I’ll be using some of my remaining posts to highlight organizations around Minnesota that are working on digital inclusion. I’ve collaborated with them as a Digital Inclusion Corps member and/or on projects I’ve worked on at the Minnesota Department of Education. Each of these organizations takes a different path to success and offers a model worth considering.
The Minnesota Literacy Council started with ambitious group of women meeting in a church basement and is now a highly regarded advocate and partner for literacy initiatives, including digital literacy. They accomplish their work through a combination of direct service to Minnesotans and training and outreach services to organizations. They leverage the expertise and passion of many volunteers and AmeriCorps VISTA members.
The Literacy Council supports digital literacy programs and instructors with outreach, training, and resource sharing. One helpful resource is their Tech+Literacy Blog, which provides digital literacy tips and information on resources. They also partner with other organizations and initiatives, like the Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment and adult basic education programs around the state.
I’ve collaborated with the Literacy Council – particularly Susan Wetenkamp-Brandt – on Better Together, an event that brought together libraries, adult education and workforce. Susan and I are collaborating again on an upcoming webinar on digital literacy. Watch for details soon!