[NFBWATlk] Fwd: Digital Equity Listening Sessions

[Marci Carpenter]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: "MacKillop, Michael (DSB)" <michael.mackillop at dsb.wa.gov>
> Date: March 4, 2022 at 8:42:58 AM PST
> To: DSB DL All DSB <DSB at dsb.wa.gov>
> Cc: Julie Brannon <jbrannon0612 at gmail.com>, Marci Carpenter <marcic5 at icloud.com>
> Subject: Digital Equity Listening Sessions
> 
> 
> Hi all:
> There are a series of community listening sessions planned in March and May to gather information on the needs for digital equity. The Office of Equity is facilitating the discussions which will inform planned legislation. Please alert your caseloads of this opportunity.
>  
> The contact info to register to attend:
> Email digitalequity at commerce.wa.gov or call (360) 688-3472 or 711 (Telephone Relay Service). 
>  
> The dates and planned questions:
> When:  
> ·       March 29, 2022, 5:00 - 6:30 pm
> ·       March 30, 2022, 12:00 noon - 1:30 pm
> ·       May 10, 2022, 5:00 – 6:30 pm
> ·       May 11, 2022, 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm
>  
> We want to hear from community members: 
> ·       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?
>  
> The full forwarded email message:
>  
> Dear Partners,
>  
> As you might know, the Washington State Office of Equity and the Washington State Broadband Office have partnered to convene the Washington State Digital Equity Forum. The Forum’s purpose is to develop recommendations for the Washington State Legislature that advance statewide digital equity and connectivity. 
>  
> Upcoming Community Listening Sessions – Please share widely! 
>  
> The Digital Equity Forum is holding a series of community listening sessions to ensure community needs are at the center of its recommendations to the Legislature. The listening sessions are FREE and open to the public. 
>  
> Where: All community listening sessions will be virtual. A Zoom meeting link and telephone number will be provided. 
>  
> When:  
> ·       March 29, 2022, 5:00 - 6:30 pm
> ·       March 30, 2022, 12:00 noon - 1:30 pm
> ·       May 10, 2022, 5:00 – 6:30 pm
> ·       May 11, 2022, 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm
>  
> We want to hear from community members: 
> ·       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?
>  
> How to register to attend: 
>  
> Email digitalequity at commerce.wa.gov or call (360) 688-3472 or 711 (Telephone Relay Service). 
>  
> The Digital Equity Forum is committed to hosting accessible events that promote belonging, justice, and dignity. Please contact us to request communication services (interpreters, written information in other languages, or other services) or accommodations at no cost. Please make requests at least 14 days in advance of the event to allow time to make the proper arrangements.
>   
> To learn more about the Digital Equity Forum, please visit the project website. 
>  
> Thank you for sharing this opportunity with your networks. We look forward to your participation at the Digital Equity Forum Community Listening Sessions! 
>  
>  
>  
> Equity and Justice for all,
> Dr. J
>  
> 
>  
>  
> Michael MacKillop (he/him)
> Acting Executive Director
> Department of Services for the Blind
> 3411 South Alaska Street
> Seattle, WA 98118
> 206-906-5520
> Michael.mackillop at dsb.wa.gov
> www.dsb.wa.gov
>