Digital Inclusion Coalitions are growing across the country; communities recognize the need for committed, organized partnerships that exhibit a unified voice to improve digital inequities. If you have concerns for your community and its members’ ability to participate effectively in the digital world, forming a digital inclusion coalition may be beneficial.

During this program, we will interview members of newly formed coalitions, explore establishing and sustaining a coalition as well as the name the real work happening right now.

From the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, here are some reasons why you might form a digital inclusion coalition:

> To present a unified community voice around digital inclusion
> To raise awareness about digital inequities and the impact on your communities
> To support digital inclusion providers through professional development, networking, and information-sharing
> To strengthen the impact of digital inclusion programs through service partnerships
> To raise funding for digital inclusion programs
> To build political support for public investment in digital inclusion programs
> To develop a collective understanding about the need for digital inclusion among providers in specific areas of community development (i.e., health, education, workforce development, civic engagement)

Presenters on this call include:
> Scott Kushner, Director, LaFayette Public Library, founder of Central New York Digital Inclusion Coalition
> Annabeth Hayes, Director, Tully Free Library, founder of Central New York Digital Inclusion Coalition
> Stacey Martin, Digital Inclusion Coordinator at Finger Lakes Digital Inclusion Coalition

The Digital Equity webinar series is organized by the New York State Library and the New York State Education Department, in partnership with the METRO Library Council and the Northern New York Library Network.

Register @ METRO