21 Mar 62 Million Americans Have No Way To Read This Post Right Now
You may have heard the phrase “digital divide” which is the gap between those who have access to the Internet and those who are don’t. Those who don’t have access to the Internet often lack digital literacy skills to boot.
Chew on this:
- 100 million Americans don’t have a broadband connection at home. Click here to Tweet this statistic.
- 62 million Americans don’t have access to the Internet at all. Click here to Tweet this statistic.
If those statistics aren’t grabbing you, consider this visual. 62 million Americans without access to the Internet looks like this:
Why does this disparity exist?
Cost. Many people can’t afford a device, let alone a broadband connection.
Lack of awareness. Some people don’t know how to use computers, and they don’t realize that they need access to the Internet in the first place. We’re not just talking about people who don’t know how to use computers. We’re talking about people, some of them in low-income areas, who aren’t aware that having a computer would help them live a more productive, healthier life.
The cost of digital exclusion
Getting Americans connected isn’t about surfing the Internet or playing Farmville.
Americans who aren’t online are missing out on educational opportunities, losing their competitive edge in the workforce, and missing out on the latest healthcare technologies. In other words, they are being left behind.
Working to get EveryoneOn
BRG was brought on by nonprofit Connect2Compete -in partnership with the Ad Council, and 70 partners including Comcast, Cox Communications, Intel, and Monster- to help launch a national campaign called EveryoneOn. EveryoneOn is a public awareness campaign designed to help all Americans access free digital literacy training in their communities. These programs will help people learn how to use a computer, prepare and upload an online resume, and more.
Starting today, Connect2Compete is offering low-income individuals access to programs that provide discounted high-speed Internet, and affordable computers.
Communications For Better Living®
Working with Connect2Compete is a great fit for BRG because technology truly enables people to live better lives. Technology and training will help individuals be better equipped to compete in the job market. With access to healthcare information and doctors online, people may even see a positive connection between digital literacy and their health.
How you can help
Share online!
It’s important that digital savvies like you spread the message about EveryoneOn via social media channels and email. Those of us who are digitally literate can work online to spread awareness, and work offline to bring our friends and family online. You can also follow EveryoneOn on Facebook and Twitter and learn more on their website. You can also share this post with your online friends.
Identify a friend or family member who isn’t online.
Meet with that person face-to-face or talk to them on the phone, and tell them about EveryoneOn. Tell them to call 1-855-EVRY1ON to find a free training class in their neighborhood. Click here to Tweet this.
