MAY IS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH
Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) each May, Older Americans Month celebrates older adults’ unique and lasting contributions to their communities. This year’s theme is “Communities of Strength.” The last year presented older Americans with several unforeseen challenges — from shifting to a digital world of telehealth and Zoom activities, to enduring long periods of isolation and self-quarantine. Nonetheless, CTN’s community of older adult learners has been resilient and enthusiastic in their digital skills training. They consistently show up to learn, grow, and form virtual relationships with those around them. As CTN works to foster relationships across generations and cultures, we celebrate the many ways that older adults enrich our lives. We would like to thank all our older adult learners and staff members for improving our communities and making us stronger!
NEW FEDERAL FUNDING FOR DIGITAL EQUITY
- Covering the cost of a household’s broadband service, including through bulk purchases
- Outreach for low-cost and subsidized broadband service
- Digital literacy training
- Digital navigation
- Purchasing devices for households
- Broadband infrastructure
Increased national attention to the digital divide means we are on a path towards gaining more resources and funding for digital inclusion efforts. While we hope to receive more details on how this funding can be used for digital inclusion in the coming weeks, it appears that the act will support:
- Making service affordable
- Helping people develop the skills they need to use the internet
To get your community connected, we recommend contacting state or local officials to discuss how these funds could help. You can also contact us at inquiries@communitytechnetwork.org and tell us about your needs.
COMMUNITY TECH NETWORK SPOTLIGHT
STAFF: KAMI GRIFFITHS’ VOLUNTEER JOURNEY
“If you’re interested in starting a nonprofit, volunteer for one first,” says CTN’s co-founder and executive director Kami Griffiths.
Follow along with Kami’s long history of volunteering and how it has shaped CTN’s volunteer program.
PARTNER: CALLE 24
Calle 24’s mission is to advocate for the cultural continuity, vitality, and community of San Francisco’s Latino Cultural District.
Read how our partnership is helping older small business owners and advocating for digital equity.
VOLUNTEER: JARED BODDUM
“It’s not about the computer. That is an aspect of the work, but it is mostly about teaching, communication, and meeting people where they are,” says Jared Boddum, one of CTN’s longest-serving volunteers.
Check out Jared’s journey with CTN over the past six years.
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR EMERGENCY BROADBAND BENEFIT PROGRAM
Last week, the Federal Communications Commission began accepting applications for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. The temporary program — launched to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic — provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit or by calling 833-511-0311. Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail-in application. If you’re struggling to help your community get connected, we may be able to help. Email us at inquiries@communitytechnetwork.org and tell us about your needs.
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