While it’s easier today for marginalized communities to obtain cell phones and email addresses, keeping that digital presence consistently presents a challenge. Not only does maintaining that presence ensure that they are easily reachable, it also helps with community inclusion, connection and more. In partnership with the Technology Association of Oregon the Oregon Digital Safety Net has set out to eliminate that obstacle.
By building a platform that gives users a permanent phone number, email address and a digital vault, the ORDSN is ensuring equal access to the digital world, no matter the situation someone is in. Communication should not end due to life disruptions or a lost or stolen phone or computer. By eliminating the barriers caused by shifting contact information, marginalized groups gain stability and better opportunities for advancement — from job access to staying connected with their community.
The ORDSN distributes “evergreen” mobile numbers and email addresses that connect to any device, providing a consistent line of communication over time.
“What it means to participate in modern life today is being reachable by the most important people in your circle — it’s critical,” said Carol Coye Benson, ORSDN Founder.
Benson co-founded ORDSN with Siva Narendra. Benson's knowledge spans the gamut of product development, having served in the financial services industry since the introduction of the ATM. Working with giants like Bank of America, Citibank, Visa and Deutsche Bank, she has witnessed how a simple piece of technology, like the ATM, tremendously impacts people’s lives. For Narendra, he’s been in the technology industry for nearly 30 years, from early days as an Intel engineer, to founding and co-founding several companies that build digital technologies.
Personally, I can’t think of a better team to bring this vision to life than Benson and Narendra. I’ve seen a lot in the 11 years that I’ve been with TAO and I’m constantly amazed at the fact people like these two are in our region. Oregon is a great place to do work like this because there are so many global thought leaders that want to come together to solve issues that affect cities all over the world. There’s an openness to innovation here that I find very encouraging.
While the synergy between the two has created an environment ripe for bringing this innovation to life, it became clear they needed additional support to build the technology infrastructure. Turning to TAO was a no brainer decision to tap into the industry group's network of members and donors who are dedicated to tech innovation.
The benefits of this initiative doesn’t stop with the needs of individuals, either. The group has learned that permanent phone numbers and email addresses serve the institutions that need to reach people, such as hospitals and medical clinics.
Both ORDSN and TAO will be focused on the scalability of the initiative, expanding services based on user feedback, and establishing the Safety Net as a best practice model for other regions across the United States. For more information about the ORDSN contact Sarah Koski at sarah.koski@techoregon.org.
This is part of a regular guest column written by the Technology Association of Oregon in collaboration with Mission North. If you are interested in submitting a guest post please email Malia Spencer at mspencer@bizjournals.com.
