Happy February from the Kansas City Coalition for Digital Inclusion!
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Vision: Every citizen and household in the Kansas City metropolitan area has access to the Internet, the equipment needed to use it and the skills needed to take advantage.
Mission: To facilitate collaboration among organizations and initiatives working to bridge the digital divide in order maximize the resources for the greatest impact.
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Here's What's Happening...
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Upcoming Meeting Info:
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If you are not yet a member of the Coalition, click below to sign up!
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Recording of the February gathering of the Kansas City Coalition for Digital Inclusion
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What We Covered:
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State Broadband Agendas in Missouri and Kansas
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CARES Connect Program
- The Kansas City Public Library is excited to offer checkouts of up to 55 Microsoft Surface Go devices so your organization can assist your clients in accessing the internet, online resources, educational support, etc.
- Contact:
- Kansas City Public Library TechHELP
- Tech Access at the Kansas City Public Library now has a device lending program for partner agencies like yours to help you help your clients!
- Missouri Broadband Resource Rail
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Jewish Family Services is hiring!
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Volunteer Opportunities
- Contact sean.cavanaugh@verizonwireless.com
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FCC Announces Roundtable on Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced that she will convene a virtual roundtable discussion on February 12, 2021 to gather public input on how to structure the new Emergency Broadband Benefit Program.
The roundtable will allow interested parties an opportunity to share ideas on the important public policy and program administration decisions that will shape the Commission’s approach to establishing the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program.
Find more details about the roundtable here.
NDIA - Emergency Broadband Benefit: What We Know So Far
The Emergency Broadband Benefit program is a provision of the Consolidated Appropriations Act slated for $3.2 billion to reimburse internet service providers (ISPs) $10 to $50 a month for providing broadband service and up to $100 for providing devices to low-income households.
Read the full rundown here.
LIVE: Nomination Form for 2021 Digital Equity Champions
Named for Charles Benton, the founder of Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, NDIA created the awards to recognize leadership and dedication in advancing digital equity: from promoting the ideal of accessible and affordable communications technology for all Americans to crafting programs and policies that make it a reality. Learn more here!
LIVE: Net Inclusion 2021 Topics and Registration
This Series will include eight one-hour webinars, every Wednesday from April 7th through May 26th at 1 PM ET. All webinars include an additional 30-minute wrap up for conversation and Q&A with panelists and fellow participants. Attendees who register before 3/15 will receive stickers and a thank you letter.
Registration is now live and speakers are in the process of being confirmed.
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IMPORTANT: We Need Your Input!
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Missouri Broadband Resource Rail Signup Form
Missouri is home to a wealth of organizations, programs and people working to support broadband expansion and utilization across the state. Please complete the form below ASAP to share information about what you are working on.
It will take no more than 5 minutes!
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Member Spotlight
See what our members are doing around the community!
February 2021:
Brent Lager
Founder and President, Uncover KC
What Do You Do?
My nonprofit, Uncover KC, works to provide community solutions by connecting people and driving them to action. We create this community engagement through volunteerism, education programming and community organizing. The latter has connected us with the Digital Equity Task Force, where we're working to increase reliable and affordable digital access for all.
Who Do You Serve?
Our programs and services focus on the Kansas City metro area, though we've also been a part of regional efforts in the past. Currently, we have projects and clients on both sides of the stateline.
Any Accomplishments You'd Like to Share?
Like everyone else, last year was a massive challenge. Yet with it came opportunity to make lasting impact, which I feel we did. If I have to highlight one accomplishment from that list, I will always have a soft spot for seeing people in action. Even during a pandemic, we still helped nearly 2,500 volunteers complete over 6,600 service hours, which provided $169,085 in total value for area nonprofits last year. People care and we help them act — that will always make me proud.
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Finally
We look forward to hearing and seeing you all next month. If you have any questions, contact:
Digital Inclusion
digitalinclusion@kclibrary.org
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If you no longer wish to receive these communications, please email digitalinclusion@kclibrary.org for removal from the mailing list.
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