Tech training for the under-served is crucial to our society - economically, socially and politically. I have spent my entire career working toward digital equity. As we see each segment of our lives integrated into the online world, it is becoming more important for EVERYONE to not only have access to the internet but to know how to engage in online activities safely and productively.
CTCNeT is the national organization that has traditionally provided support to community technology centers (ie, nonprofits that provided tech training to the under-served). The initial focus for community technology centers was job training and teaching basic computer usage in low income communities. That evolved over time to include youth media, PC repair, online safety, online job searching, in home computer programs, IT support for nonprofits and online organizing. The target market expanded to include all technologically under-served communities, meaning not just low income but also senior citizens and the disabled.
CTCNet is currently experiencing a very difficult time. Those of us who care about tech training need to decide if a national organization supporting tech training needs to exist and if so, what is its role and who should be doing it? Should we gather the troops and resurrect CTCNet? Should we merge our tech training efforts into another organization? The one option that I adamantly oppose is to do nothing.
Social media is a hot topic right now. Affordable ubiquitous broadband is a hot topic right now. Both are connected to tech training for the under-served. I encourage integrating tech training for the underserved with the growing efforts of social media advocates and the momentum gaining struggle for broadband. There are growing numbers of social media advocates, folks who love using social media and are jazzed about show others how to use social media. Those social media advocates translate into a new pool of volunteers and supporters for tech training programs. Broadband efforts have finally hit their stride (including competing ideas) through inclusion in the economic stimulus bil. In fact, the economic stimulus bill includes funds for not only broadband expansion but also public computer centers. Yet another reason a national organization supporting tech training is needed.
I have specific ideas about the future of a national organizatin supporting tech training but it would be much more valuable to hear from you. Join the Google Group ctcnet-listerv. Talk to others who care about tech training for the under-served and sign the letter to the CTCNet Board of Directors offering your assistance.
Full disclosure: I am the previous Board President of the CTCNet Board of Directors and the previous Executive Director of the Ohio Community Computing Network.
