge of what works and doesn’t. Digital Inclusion is a multifaceted issue that takes time to understand—so get grounded, and get a head start in your work!
  • Exclusive post-symposium sessions for registered symposium participants – two deep-dive 90-minute sessions related to access, training, connectivity and partnerships occurring in February. Participants can attend one or all.

• CEOs and Executive Directors
• Resource Development Staff
• Program Managers and Directors
• Community Engagement Staff
• Resident Services Staff
• Marketing Staff
• Community funders and partner organizations
• Municipal government staff
• Economic development professionals
• Practitioners interested in creating equity through digital access

• Conversations on Privilege, Power and Prejudice (CB004wt/CB005wt/CB006wt)
• Leadership Development in Communities of Color (ML245vc)
• Building Rural Leaders of Color in Housing & Community Development (RD001wt)
• Navigating the Rural Digital Divide (RD160el)