CONNECT NM News:
SANTA FE — Last Monday marked the beginning of Digital Inclusion Week, an annual weeklong recognition and celebration to draw attention to the importance of digital equity and inclusion in communities nationwide.
The observance is organized by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance and its more than 1,800 affiliates. The weeklong celebration raises awareness and promotes action for digital equity solutions. New Mexico and communities across the country are highlighting their efforts online and in person.
“Digital inclusion is crucial in the broadband world,” said Drew Lovelace, acting director, NM Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE). “Affordability, access to devices, and digital skills training remain a challenge here in New Mexico, and our job is to help bridge that divide, particularly in rural areas. Broadband, online tools and digital literacy should be available to everyone.”
This year’s Digital Inclusion Week theme was “Stronger Together: Mobilizing Towards Sustainability,” highlighting the power of collaboration in ensuring the endurance of the digital equity movement. By fostering a robust digital inclusion ecosystem that connects initiatives across our communities, the movement toward long-term digital inclusion solutions can be sustained.
“This week is a vital platform to celebrate and amplify the community-driven initiatives that are breaking down digital barriers—one connection, one device, and one skill at a time,” Lovelace said.
This year’s events were designed to help families and communities get the information technology capacity needed to participate and grow in the broadband society.
DiverseIT, an Albuquerque nonprofit program, distributed 40 refurbished computers to fire and flood victims in Ruidoso as part of OBAE’s campaign to promote computer donations and distribution. To donate a computer and learn more about the effort, visit https://connect.nm.gov/computers.html
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance advances digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act. It works collaboratively with more than 1,800 digital inclusion practitioners. The organization advocates for equitable broadband access, tech devices, digital skills training and tech support. For more information, visit digitalinclusion.org.
