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AZBSN/Connect Arizona
​Digital Inclusion Network And Resources Directory
The Arizona Broadband Stakeholder Network COVID-19 Digital Access Task Force, in collaboration with Connect Arizona, Literacy Connects and many other organizations, are developing a Digital Inclusion Network under the Task Force. The Network will:
  1. Identify and facilitate communication, coordination and collaboration among digital inclusion advocates
    and organizations in Arizona
  2. Raise public awareness of, and ease access to, available digital inclusion resources in Arizona
  3. Expand Digital Access resources in Arizona communities
  4. Develop initiatives and strategies to support Digital Inclusion in Arizona
Our initial plans include:
  1. Developing a Connect Arizona searchable online directory and map of Arizona digital inclusion organizations and resources in Arizona to raise public awareness of, and ease access to, available digital inclusion resources in Arizona Digital Inclusion Directory Survey
  2. Facilitating networking events to enable communication, coordination and collaboration among digital inclusion advocates and organizations in Arizona
  3. Developing initiatives and strategies to support Digital Inclusion in Arizona
  4. Collaborate in development of a statewide Digital Inclusion Pan​
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Digital Inclusion
Network Meetings
Bimonthly, every other Thursday 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Next Meetings
12 :00- 1:00 pm AZ
 February 3

​Topic
Affordable Connectivity Program and how we can start outreach!
Zoom Login
Network Meeting Minutes
ACP MEETING 1 NOTES
Contact
  • Cindy Hogan, Literacy Connects, Digital Inclusion Ambassador Cindy Hogan  
  • Nicole Umayam, Digital Inclusion Library Consultant with the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records Nicole Umayam
What Is Digital Inclusion
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​Digital Inclusion is more than just access to fast affordable and reliable Broadband Internet access. While we need to get everyone connected, we need to ensure that all  Arizona citizens have access to other digital access requirements including:
  • Affordable devices such as computers, smartphones and home hotspots
  • Skills and technical support to enable them to use the devices, the Internet and applications effectively
  • Digital literacy and web literacy skills
  • Access to digital content, applications and other resources
  • Cyber Security
Network Participation
How Do I Join
​Instructions and Form
Who Should Participate?
Who Is Participating?
  • Display Form
Participation Is Encouraged By All
Digital Inclusion Resource Directory
What Is The Directory
Connect Arizona is creating a searchable directory of Arizona organizations engaged in digital inclusion initiatives. If your organization provides digital inclusion resources such as free or low-cost internet access or devices (computers, tablets, router, hotspots), computer skills training, technical assistance, or advocacy, we would like to have you in the directory and to collaborate and coordinate with other digital inclusion advocates. We know that there are numerous programs, services and tools available across Arizona, but unfortunately many who need these resources may be unaware of them. The directory will be accessible on the Connect Arizona website. If you are interested, please take a few minutes to complete the survey to sign up.  
Get Your Organization Added To The Directory Here (URL?)
How do I add my organization?
Display Or Link to Directory
The COVID-19 Crises and the Need for Digital Access
Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic the world is creating the largest telecommunity of all time. Social and physical distancing is becoming the new normal requiring unprecedented demand for digital access. Schools are closed and are working hard to convert to online and digital learning! Businesses are closed or transitioning to online engagement with their customers, while millions of employees are working from home and participating in online meetings with colleagues! Libraries are closed and often unable to provide internet access to their patrons! Overwhelmed healthcare facilities committed to meeting demand and protecting patients and staff, are providing interaction with patients through telemedicine! Government services are transitioning to online citizen access!

None of this is possible without fast, reliable and affordable broadband internet access. Unfortunately, those services are not available to many tribal, rural and other underserved communities and low-income neighborhoods in Arizona. Many students can’t participate in online learning, and the populations most in need of telemedicine such as the elderly and those existing serious health conditions, often cannot access telemedicine services. Many small business are unable to provide telework opportunities for their employees. Without broadband, many are isolated and unable to communicate with their friends, family, colleagues, and, perhaps most importantly, their healthcare providers. These citizens are being left behind because they don’t have access to reliable broadband.

Broadband is only one piece of the puzzle. To participate in the telecommunity, everyone will require access to digital resources and services including broadband, technology and digital content.  
What has become clear is the importance of digital access, and Arizona’s
​lack of  digital access resources and services to serve all of Arizona’s communities.
About Connect Arizona
A COLLABORATIVE DIGITAL EQUITY INITIATIVE
The Connect Arizona Website and Interactive Map provides user friendly access to free Wi-Fi hotspots and technical support resources in Arizona. The locations on this map include free public Wi-Fi hotspots at public libraries, schools, businesses and other sites, as well as broadband provider Wi-Fi capabilities made available to the public. The site also provides information on free and discounted resources to get connected and free technical support. Thousands of Arizona  citizens have taken advantage of this resource.

​Connect Arizona is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. This initiative focuses on ensuring all individuals and communities have: 1) Affordable, high-speed internet service. 2) Affordable computers and devices. 3) Digital skills. 4) Trusted technical support. 5) Quality online resources that inspire users to meet their own specific goals. Under a digital equity framework, this work prioritizes marginalized and historically underrepresented communities who are most impacted by the digital divide.

Link 
About AZBSN COVID -19 Digital Access Task Force
​In 2019 the Arizona Telecommunications and Information Council (ATIC) and the Greater Arizona Educational Leadership (GAZEL) organization created the Arizona Broadband Stakeholder Network (AZBSN). AZBSN is facilitating collaboration, coordination, information sharing and communication among public, private and nonprofit stakeholders engaged in initiatives to promote digital access in communities throughout Arizona, including deployment of affordable and reliable broadband internet access. Digital access will to enable those communities to utilize those connections to: support 21st Century education, create jobs and support economic development; train a 21st century workforce; enhance public safety and health care and; connect their citizens to the world.

​The Network will lead to collaborative projects, development of joint grant applications, sharing of funding and other resources, aggregation of demand at the state and local level and policy discussions. AZBSN has become a primary organization for communication to stakeholders throughout the state. 
​Consistent with this AZBSN mission, and in response to the COVID-19 dramatic increase in demand for digital access, AZBSN established the COVID-19 Digital Access Task Force.  More than 60 public and private digital access advocates are participating in the statewide Task Force. These leaders and industry experts are sharing information and collaborating on recommendations and critical digital access initiatives for the State. ​See more info about Task Force participants below.
​The Task Force has been meeting weekly at, believe it or not, 7:30 am every Monday morning. True dedication! Task Force meetings include regular Federal and State updates from: the Arizona Commerce Authority’s State Broadband Director; the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records; the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction with Arizona Department of Education; the Sun Corridor Network; the Arizona Corporation Commission, the Arizona Telemedicine Program and the Arizona Telemedicine Broadband Action Team; the Sun Corridor Network and; a many educational and nonprofit organizations. Each week we also highlight a Digital Access Resource organization.
The Task Force Is:
  • Facilitating collaboration, coordination, information sharing and communication among key public, private and nonprofit stakeholders
  • Collaborating on priority initiatives for schools, libraries, telemedicine, communities, and more
  • Developing a statewide COVID-19 digital access strategy to support, schools, universities, community colleges, students, homes, libraries, health care facilities, businesses and communities
  • Identifying and advocating for funding to enable implementation of COVID-19 Digital Access Projects

Contact and Join The Task Force

Contact

Steve Peters, Coordinator,
​AZBSN and COVID-19 Digital Access Task Force
aticarizona@gmail.com
Phone and Text: ​520-321-1309 ​