Friday @ Laney: Oakland Digital Inclusion Summit
lailan sandra huen
fyi, this is happening in oakland this friday...
they are working to build a community-based internet network for oakland.
peace,
lailan
OAKLAND DIGITAL INCLUSION SUMMIT
Friday, February 15th, 2008 10:00 AM
Laney College Theater
900 Fallon Street Oakland CA
(Minutes from the Lake Merrit BART Station)
Technology is a powerful tool for education, communication, creativity, sharing vital information and connecting with others to mobilize for justice and human rights. But a deep digital divide exists - a very real gap in who has access to the Internet. Join us in finding real solutions to ending the digital divide in Oakland. Help us make the Internet affordable and accessible to everyone.
The event is free.
Refreshments and entertainment provided.
RSVP required as space is limited.
--> http://digii.wordpress.com
On February 15, 2008 Oakland is hosting its first Digital Inclusion Summit (a.k.a. ODIS) at the Laney College Theater, a collective step forward for organizations and service providers working to end the digital divide in Northern California.. ODIS will bring together community members, policy makers, industry professionals, educators, and nonprofit agencies working across the digital inclusion and government sectors to discuss policy direction, strategies, new partnership opportunities, and how best to utilize emerging technologies to provide affordable technology and internet access throughout Oakland. Particular attention will be given to neighborhoods and areas with minimal coverage and low-income communities.
A direct implementation of Mayor Dellums Citizen Task Force on Universal Access to Technology and the Internet, the summit will also feature the launching of Digital Inclusion Oakland – a network of service providers and resource centers with a broad range of technical and educational offerings. ODIS aims to thoughtfully develop policies that comprehensively address issues of ownership, hardware, content, and training in a community-focused environment.
The key objectives of ODIS are to raise awareness, especially among policy makers, of the issues surrounding digital inclusion in Oakland, assess the effects of the digital divide in Oakland, identify appropriate strategies to tackle the digital divide, showcase Oakland digital inclusion projects and technologies, network with the various players in digital inclusion, such as service providers and community organizations, and begin to develop digital inclusion policies for underserved and low-income communities in Oakland.
A snapshot of the ODIS sessions includes an overview of current perspectives on Oakland's digital divide, an analysis of case studies where technology was used to achieve digital inclusion, and break-out sessions for service providers, policy makers, and other community stakeholder to brainstorm next steps in making community internet and digital inclusion a reality for Oakland. Oakland organizations and community groups will also showcase examples of how they are using information and communication technologies (ICTs) in creative ways that benefit underserved communities in the area. Live performances from Bay Area artists will also be featured!