Tech Equity + Why It Matters
In December’s blog article, we explored the necessity of inclusivity in tech spaces and how having diverse voices in the room is important because it is through community and collaboration that we create the equity we need. Let’s continue our discussion about tech equity.
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance defines tech equity, also known as digital equity, as “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.” [Source]
Access to resources is not democratic, and unfortunately that includes technology. Which communities have access to the latest technology, tools, high speed internet, electricity and/or working equipment varies along lines of social inequity.
Digital Literacy is defined as “the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.”
Tech Equity means everyone has equitable access to use, learn and benefit from technology. Digital literacy is necessary for full participation in a society that requires technological proficiency to access business opportunities, schools, events and much more. It is tech equity that creates the inclusive society where digital literacy is a given for all communities.
“I’m an activist by origin. While I may no longer be an organizer, I am still building community power. Online or off, we must always ensure just and fair practices. We work with clients so technology is accessible, inclusive, and values aligned for their organizations.”
–Kim Tercero, Founder, Tercero Solutions
At Tercero Solutions, part of what we offer to clients is support and education grounded in the belief that tech equity is a right. Access to technology is not just for recreational use and often is no longer an optional part of our personal or business lives. Technology is interwoven into almost every aspect of our lives, from online banking to school admission to the technology business owners use to run their day to day operations. Full participation in society requires the use of technology.
“Big tech at its core is oppressive.” Kim shares. “Using commercial tools is feeding the machine. They have been so widely adopted that getting off of them can be extremely difficult. This is why there are open source solutions that help folks break away from their reliance on big tech. The challenge is that many open source tools are difficult to use. Some require technical expertise to manage, are limited in features, and can be buggy. Regardless, we as a collective should to the best of our ability choose equity over convenience and promote tools that are ethical, inclusive, and equitable.”
The ways we can choose to advocate for tech equity are vast—it can include lobbying local government officials to update the technology available in schools in disenfranchised areas to ensure children of all economic backgrounds have access to the latest technology and are equipped to contribute to their communities and the economy. Tech equity can look like workshops and community dialogues that humanize these topics and provide space for education and dialogue. Black, Brown, LGBTQ+, multi-abled folks having access to training should they choose a tech related career. Allowing the right to repair aging or broken hardware to reduce e-waste and not require folks to have to invest in over priced laptops and equipment, etc. Tech equity benefits people and the planet. The people using tech should be part of creating it.
If you or your organization need support integrating tech equity principles and practices into the work you do, please contact us. We are here to help and support!
