LEARN: Free trainings for Digital Inclusion Week 2024

We’re just a few days out from Digital Inclusion Week (#DIW2024) and this year promises to be bigger than ever.

Fresh off the heels of the DE Competitive Grant application window closing, the first full week of October is a chance to celebrate each other for the work that goes unnoticed the rest of the year. It’s “a national week of action to elevate digital equity throughout the country” (via DIW2024 organizers National Digital Inclusion Alliance).

Libraries for Digital Equity is hosting 3 events over the week, all free and open to anyone.

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Our #DIW2024 events

Join us for a special webinar with PCs for People! You’ll get actionable ideas for advancing device access and sustainable e-waste practices. Our speakers will share stories that have worked for other libraries, plus tips on how to connect your patrons with their service. Don’t miss this one!

PCs for People is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which helps to bridge the digital divide by making affordable refurbished computers and internet service available to low income households.  They provide organizations with no-charge data destruction and e-waste recycling services and then refurbish computers for redistribution.

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“If nothing changes, we won’t be here next year.”

A digital navigator speaks out

We found a digital navigator willing to give us the down and dirty from behind the scenes in their DN program. Check out their tips on surviving this high-burnout role, secrets they won’t tell their boss, and suggestions on what your library can do differently.

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5 Trends to Watch in Libraries and Digital Inclusion

We’re still celebrating! Thursday morning we’ll release a new micro-training covering the latest and greatest from digital equity innovators across the country. You never know – you might find the inspiration for your next big thing.

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Events from elsewhere across the web

DI Week doesn’t have to stop yet. There are great organizations doing free events all week long. Check out these ones you and your library colleagues may be interested in.

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Building for Digital Equity (#B4DE) livestream event

By Institute for Local Self Reliance

Mon. 10/7, 3pm-4:15pm ET | Register

“For our third #B4DE of the year, the theme will be “Coalition Building for Success” and will bring together hundreds of frontline digital inclusion practitioners from across the nation to delve into the importance of working in coalition to grow the digital equity movement, especially as Digital Equity Act grant programs are being established. As with the previous #B4DE events, the Digital Inclusion Week live stream will be co-hosted by NDIA’s Pamela Rosales and ILSR’s Community Broadband Networks Initiative Director Christopher Mitchell.”

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Digital Inclusion 101

By National Digital Inclusion Alliance

Wed. 10/9, 2 p.m. EST | Register 

“Digital Inclusion practitioners have been working to end the digital divide for decades. Digital inclusion is a multifaceted issue that takes time to understand and NDIA is here to help set the stage for what you need to know!”

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The Library Frontier: True Grit

By Community Tech Network

Thur. 10/10, 12pm-1pm PT | Register

“Join us for a continued discussion on our libraries’ crucial efforts to bridge the digital divide across Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Tribal Lands. This webinar will feature insights from panelists Bo Ford (Digital Equity Program Manager, New Mexico State Library) and Taylor Meriwether (Technology and Digital Accessibility Officer, Oklahoma Department of Libraries) who will share their experiences and strategies in addressing digital inclusion in these regions. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and successes in expanding access to technology and digital resources in underserved, rural, geographically isolated, and diverse communities.”

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Why #DIW2024?

This is the 8th annual Digital Inclusion Week, brainchild of NDIA. Here’s their reasoning, and 4 ways organizations benefit:

We’re living in a pivotal time for digital inclusion action. More resources than ever are available now and will continue to be released to support digital inclusion work. Take the opportunity to share your work, offer services to your community, raise awareness, and gain supporters, who may be key to continuing digital inclusion. 

National Digital Inclusion Alliance

As we see federal law turn into actual funding for digital inclusion, now is the time to mobilize and create a lasting impact. “Stronger Together: Mobilizing Towards Sustainability” is our theme for Digital Inclusion Week 2024. We invite advocates, policymakers, community leaders, educators, researchers, and others to come together this week – and all year long – to advance digital equity nationwide.

Angela Siefer, NDIA Executive Director

About National Digital Inclusion Alliance: NDIA advances digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act. Working collaboratively with more than 1,800 digital inclusion practitioners, NDIA advocates for equitable broadband access, tech devices, digital skills training, and tech support.

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Finally, let us know if your library does something to mark the week. Are you hosting a device recycling drive? Debuting new hotspots? Holding your regular tech help hours? We’d love to interview you about your experience. Reach us at contact@libraries4de.org.