...And it sucks.

----

Please join Philadelphia's Digital Inclusion Coalition for a first meeting focused on developing a city-wide agenda around the Digital Divide

When: Wednesday November 19, 5:30PM
Where: United Way, 7 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Lobby 2
Why: Develop an agenda for Philadelphia around Digital Divide and the Future of the City

Dear Community Leader:

Despite the fact that just half of all adult Americans have a broadband connection at home, the United States is the sole industrialized nation without a clear national strategy for promoting affordable Internet access. Because President Bush neglected to articulate a national policy, municipal governments across the country are taking the lead to ensure high-speed Internet connections are available to all residents-particularly those living in poor and working class communities-so they may obtain city services, apply for jobs, take online classes, research health information and be civically engaged.

Last week, Mayor Nutter announced the city will close 11 library branches to help offset a $1 billion budget gap. That means thousands of Philadelphians who depend on their neighborhood libraries for Internet access will be stranded without a way to connect. Therefore, we must act now.

We are asking for your participation in a new coalition that hopes to work with the administration to craft local policy aimed at bridging the digital divide. The Media Mobilizing Project is organizing this effort because we believe it is critical for communities with a vested interest in digital inclusion to begin developing and promoting a broadband strategy for Philadelphia. A citywide solution is possible, but only if we exchange ideas, identify shared goals and articulate an agenda. Please join us for a kick-off meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

As you know, Earthlink shut down its public WiFi network over the summer. Although the new investors promised to continue providing free outdoor access, the signals are weak or non-existent in many parts of the city. We can work with the Nutter administration to provide reliable and affordable broadband access. Of course, we recognize that digital inclusion must look beyond the availability of broadband connections. Computer hardware, Internet training and support services are issues we plan to discuss at next week's meeting.

Before then, please complete this brief survey:
Digital Inclusion Survey
Your responses will help us shape the evening's agenda and ensure the coalition focuses on the most relevant issues.

Your responses will help us shape the evening's agenda and ensure the coalition focuses on the most relevant issues. If universal access would benefit your organization or greater constituency, please join us on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the United Way, 7 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Lobby #2. As a leader in Philadelphia, we hope you will be part of this important effort to make communication technology work for all Philadelphians.

Please RSVP to Gwen Shaffer, gwenlisa@gmail.com or Todd Wolfson, twolfson1998@yahoo.com.

Sincerely,

The Media Mobilizing Project

The Media Mobilizing Project
www.mediamobilizing.org
4134 Lancaster Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19104