Sustaining the Movement and Funding: The Future of Digital Inclusion

We have 1,300 people at Net Inclusion 2024 in Philadelphia. We’ve secured $2.75 billion from the Digital Equity Act. And this is just the beginning. It has to be just the beginning. So how do we sustain this movement? The answer to sustainability lies in robust digital inclusion ecosystems. They’re the key to HOLISTIC digital inclusion. Digital equity is the goal, and digital inclusion ecosystems lead us there by weaving together digital inclusion activities happening across your communities. These 6 strategies will help sustain our movement and field:

1. Spread Awareness: We cannot lose the awareness we gained during COVID-19 lockdowns. Awareness efforts must include the positive impacts of digital inclusion solutions—sharing stories of programmatic and individual success.
2. Build Partnerships & Coalitions: Let’s think about ecosystems as our most successful holistic solution. When those who recognize the necessity of digital equity form relationships, partnerships, and digital inclusion coalitions, their messages and programs become stronger and your ability to advocate becomes more powerful.
3. Use Data and Analytics Strategically: Our data needs to do more than explain the digital divide. This means carefully constructed data collection, program evaluations, and longitudinal studies.
4. Layer Digital Inclusion with Other Programs: Digital Inclusion can’t stand alone. Intentionally weaving digital equity throughout broadband, health, finance, education, housing, workforce, and other social programs will help increase the lasting impact of investments.
5. Keep Growing an Inclusive Community: Our advocacy has growing power! Lets keep building on it.
6. Advocating for Ongoing Federal Support