Programs, Projects and Philosophy
Digital Access (DA) initiates collaborative projects by identifying and enlisting partners in the community, then develops specific programming that builds on the core competencies of each partner.

Digital Access staff, along with volunteers from the community, provide the technical and creative expertise needed to successfully develop and implement technology projects. Community partners provide access to computers, teaching and mentoring staff support, and program participants. This strategy leads to the formation of sustainable, new networks -- based on relationships and resource sharing -- that continue beyond the initial project and have the potential for affecting change in social, economic and political arenas.

Digital Access projects demonstrate how computer and Internet technologies can be relevant and useful tools for self empowerment (learning), economic self sufficiency (e-commerce and access to employment information), and creative expression (desktop and Internet publishing).

All Digital Access projects provide participants with information on how to access free or low cost computers and technology training, and where to find technology resources within neighborhood non-profit organizations and other community institutions such as libraries, schools, churches and parks.

AmeriCorps Members can help bridge the digital divide by supporting
efforts that:
1) provide technology access to low-income individuals and families,
2) build computer skills of youth, adults and children in communities, and
3) develop multi-lingual content to provide new immigrants with critical public information (PSA and website production)

(From The Corporation for National and Community Service)
POTENTIAL ROLES FOR AMERICORPS or VISTA MEMBERS IN TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS

• Assess technology needs of schools, agencies

• Design technology plans with faculty, students, and community members

• Assist in program implementation

• Raise funds, donations of equipment and software, networking services

• Locate resources for curriculum development

• Develop curriculum for both students and parents, and community members at-large

• Provide training aimed at securing technology-based employment

• Provide technical assistance for teachers and staff on technology usage and curriculum

• Recruit community volunteers and donors for computer installation, wiring, teacher training,
  class instruction, email mentors, and to staff computer labs and classrooms

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS FROM DIGITAL ACCESS

• Work within existing programs, use technology tools for outreach
  and communications (web sites, etc…)

• Introduce/ organize and train computer mentors using existing resources, libraries, schools,
  community labs.

• Pair young people with skills with seniors and adults, train youth to mentor.

• Teach BASIC skills to adults and seniors

• Introduce how computers can help with employment (resume workshops, online listings, etc…)

• Facilitate after school computer and homework labs, evening and weekend hours.

• Create web based publishing workshops for community groups

• Find out about library and school public access use, run seminars that introduce computers
  and the Internet at these locations-- bilingual if possible/necessary.

• Use computers to create things--resumes, artwork, web sites, brochures, photography
  and video projects
  

• Organize community access labs into regional networks that can share resources and
  apply for funding together.

• Demonstrate how to use the Internet for research (genealogy, healthcare, financial info, etc…)
  tailor the use to the group you are working with--what are their shared interests?