Best Practices for Digital Inclusion Programs During Mass Enforcement Actions

Federal actions across the U.S., particularly fear-inducing ICE activity, have caused some community members to shelter in place. National Digital Inclusion Alliance Affiliates have found community members cut off from jobs, education, health care, and other crucial services. How do programs that care about digital inclusion respond to this new environment? They are dusting off models developed during COVID, shifting to hybrid or fully remote program services to ensure their communities don’t fall further behind the digital divide. Key strategies include:

• Set up for success: Moving to online or hybrid services can’t happen instantaneously and requires thoughtful preparation. 
• Adjust pacing and expectations: Online instruction will mandate a different tempo and tools, and a constantly changing threat landscape for clients makes scheduling and planning even more difficult.
• Trust is essential: Trust is the only way to rebuild the relationships and community cut off by fear.
• Center privacy: Maintaining a safe learning environment means understanding the new risk profile of your community members and ensuring your program isn’t increasing their risk.