Arizona’s community partners convene to activate inclusive digital communities

Efforts to close the digital divide are mounting across the U.S. and globally. On the national agenda, significant investments by the current White House administration to build more broadband infrastructure continue to become available.   

Every year, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance hosts Digital Inclusion Week as a time to recognize the collective efforts underway to increase internet connectivity for communities.. This year’s theme is “Building Connected Communities,” with celebrations happening from October 2-6. 

And on Tuesday, October 3, teams at Arizona State University (ASU) participated in Arizona’s Digital Inclusion Celebration, co-hosted by ShapingEDU and the Digital Equity Institute.

The virtual event convened 25 speakers from across industries, including higher education, nonprofits, healthcare, and government officials to connect around the state’s opportunity to address the digital divide. The celebration showcased how Arizona changemakers are committed to taking action for all Arizonans.

The three-hour agenda was jam-packed with lightning presentations, giving participants the opportunity to learn more from local industry experts about the state of digital inclusion in Arizona – with ASU at the forefront of this charge.

A recent $34.6M grant from The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors makes ASU the largest university-led digital equity initiative in the country, with the goal of connecting more Arizonans to bolster digital proficiency and distribute internet-connected devices to those in need. According to Lev Gonick, chief information officer at ASU, this connectivity is not possible without the support of the entire community. 

“Our community extends to all of the insights, all of the energy and all the programmatic efforts that connect ASU to the community, particularly in the area of digital equity and digital inclusion.” 

In today’s ever-growing digital landscape, the event surfaced three main themes for improving access, and enhancing our interactions, online for all.

Accessibility and affordability are not mutually exclusive

While the internet might seem like it’s guaranteed, many neighborhoods across Maricopa County and rural parts of the state – including 22 Tribal Nations – lack adequate internet performance needed for remote work, learning, or accessing crucial telehealth services. 

Much of this work in mapping communities and areas in the most need starts with government partners. Lyle S. Ishida, Federal Communications Commission - Chief, Consumer Affairs and Outreach Division; Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau spoke about equity means connectivity for all. 

“On the policy side, we hope it will help you all view the world where digital equity is not just a goal, but as a reality. Within the Affordable Connectivity Program, our team continues to work with partners around the country.” 

Community hives and anchors serve as the central connection points 

Mapping the geographic areas in need is the first step. Partnering with organizations like the  Sun Corridor Network helps ASU and teams of faculty, students and staff help identify anchors in the community.

Typically, these anchors – for example, libraries and community centers – are physical “hives” of activity for citizens to gather, connect and get information. But as Derek Masseth, executive director at the Sun Corridor Network, notes those solutions must include the community from the start in order for initiatives to be successful. 

"You can't come into a community trying to solve the problem until you understand it. And then when you get there, you must focus on learning and understanding the problem through the lens of those communities,” he said. 

Human-centered solutions are at the heart of digital transformation

At the crux of any technological advancement are people, and that’s where initiatives like the Digital Navigators Program, offered through the Digital Equity Institute, come into play. 

The navigators program is currently being launched in Arizona and aims to equip all users of technology with all the tools and literacy they need to use it safely and fairly. 

Alexa Tarvid is a Digital Navigator Lead with ASU’s Experience Center, part of Enterprise Technology. She reminded listeners that people can resist technology for many different deep-rooted reasons and it takes trust and time to help people overcome them.

“As these barriers grow, their confidence and understanding of technology as a tool to improve their life and fight for their dreams can also grow. A digital navigator's primary goal is to meet the community where they are and create a safe space where community members can make mistakes and learn.”