- Overview
- The Plan
- Get Involved
- Outreach Kit
Overview
The Town of Orleans is working with the Cape Cod Commission to draft a municipal digital equity plan.
Digital equity efforts seek to ensure everyone has the same access and opportunities to the information technology needed for full participation in society, democracy, and the economy. The focus is on bridging the affordability of internet service and devices, building skills to use programs and equipment, increasing trust, and overcoming language or other barriers that keep individuals from fully participating.
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What Is Digital Equity
“A condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. Digital equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.”
National Digital Inclusion Alliance
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Internet ConnectionAffordable, fast, reliable, accessible. |
DevicesAdequate, needs-appropriate, affordable, accessible. |
Literacy/SkillsAbility to use technology, functionality, trust, privacy concerns. |
This project was funded by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at the MassTech Collaborative under the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program. Funding was provided by Massachusetts ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Funds.
Purpose of the Digital Equity Plan
Digital equity plans prepare municipalities for future funding opportunities. Through the digital equity planning process, towns can develop strategies in a community-driven framework to ensure all benefit from future investments.
Public input and participation are essential to this process, enabling the town to incorporate and reflect the community's vision when advancing future initiatives and projects.
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Plan Elements
- Introduction & Town Vision for Digital Equity
- Current State of Digital Equity
Existing conditions, knowledge gaps, challenges, and opportunities - Stakeholder Engagement Process
Who was engaged and how were they engaged - Key Findings
What was discovered throughout the planning process - Implementation
Recommendations for driving solutions, evaluating progress, and funding opportunities
How to Get Involved
Draft Digital Equity Plan released for Public Comment
The Cape Cod Commission and Town of Orleans released the Draft Town of Orleans Municipal Digital Equity Plan for a 30-day public review and comment period.
Copies of the plan are available at the Snow Public Library and Orleans Senior Center.
This project is funded by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at the MassTech Collaborative under the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program. Funding was provided by Massachusetts ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Funds.
Submit your comments
Comments may be sent via mail, facsimile, e-mail, or online, as follows:
Online at https://capecodcommission.org/DE-comments, or
- Mail:
Cape Cod Commission Attn: Steven Tupper, Deputy Director
3225 Main Street (Route 6A) | PO Box 226
Barnstable MA 02630-0226 - Fax: 508-362-3136, attention of Steven Tupper, Deputy Director
- E-Mail: please put “Orleans Digital Equity Plan” in the subject line and send to info@capecodcommission.org
How to use this toolkit:
The following resources are intended to support outreach and publicity efforts for the Town of Orleans Municipal Digital Equity Plan. Share the text and graphics in your newsletters, on your website, or social media accounts.
NEWSLETTER
What is your internet like? Is it reliable and affordable? Do you have the skills you need to use your iPhone or computer? What would improve your online experiences?
The Town of Orleans is working with the Cape Cod Commission to create a municipal digital equity plan. The goal of this project is to better understand challenges that community members face with the internet and technology and to identify solutions that ensure all have access to the information technology needed to fully participate in our community. Learn more about the project here.
Input from community members is essential – your thoughts and ideas will shape the plan! Community members are encouraged to consider affordability, availability, and quality of internet service; access to necessary technology and devices; and skill-based challenges that may impact participation in civic, social, and economic life.
You can participate by:
- Completing the Massachusetts Statewide Digital Equity Survey. Paper surveys in multiple languages are available at the library, community building, and other locations across town.
- Attending the Orleans Digital Equity Community Workshop on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Orleans Senior Center, 150 Rock Harbor Road, Orleans.
Your ideas on how the Town of Orleans can foster a more inclusive digital future are vital to the plan's success. Ultimately, the plan will serve as a resource to guide decision-making and investment and a tool to access further funding. Together, we can bridge the digital divide, creating a fair and inclusive future for all.
Social Media
Version A
In today’s interconnected world, access to technology and the internet isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. You can help the Town of Orleans identify opportunities to ensure that all community members have the connectivity, devices, and skills needed to thrive. Join us at a community workshop on April 9th at 5:30 PM at the Orleans Senior Center. Learn more: cccom.link/orleansDE
Version B
Help advance digital equity in Orleans. Join the Town of Bourne and the Cape Cod Commission at a community workshop to identify opportunities to bridge the digital divide.
Digital Equity Community Workshop
April 9, 2024 at 5:30 PM
Orleans Senior Center
150 Rock Harbor Road, Orleans, MA
Flyer
