Mayor Wheeler proclaimed May 7-11, 2018 to be Digital Inclusion Week in Portland!

“My vision for Portland is one where every resident has access to opportunity. It will take a community effort to move the needle; no organization or government entity can tackle this important issue alone. That’s why I commend the participants of the Digital Inclusion Network for their commitment of time, resources and passion to this work.” Mayor Ted Wheeler, City of Portland

During the proclamation presentation, we were thrilled to have Rania Ahmed, from EveryoneOn, announce that a partnership between the City of Portland and Home Forward resulted in ConnectHomeUSA membership. ConnectHomeUSA is a movement to bridge the digital divide for HUD-assisted housing residents under the leadership of national non-profit, EveryoneOn. The City and Home Forward are excited about opportunities to learn from what others are doing across the country and to partner with industry leaders around a common cause. 

Mayor Wheeler signed an open letter offering his support for corporate computer recycling to programs like Free Geek. Free Geek's Corporate Technology Donations program repurposes technology to help students, low-income families, and charitable organizations access technology that they otherwise could not afford.

The DIN hosted the 2018 DIGITAL INCLUSION SUMMIT on Thursday, May 10. The 2018 Summit was designed to share insights, identify knowledge gaps and continue our collaborative work to achieve digital equity. Participants took advantage of inspirational keynotes, panel discussions, and networking breaks to help advance our collective efforts to build a digitally connected, prosperous community. Learn more.

Throughout the week, DIN partners, community-based organizations, public agencies, business partners, etc. shared details about existing digital inclusion programs happening during the week and hosted local events related to digital inclusion. A snapshot of events was captured in a DIN sponsored Calendar of Digital Inclusion Community Events.