Celebrate Digital Inclusion Week

While you might already be aware of October being the month for celebrating Lights On Afterschool, did you know there is another celebration happening as well? Digital Inclusion Week is October 7 to 11 this year, but it is being honored the entire month of October. Similar to how Lights On Afterschool shines a spotlight on all the great things happening in afterschool programs, Digital Inclusion Week offers a space dedicated to highlighting the on-going need for digital access in today’s modern world, while also celebrating the ways communities and organizations are ensuring equitable access to digital opportunity.

This year’s theme, “Stronger Together: Mobilizing Towards Sustainability,” highlights the power of collaboration in ensuring the longevity of the digital equity movement. The National Digital Inclusion Alliance is supporting organizations and individuals throughout the country in hosting awareness-raising events, promoting the need for digital inclusion via social media campaigns, and sharing digital inclusion success stories with the media. Throughout the month, a variety of organizations will be hosting events showcasing ways they are closing the digital divide. For instance, ONEgeneration in Reseda, California will be bringing together local high school students with senior citizens for technology tutoring throughout the week.

Afterschool programs are already working to increase digital opportunity and close the access gaps. STEMarts Lab in New Mexico fosters science and digital literacy skills with a focus on knowledge creation, empowering under-represented youth leaders with the skills to transition from digital content consumers to producers, while at the same time providing community spaces for internet and computer access.

If you are already planning a Lights On Afterschool event or are still thinking about planning one, consider showcasing how your programs are bridging the digital divide and engaging youth in digital opportunity. This can be a great way to celebrate both Lights On Afterschool and Digital Inclusion Week all in one while demonstrating to the public and policymakers the role of afterschool in digital inclusion. You can even combine the Digital Inclusion Week toolkits and the Lights On Afterschool toolkit to create a combo event!

If you do plan a Digital Inclusion Week event, register your event and please let us know about it!