Digital Equity Forum

The Washington State Office of Equity and the Washington State Broadband Office are partnering to convene and co-chair a Digital Equity Forum. The forum will include representation by:

• Tribal governments
• Underserved and unserved communities, including historically disadvantaged communities
• State legislators
• State Agencies

The Digital Equity Forum expects to meet through October 2022 and is holding community listening sessions to ensure that community stories and voices are heard. Community listening sessions will reflect different community perspectives and interests for broadband access, affordability, and digital literacy. Information on how to participate in listening sessions will be provided through our email distribution list. Community listening sessions will be focused on the following key questions:

• Have you experienced anything that kept you from feeling connected to the internet? If yes, what are the challenges?
• What do you need to be able to use the internet for your personal life?
• What do you need to be able to use the internet for your work or job?
• What could state government do to help support your needs for using the internet?

By January 2023, the Digital Equity Forum will develop recommendations for the Legislature. The forum will consider all voices in developing recommendations that:

• Advance digital equity statewide
• Promote strategies to meet the state’s speed goals

To learn more about the work of the Digital Equity Forum and how to become involved, email: digitalequity@commerce.wa.gov

The Digital Equity Forum is committed to hosting accessible events that promote belonging, justice, and dignity. To request communication services (interpreters, written information in other languages, or other services) or accommodations, please call (360) 688-3472 or 711 (Telephone Relay Service), or email digitalequity@commerce.wa.gov. Please make requests at least 14 days in advance of the event to allow time to make the proper arrangements.