Forum Description

It is vital in this information age that all Americans have access to new technologies…Unfortunately our Nation is still split between the technological "haves" and "have-nots."

-William Daley,
United States Secretary of Commerce

The Digital Divide – Why should you care?

Computers and the Internet are changing the way we live, work, learn and play. The impact is huge and rapid. Studies show more people are getting computers and hooking up the Internet, but many here in Seattle and around the country don’t yet have access, knowledge or the resources to take advantage of computers and the Internet. Meanwhile, many jobs are going unfilled. The gap between information rich and poor has been growing, with low-income people, senior citizens and minorities falling further behind. This gap in resources and opportunities to access the information age is being called the Digital Divide.

Healthy Technology?

Is email for every resident important? What would a technology literate, technology healthy city look like to you? What is your vision of city that uses information technology for the well being of its residents and to build and maintain community?

The goal is to create a vision for our city and identify signposts or indicators to mark and measure our progress. We intend that these indicators will become a working tool for those who plan, fund and implement programs intended to close the digital divide and build a sustainable community.

Your Voice Counts – Advisors Don’t Have to Be Technology Experts

Technology projects don’t start with technology. This project is about literacy, opportunities, meeting community needs and quality of life. Signposts or indicators that can be used to measure our technology progress must be developed and used by the community they serve. We value the input of all residents.

This project is part of the City of Seattle Citizens Technology Literacy and Access initiative in cooperation with the volunteer Citizens Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Board (CTTAB) and Sustainable Seattle. Additional assistance for the forum is being provided by Progress Project of the Evans School of Public Affairs and the Glaser Progress Foundation and Seattle Community Network.

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