Digital Equity & Inclusion Working Group
Chairs |
Chair Eli Guinnee
Co-Chair Catherine Nicoloau |
Mission |
To ensure that digital equity, accessibility, and inclusion are the driving forces of all actions of broadband initiatives in New Mexico so that all New Mexicans present, and future have the capacity to access social, economic, educational, employment, cultural, and health opportunities.
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Schedule |
Meets every other Thursday 11am-12noon
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ContactJoin |
Co-Chair Eli Guinnee eli.guinnee@dca.nm.gov
Co-Chair Catherine Nicolaou cnicolaou@cabq.gov To receive information and invite to attend
Digital Equity and Inclusion Working Group meetings as a non-voting member, register online here |
From Digital Equity Stakeholders::
Broadband is bringing many opportunities to the residents of New Mexico to gain access to dependable, affordable internet services! Multiple generations of New Mexicans stand to benefit from connecting to internet services. Digital Equity funding and activities will help bridge the technology gap for those who are not yet served by quality, affordable internet services. Health Action New Mexico, a statewide non-profit advocacy organization, is focusing efforts to help the communities most in need of internet services to become aware of the many opportunities that broadband is bringing and to get prepared to get involved in those opportunities. Broadband empowers families to succeed in education, in getting well-paying jobs, in social interactions with friends and family worldwide, in preserving cultures, in gaining healthcare access, in advancing personal goals, and more. Digital Equity helps keep the promise of the opportunities of broadband for those who need it the most in New Mexico. Joe Martinez, Health Action New Mexico
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance defines Digital Equity as “the condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy.” For me, the key point is that the capacity to fully participate does not stop with physical access to appropriate hardware, software, and network connectivity. If we are striving for digital equity, we must also ensure that systems are designed for accessibility and with diverse populations in mind. Those populations must also have the opportunity to participate in education and training programs that teach them how to use those tools effectively, efficiently and creatively to support their own interests and goals. We are rapidly advancing into a digital age that will be shaped by information technology, including advances in automation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. It is therefore more critical than ever that we design programs, systems, and services for equity, algorithmic justice, and empowerment of diverse populations in the use of digital technology. Elisha Allen, Director Online Strategies & Academic Technologies UNM
Broadband is bringing many opportunities to the residents of New Mexico to gain access to dependable, affordable internet services! Multiple generations of New Mexicans stand to benefit from connecting to internet services. Digital Equity funding and activities will help bridge the technology gap for those who are not yet served by quality, affordable internet services. Health Action New Mexico, a statewide non-profit advocacy organization, is focusing efforts to help the communities most in need of internet services to become aware of the many opportunities that broadband is bringing and to get prepared to get involved in those opportunities. Broadband empowers families to succeed in education, in getting well-paying jobs, in social interactions with friends and family worldwide, in preserving cultures, in gaining healthcare access, in advancing personal goals, and more. Digital Equity helps keep the promise of the opportunities of broadband for those who need it the most in New Mexico. Joe Martinez, Health Action New Mexico
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance defines Digital Equity as “the condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy.” For me, the key point is that the capacity to fully participate does not stop with physical access to appropriate hardware, software, and network connectivity. If we are striving for digital equity, we must also ensure that systems are designed for accessibility and with diverse populations in mind. Those populations must also have the opportunity to participate in education and training programs that teach them how to use those tools effectively, efficiently and creatively to support their own interests and goals. We are rapidly advancing into a digital age that will be shaped by information technology, including advances in automation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. It is therefore more critical than ever that we design programs, systems, and services for equity, algorithmic justice, and empowerment of diverse populations in the use of digital technology. Elisha Allen, Director Online Strategies & Academic Technologies UNM
A number of Working Groups were established to support the Connect New Mexico initiative. To learn about additional Connect New Mexico Working Groups, click this Link