The digital divide, the gulf between those who have easy access to computers and high-speed internet and those who don't, has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In Forsyth County, a collaborative of stakeholders is taking steps to bridge that divide.
After stay-at-home orders were issued last spring, a group of community members came together to make the transition from digital divide to digital inclusion. Digital inclusion encompasses access to broadband internet, internet-enabled devices beyond smartphones, and the digital literacy that is required to fully utilize these resources.
In February, the Forsyth County Digital Equity Committee launched a partnership with A/R360 Consultants to develop a digital equity plan for the county. A/R360 is a national, woman-owned consulting firm with experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and broadband assessments.
A/R360 will work with the FCDE to publish a Digital Equity Plan that is being funded by the Kate B Reynolds Charitable Trust, the Z Smith Reynolds Foundation, and the Building a New Digital Economy Program (BAND-NC) at the Institute for Emerging Issues at North Carolina State University.
The FCDE comprises more than 30 stakeholders and is led by an eight-member Planning Committee from the following entities:
- Forsyth Futures
- Housing Authority Winston-Salem
- Local Community Members
- The City of Winston-Salem
- The Winston-Salem Foundation
- Wake Forest University
- WinstonNet
- Winston-Salem State University
“We are excited to begin this planning process in earnest,” commented Lynda Goff, Executive Director of WinstonNet and Planning Committee Member. “WinstonNet has been advocating for digital inclusion for more than 20 years, because we recognize that it is a civil rights issue. This Plan is long overdue.”
A/R360 and the FCDE will soon begin engaging community leaders and residents to gain input on the plan to end the digital divide countywide.
“A/R360 is honored to join WinstonNet and Forsyth County in developing their Plan,” said Lindsey Riley, vice president and fo-founder of A/R360. “Our Team knows that digital access is the foundation to providing equitable education, healthcare, workforce training, entrepreneurial opportunity, and business support to all residents. This Plan will be powerful for Forsyth County’s future.”
According to Margaret Robinson, a Winston-Salem community leader and FCDE Planning Committee Member, the planning process will rely heavily on the wisdom and insight of those from marginalized communities.
“We want to hear from our community. They are the experts in what has kept them from being able to fully participate in the digital world so far,” Robinson said.
