A Preview of Our Upcoming Conversation
On November 7, 2023, at 12:00 noon eastern time, the Marconi Society is proud to partner with the Maine Connectivity Authority and digital equity leaders in the state to discuss Maine’s unique approach to connectivity focused on Projects, Places, and People. Register here to join us.
Our expert panel looks forward to discussing what is working in Maine that could be replicated in other states and to taking your questions. Our panelists include:
- Tanya Emery, Maine Connectivity Authority, Moderator
- Nick Battista, Chief Policy Officer, Island Institute
- Maggie Drummond-Bahl, Maine Connectivity Authority
- Kerem Durdag, President and Chief Operating Officer, Great Works Internet
- Jeff Letourneau, Executive Director, Networkmaine
- Marijke Visser, Director, Library Development, Maine State Library
Here are some highlights of our upcoming conversation.
Digital equity must be completely inclusive.
The Maine approach recognizes that digital equity must be considered across all dimensions of societal inequity. This includes “income, ethnocentric demographics (such as immigrants, Black Americans, BIPOC), geographical location, age, and education,” Durdag tells us. “Digital equity has to be completely inclusive and it is a moral, ethical and economic obligation that has to be fulfilled without excuses.”
Digital equity is about so much more than connectivity and everyone has a role.
While much of the conversation focuses on getting broadband to the home and nearby anchor institutions, other organizations, such as libraries, are focused on building digital literacy skills and confidence that will enable everyone to improve their lives with connectivity. “It is essential for people to have an opportunity to practice newly acquired skills with a trusted intermediary,” says Marijke Visser. “It is equally important that training materials are relevant to different lived experiences.”
Maine has achieved the right balance of state leadership and local input.
The Maine Connectivity Authority provides state level leadership and guidance while giving plenty of leeway for communities to identify their own gaps and solve them in a way that works locally. The state’s focus on building a digital equity ecosystem is one of the keys to the funding infusion that enables the state to build out its optical and middle mile networks.
We look forward to seeing all of you on November 7. Come with your ideas and questions!
