1. Milwaukee Digital Inclusion Program
Draft: January 26, 2007, Milwaukee Department of Administration

2. Mayor Tom Barrett’s Vision for Digital Inclusion
In creating the Milwaukee Wireless Initiative, Mayor Tom Barrett directed that a program be developed and structured to provide opportunities for ALL Milwaukee citizens to participate in the digital society. The goal is universal and affordable access to the benefits of technology for all segments of our community.

3. What is Digital Inclusion?
Every Milwaukee resident deserves access to the social, civic, educational and economic opportunities the Internet provides.

4. Digital Inclusion Asks:
What social and political barriers to technology access and literacy exist?
How does technology affect human rights, civic participation, and social inclusion?
How does technology impact economic development?

5. A Nation Online? 68% of Americans use the Internet 79% of Whites
57% of African-Americans
38% of Americans with disabilities
37% of Hispanics
29% of non-high school graduates
26% age 60 and older
“Digital Divisions”, Report of the Pew Internet & American Life Project, October 2005

6. Persistent Barriers Include:
Limited technology literacy skills
Anxiety and fear of technology tools
Limited education and literacy levels
Language and accessibility barriers
Irrelevant content
Availability of affordable Internet access
Cost of entry (hardware and software)

7. Technology Literacy Is…
The ability to responsibly, creatively, and effectively use appropriate technology to:
Communicate
Access, collect, manage, evaluate information
Solve problems and create solutions
Build and share knowledge
Improve and enhance learning in all subject areas and experiences

8. Is Internet Access Critical?
Job listings and applications
E-Government services
Register and choose schools
Communicate with teachers, elected officials and others
Online learning
Financial services
Health care information
Social inclusion and civic engagement

9. Milwaukee “Digitial Divide” Indicators
Estimated that less than 20% of households in central city have home computers
Overall unemployment rate of 12.7%, with 3-5% higher rate for African-Americans
High school graduation rates around 60%
25-30% of population at or under the poverty rate
84% of public school students eligible for free lunch at school
2nd in nation in teen pregnancy rates

10. Digital Inclusion Requires:
Computers (hardware & software)
Access (to the Internet)
Content (relevant to target audience)
Training (initial)
Support (ongoing)

11. Computers (hardware & software)
Work with vendors to secure low-cost alternatives for the Milwaukee Initiative
Work with local companies to get good used computers donated
Work with local refurbishers/recyclers to renovate used computers
Develop distribution methods

12. Access (to the Internet)
Internet Service Providers charge for access accounts
But… “walled garden” provides free access to 60 web sites in the wireless network
Some service providers may offer free advertising-based Internet accounts
Competition will help to keep prices low

13. Content (relevant to target audience)
“Walled garden” provides relevant content
Mayor appoints board to designate sites
Sites should focus on resources for economic, educational, civic success and engagement
Other options being explored (Beehive)

14. Training (initial)
Target audience must be taught how to effectively use the technology
Engage local training resources
Students may be an excellent resource
Community technology centers
Libraries (City libraries provide free computer access and training)

15. Support (ongoing)
Help residents become comfortable with using technology by providing adequate support to work through technical glitches and problems
Engage local resources, perhaps from same sources as training

16. Community Input Community meetings/ listening sessions Surveys
Understand existing technology needs
Examine community-based strategies that meet these needs
Work through the Mayor’s Digital Inclusion Action Team to review and prioritize community needs and approaches

17. Mayor’s Digital Inclusion Action Team Members
Education
Libraries
Non-Profits
Corporate
Government
Community
Local employers and businesses

18. Mayor’s Digital Inclusion Action Team Mission
The Milwaukee Digital Inclusion Program will extend the benefits of technology – hardware, software, wireless access, relevant content, training and support – to underserved segments and areas of the community. The goal is universal and affordable access to the benefits of technology. Through the provision of an integrated group of services, citizens will learn to use technology to expand their opportunities and improve their lives. This will in turn improve the local economy, help transform neighborhoods and positively impact civic engagement and public safety.

19. Milwaukee Digital Inclusion Pilot Project
AT&T “Access All” grant project
Provides two years free DSL access for selected households
Provided through One Economy
Need to provide computers and training and support
Content would be provided through the Beehive from One Economy

20. “Equal access to technology is the civil rights issue of the 21st century.”