Initiatives
Our aim is to facilitate solutions to ensure everyone has equal access to digital equity. Having digital equity means that all people have access to the skills, computer equipment, and reliable high-speed internet needed to operate in the digital world.
Solutions & Services
Since the landscape of digital equity is evolving and the Alliance is committed to being agile and responsive, we take on timely initiatives, that are often time-limited.
Network Building & Collaborations
By bringing people and existing community resources together, the Alliance acts to increase the rate of positive change. Through collaboration, impact can be expanded by boosting the number of people reached—and the number of people served.
The Alliance and its sub-awardees, partners, and members built and co-designed regional capacity for digital equity, expanding to over 100 community partners in all four counties of western Massachusetts, thanks to the support and funding of the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI). In all cases, the Alliance’s programming is co-designed with our community-based partners: we combine our partners’ resident-informed input with the Alliance’s broader perspective to develop solutions that maximize effectiveness.
Digital Navigation
Digital navigators are personal digital guides who provide community members with ongoing, individualized support in obtaining affordable and suitable internet access, devices, and digital skills.
These navigators may be volunteers, cross-trained existing staff, or newly hired individuals who offer expertise in areas like connectivity, devices, and digital skills. Often based within trusted community organizations, digital navigators are knowledgeable about local resources that support digital equity. They assist residents in learning how to use essential online services, recommend resources, and follow up over time to ensure the client achieves their goals.
Connecting People to Services
The Alliance works with trusted community organizations and existing networks to help strengthen their efforts in the digital space. Through forming partnerships and providing funding, the Alliance helps support and coordinate work that is currently being done. Additionally, the Alliance can promote programs that work toward digital equity in order to connect community members with these valuable resources.
413Cares
413Cares is a community platform that connects residents of Western Massachusetts to the services they need.
Request Services
Organizations in western Mass. that are interested in requesting services from the Alliance should use the following form to initiate a service request.
