RESOLUTION NO. 240906

title
Sponsor: Councilmember Darrell Curls

RESOLUTION - Commemorating October 7th through 11th as National Digital Inclusion week and recognizing community-based organizations that close the digital divide in Kansas City.

body
WHEREAS, Digital Inclusion Week is an annual week of awareness and recognition of organizations taking action. Advocates around the country have shown why digital equity matters; and

WHEREAS, lack of internet access affects Kansas Citians from every walk of life and creates barriers to those who could benefit the most; and

WHEREAS, the impact of society's shift toward internet reliance has not been evenly distributed across Kansas City. The poor, the elderly, people with disabilities, and people of color have struggled to advance and have been left behind during this shift in use of technology; and

WHEREAS, multiple Kansas City area community-based organizations offer programs and assistance to address the digital divide and need to be recognized:

* Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas helps participants that lack computers, hotspots, and have issues that prevent them from accessing internet service.
* Kansas City Public Library prioritizes digital inclusion projects. They provide digital literacy training and support Chromebook and hotspot lending programs.
* Literacy KC offers free training classes to participants at a range of skill levels. They also provide specialized classes for online safety, finances, job searches-resumes, and healthcare.

WHEREAS, community-based organizations in Kansas City, Missouri are dedicated to digital inclusion and offering all citizens in Kansas City opportunities in the digital economy; NOW, THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby commemorate Digital Inclusion Week 2024 and recognize the community-based organizations in closing th...

Click here for full text