Did you know that 16 percent of American adults and 58 percent of older American adults don’t use the internet? This can be a scary fact in the 21st century, but there is a movement to bring about change and provide all the benefits of digital technology to people without a computer, digital skills, or internet access. This movement is called “digital inclusion.”
The San Francisco Public Library will be hosting a weeklong event called Digital Inclusion Week from May 8 to May 13. The event will promote internet accessibility and offer technology classes that improve computer skills, explain the benefits of the internet, and reduce digital inequalities in our local communities.
The library’s weeklong celebration will feature a variety of events related to digital inclusion:
- Movie screenings
- Hands-on classes
- Panel discussions
- A technology exposition with resources for seniors and others
- A weeklong Learning for Action game and raffle
- Digital device giveaways
- Exciting keynote speakers and more
CTN will be there hosting two events during the week. We are excited to participate and will be congregating a collage of different experts and leaders in digital inclusion to discuss challenges and celebrate successes.
- Panel discussion and call to action: Digital Equity in San Francisco Now
Monday, May 8 at 10:30 a.m. at Koret Auditorium (Main Library Lower Level, 100 Larkin Street)
This event kicks off Digital Inclusion Week and will include speakers and an engaging panel discussion focusing on digital inclusion and how the lack of internet access and digital skills is holding some people back. You will learn what’s possible in a society that is fully connected and find out what you can do to make an impact on your community.
- Digital Leaders Awards 2017
Wednesday, May 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Twitter Headquarters (1355 Market Street)
We will host our second annual Digital Leaders Awards, bringing together prominent leaders from both the community and business. We will celebrate the many people and organizations that work daily to educate our local communities in the many benefits of computer and internet innovations. This inspiring event showcases new heroes and enduring leaders in the digital inclusion movement. This is an opportunity to inspire everyone who wants to make a difference in the world of digital inclusion.
To learn more, visit the Digital Inclusion Week page on the San Francisco Public Library website, and don’t forget to peruse the CTN site to learn more about our programs and how you can get involved!
