Tech and trailblazers unite to celebrate North Central Washington's Digital Equity Month

This September, communities across North Central Washington will come together to celebrate Digital Equity Month. The regional awareness campaign is being spearheaded by the NCW Digital Access and Equity Coalition. The coalition's commitment campaign is a call to action, spotlighting the digital disparity that leaves one in four community members without essential digital skills, devices, or connectivity.

Digital skills and connectivity are now essential for access to news and information, employment, healthcare, and education. The lack of access is more than an inconvenience—it's a significant social and economic barrier. The coalition's efforts are a testament to the region's resolve to not only raise awareness of the issue locally but also carve out pathways to digital inclusion.

Local municipalities, including Brewster, Entiat, George, Omak, East Wenatchee, Quincy, Moses Lake, Wenatchee, and Leavenworth, have stepped forward to make official proclamations declaring September as Digital Equity Month. This collective endorsement underscores the widespread recognition of the issue and the shared dedication to addressing it.

The NCW Tech Alliance, Unidos Sin Frontreras, and NCW Libraries are a few organizations contributing programs, resources, public connections, and even devices as part of the regional strategy to bridge the digital divide. Several local School Districts, such as Quincy, Wenatchee, Cascade, and the North Central Educational Services District, have pledged commitments and services as well. 

A number of local businesses, such as Confluence Health, Bigfoot Telecommunications, Fiooen, Microsoft, and others, have joined the effort, and community-based organizations are also rallying to the cause. The Boys and Girls Club of Grant County, SkillSource, CAFE, and the Okanogan Economic Alliance are just a few of the nonprofits making efforts with dedicated programs and specific outreach initiatives that prioritize digital equity. 

These cross-sector pledges tell a powerful story of community engagement and the spirit of collaboration that drives this campaign.

There will be several digital equity events around the region this month, but the Tech and Trailblazers event on September 10 at the LocalTel Event Center at Pybus Public Market in Wenatchee will honor all of the regional digital equity commitments makers. Thriving Together NCW is sponsoring the event, which is intended to celebrate this year’s progress and cast a vision for continued action.

The central hub for community members eager to join the movement is the NCW Tech Help website. It offers a gateway to learn more about Digital Equity Month activities and the broader regional coalition's objectives. The website also includes a toolbox of resources for individuals seeking support and upcoming training for digital navigators. 

The shared message behind September Digital Equity Month is clear: - connectivity is not a luxury; it's a necessity. Through concerted efforts and shared commitments, community leaders are working together to ensure that every individual has the tools and opportunities. For more information, visit the NCW Tech Help website www.ncwtechhelp.org.