National Digital Inclusion Alliance

National Artificial Intelligence Literacy Day encourages collective action to learn more about AI and reflect on how it shapes the human experience in all aspects of life. AI literacy is for everyone. It’s for people who design technology and people who interact with technology—whether they choose to adopt the latest tools or not—because AI is increasingly embedded into traditional platforms and products.

Nearly 5,000 people call the Umatilla Nation home. On any given day, residents across the reservation come together to celebrate and honor their heritage and culture. Community is an integral part of every day, and connecting is woven into the fabric of Tribal life. For Tribal communities, ‘connectivity’ means preserving traditions while engaging with the modern digital world. Unfortunately, limited technology and connectivity resources on the Umatilla Reservation have also left many residents without the opportunity and tools needed to thrive in today’s online society.

The Digital Equity Act, with an allocated $2.75 billion budget, is the largest investment in digital inclusion efforts to date. Along with the other broadband provisions in the law, the DEA is the most active systemic approach to closing the digital divide in US history. There is great potential that this essential funding, which will support communities across the country in closing the digital divide, is at risk of being cut, paused, or endlessly delayed.

On March 5th, 16 National Digital Inclusion Alliance affiliates from across the country, half of the NDIA team, and several of NDIA’s partners spent the day on Capitol Hill to share with Congress how NDIA’s 2,000 affiliates help people in their districts get and stay online safely. In total, we had 65 meetings with staff from the Senate and House offices of 23 states.

Mark Revolinski knows a thing or two about technology. After retiring from thirty-eight years in the telecommunications industry, he and his wife relocated from Wisconsin to Texas to be closer to his grandchildren. As a young retiree, Mark wanted to use his talents to give back, and while determining his next move, his wife saw a social media post from the Pottsboro Library in search of a digital navigator for their pilot program.

Don’t miss your chance to nominate a Digital Equity Champion! The deadline to submit your nomination is March 18. Named for Charles Benton, the founder of Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance created the awards to recognize leadership and dedication in advancing digital equity: from promoting the ideal of accessible and affordable communications technology for all Americans to crafting programs and policies that make it a reality. Nominations (and self-nominations!) are being accepted for two awards:

Don’t miss your chance to nominate a Digital Equity Champion! The deadline to submit your nomination is March 18. Named for Charles Benton, the founder of Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance created the awards to recognize leadership and dedication in advancing digital equity: from promoting the ideal of accessible and affordable communications technology for all Americans to crafting programs and policies that make it a reality. Nominations (and self-nominations!) are being accepted for two awards:

When Shannon O’Brien first set up office hours at the Westport Library, she wasn’t sure what to expect. Within hours, seniors were trickling in, some holding laptops they hadn’t turned on in years, others with questions as simple as “How do I set up an email account?” After Shannon’s help, the relief on their faces was immediate. For her, these moments aren’t just about answering questions—they’re about helping neighbors gain confidence in a digital world that can often feel overwhelming and difficult to navigate.

“For me, being a Digital Navigator is an opportunity to give back to the community that shaped me,” shares Tyler Smith, Gila River’s Digital Navigator. “I want to help elevate our digital skills and uplift our voices in the pursuit of digital equity.” Born and raised in the Gila River Indian Community, Tyler embodies the mission of the Digital Navigator program. With his deep roots and passion for giving back, he is bridging the gap between infrastructure and accessibility, empowering residents one connection at a time.

“We are on a mission to help residents overcome the digital divide,” says Rachel Williams, the first digital navigator for Washington County (ME) who brings essential digital skills to the community’s older population. The National Digital Equity Center (NDEC) is utilizing a Google.org grant through the National Digital Inclusion Alliance's (NDIA) National Digital Navigator Corps program for Rachel and the team of Digital Navigators to help residents in this remote part of the state become more connected to the digital world.