MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine proudly joins the seventh annual Digital Inclusion Week, from October 2-6, 2023, a national week of action to raise awareness and amplify the importance of digital equity. This year’s theme, “Building Connected Communities," aligns perfectly with our mission to bring digital access and skills to everyone in our community.
The City's Digital Inclusion Coordinator for our Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) grant, Charlie English, is working on a device drive to be held during Digital Inclusion Week 2023. The drive will be a part of an Outreach Program for ACP. English has been reaching out to local businesses and individuals to collect unused or outdated devices for refurbishment or recycling.
“We hope other organizations may be open to joining the City in utilizing this service to dispose of technology devices that are no longer useful,” English said.
Donations will be accepted at Musser Public Library all week with English on site from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday to collect devices and to provide information about ACP. English will also be in the Loper Learning Center at Muscatine Community College from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
Individuals or businesses with a high volume of donations can contact English directly to arrange for a pickup (phone 563-275-6442 or email at Charlie.acp@muscatineiowa.gov).
Digital inclusion encompasses three critical areas: affordable internet, access to suitable devices, and digital skills training — basic essentials still out of reach for millions of Americans.
"This week serves as an opportunity to celebrate the progress made, be visible and raise awareness, and to extend our reach within the community," Jodi Royal-Goodwin, Community Development Director, said.
States, including Iowa, are in the struggle of creating digital equity plans, thanks to the funding opportunities through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). While the funding prospects are exciting, Digital Inclusion Week serves to highlight the ongoing, community-based work that is the lifeblood of digital equity.
"We look forward to highlighting the incredible digital inclusion work happening in our community during this national week of recognition," English said. "Our collective efforts help bridge the digital divide, and this week is our opportunity to ensure these initiatives are recognized and supported on a broader scale."
English will be partnering with PCs for People, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, that collects these devices for refurbishment and redistribution into the community for low-income households and nonprofits. They offer certified data destruction, a tax donation receipt, and are committed to recycling responsibly to keep unwanted electronic waste out of landfills.
For additional information about the Device Drive and/or the ACP program contact Charlie English at 563-275-6442 or email at Charlie.acp@muscatineiowa.gov.
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About National Digital Inclusion Alliance: NDIA advances digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act. Working collaboratively with more than 1,400 digital inclusion practitioners, NDIA advocates for equitable broadband access, tech devices, digital skills training, and tech support. For more information, visit digitalinclusion.org.