[rtpnet-tact] DRAFT: Conference News Release

[Terry Grunwald]

Judy,

I don't want to launch a debate here.  Well,  maybe that wouldn't be so 
bad...  So, here's my take.

  It's a good release, but I for one would really like to see the field 
move away from the term "Digital Divide" for lots of reasons.
-- too much focus on 'haves' and 'have-nots' starts to sound paternalistic
-- assumes that the primary 'gap' is around access and we really need to 
focus more on 'effective use'
-- implies that you must bring people over the divide to technology not 
bring tech to the people
-- we need to realize that there are many divides and the digital one is 
intertwined with the others (poverty, literacy, education, language, 
knowledge, confidence, etc.)

I think there has been discussion about this in the past on the AfCN list 
and elsewhere.  Steve Cisler among others has written about this.

So, could I suggest 'Creating NC's Digital Opportunities'  --or is it too late?

--terry


At 10:23 AM 2/10/2004 -0500, you wrote:
>Do you see any problems with this news release? -- Judy
>
>FOR RELEASE FEBRUARY 12, 2004
>
>Contact:
>Judy Hallman
>919-933-3931
>E-mail: hallman at rtpnet.org
>Conference Web site: www.rtpnet.org/conf
>
>Conference on Bridging NC's Digital Divide
>
>Chapel Hill, NC - Effective use of Information Technology is necessary to
>succeed, particularly in today's challenging economy. There is a gap
>between those people and communities who can make effective use of
>information technology and those who cannot.
>
>RTPnet's 5th Annual Conference, March 19, 2004, at the William and Ida
>Friday Center in Chapel Hill, will focus on the wide variety of programs
>aimed at bridging North Carolina's Digital/Human Divide. Individuals and
>representatives of nonprofit and social services groups that provide
>access to computers and training are encouraged to attend, as well as
>educators, librarians, computer specialists, and representatives of
>grant-making foundations, who want to learn how they can contribute to
>this effort. This event provides an opportunity to build a personal
>network of people and organizations active in using computers and Internet
>technology to build a better, stronger community in North Carolina and
>beyond.
>
>For the first time, RTPnet Community Technology Awards will be presented
>at the conference. These awards recognize and honor individuals,
>organizations, institutions, and businesses that have made significant
>contributions to North Carolina communities in the area of information and
>computer technology. Nominations for the 2004 RTPnet Community Technology
>Awards will be accepted through February 23, 2004.
>
>Conference highlights include:
>  - Online Fundraising Strategies
>  - Learning Technologies
>  - What Role for Wireless?
>  - Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools: Lessons Learned
>  - WinstonNet: Building a Community-Based Technology Infrastructure
>  - Meeting Needs for Recycling  `       ``
>  - Future for NC Information Infrastructure Networks
>  - Tech LinkUp: Linking technology needs and resources to support
>      nonprofit organizations
>  - Drawing for Door Prizes (including an IBM ThinkPad R30 Laptop,
>      Model 2656-20U)
>  - Community Technology Awards Reception
>
>RTPnet is a community network for the Triangle area (www.rtpnet.org).  For
>conference information visit www.rtpnet.org/conf/ or e-mail
>info at rtpnet.org. For awards information and a link to the nomination form,
>visit www.rtpnet.org/awards/.
>
>
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Terry Grunwald
Making the Net Work
Raleigh NC
Voice:  919-846-8899
Fax:     919-846-2244
terry at makingthenetwork.org
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