Symposium sponsored by the Detroit Technology Coalition, Michigan Neighborhood Partnership, Detroit

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Symposium sponsored by the Detroit Technology
Coalition, Michigan Neighborhood Partnership,
Detroit Public Library, CTCNet, and the America
Connects Consortium (ACC)
The Detroit Technology Coalition was formed in
1999 to connect organizations focused on
improving communities through technology. In
early 2000, mission statement, vision and
implementation strategies were established in
order to facilitate the role of the
Coalition. Michigan Neighborhood Partnership
exists to assist community-based organizations
in Detroit to strengthen individuals, families
and communities through social and economic
development. CTCNet (Community Technology Center
Network) is a national organization of community
technology centers where people get free or
low-cost access to computers and computer-related
technology, such as the Internet, together with
learning opportunities that encourage exploration
and discovery. America Connects Consortium (ACC)
is a group of organizational partners funded by
the Department of Education to support CTCs. ACC
has received a one-year, 2 million contract from
the Department to provide assistance to CTCs.
(CTCnet is a partner in this consortium)
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• Symposiums Purpose
• Explore ways to bring technology access to every
  Detroit Family.
• Opening Remarks
• Omaryi Bayi, Michigan Neighborhood Partnership,
  Board Member
• Carl Davidson, Chicago CTCNet, National Board
  Member
• Emphasis on creating human social capital
  where technology is the by-product.
• State Rep. Hansen Clarke, Michigan House of
  Representatives
• Emphasized the importance of technology in
  providing access to information, hence access to
  money (grants, government funds?)
• Scott Gifford, Detroit Technology Coalition,
  Chairperson, Steering Comm.
• Talked about the digital divide - Digital divide
  will go away once we put computers in peoples
  homes.

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Panel Discussion Panelists Mike Tenbusch, Think
Detroit Program emphasis home computer
use. They direct athletic leagues as a means of
getting in front of kids. New initiative is to
lease computers - requirements for keeping
them. Computers in the home increases the
learning environment Recognizes the downsides
of computers in the home as well. (junk on
Internet, adult chat rooms, games that take away
from social interaction.) Not the computer
that is the asset, but what it does in your
life.
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Dennis Nordmoe, Neighborhood Centers,
Inc. Provides the service of access training
in technology Offers GED, computer basics in
Spanish (adults, children, grandparents come to
learn together) Kerry Sanders, DPL High-speed
network connecting all city branches State-of-the
art Bookmobiles (Not your fathers
bookmobile!) Scott Gifford, Head Start Family
Service Center Focus on training/preparing
adults as well as kids. Focus on the fathers -
many women come to the centers, not so many
men Julie Kordyban, Youth Opportunities
Movement Help kids become employed - Fixing a
computer gives you power Kenneth Paulus,
Digital Detroit
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Dick Rapplye, Mott Foundation Improve non-profit
administration and operations. Three-prong
approach ASP pilot, N-Power office in
Detroit Areas of emphasis tech assistance,
education, application, volunteers Kenneth
Paulus, Digital Detroit Foster new economy
ideas Mission is Education, Collaboration,
Inspiration There is more technology in a Ford
than in a silicon chip. Next Steps Plan for
continued collaboration. Summary of Key Issues
Themes Collaborate and share resources Pride
in the community, passion for these
organizations Concerns Finding volunteers
and