Digital Equity Plan Steering Committee Members Needed!
The Town is looking to form a STEERING COMMITTEE to develop a Digital Equity Plan. Volunteers needed!
WHAT IS A DIGITAL EQUITY?
In simplest terms, "Digital Equity" is the condition in which individuals and communities have the information technology capacity that is needed for full participation in the society and economy of Town, the region, and the state.
You might also hear the term "digital inclusion", which means
- the activities that are necessary to ensure that all individuals in the United States have access to, and the use of, affordable information and communication technologies, such as—
- Reliable fixed and wireless broadband internet service;
- Internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user; and
- Applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation, and collaboration; and
- includes—
- Obtaining access to digital literacy training;
- The provision of quality technical support; and
- Obtaining basic awareness of measures to ensure online privacy and cybersecurity.
What is a Digital Equity Plan?
A Digital Equity & Digital Inclusion Plan will help the town design intentional strategies and investments to reduce and eliminate historical, institutional and structural barriers to access and technology use.
The plan should address the four components to Digital Inclusion – Affordable Broadband, Affordable Equipment, Digital Literacy/Computer Skills Training, and Public Computer Access.
To create the plan, the town has partnered with VHB, through a grant received from Mass Broadband Institute. VHB will assist the Town in conducting outreach activities, collecting data, and synthesizing the Town's first Digital Equity Plan.
What will the plan do for Westhampton?
The Westhampton Digital Equity & Digital Inclusion Plan will present the options for affordable broadband, affordable equipment and public computer access available to Westhampton residents, either in town, or in the region. The plan may present options for programs that provide devices to those most in need. The plan may also suggest a digital skills training plan for Business Growth & Support; Tourism; Aging in Place; and Residential Resources.
Ok, I'm in! What do I do?
If you are interested in serving as a steering committee member, and are willing to help VHB develop Westhampton's first Digital Equity Plan, please contact Doug FInn by voice call at 413-203-3086, or by email.