Celebrate Digital Equity Advocates

2020 has been so dark. In the throes of a pandemic, we know so much has been lost – is still being lost. But for just a few moments, let us celebrate the achievements of digital equity advocates. Because 2020 only proves how essential our work is. Millions in the US have lost jobs this year. But digital equity advocates have helped people find new employment because of their connections to and expertise with the internet. Schools around the country closed but, because of digital equity advocates, some kids who would have been blocked from online classrooms were able to connect and keep learning. Doctors curtailed routine visits, but digital equity advocates helped connect those able to make use of telehealth services and help them stay well. Government officials closed their facilities, but the people digital equity advocates connected were able to access services online. We all wish that, after all these years of fighting for digital equity, everyone could have been able to use broadband at a time it would have meant more lives saved. But let us not forget the work that has been done this year that saved lives. Today we honor two digital equity advocates:

• Daniel Noyes, the Co-Chief Executive Officer at Tech Goes Home; and
• Rebecca Kauma, the Economic and Digital Inclusion Program Manager for the City of Long Beach, California.