About ERTECH

East of the River Technology Collaborative

ABOUT ERTECH

HISTORY

A project of the 2M Center, ERTECH was created in April 2000 in partnership with the Washington East Foundation. ERTECH was created to link and leverage technology resources for East of the River residents in Washington, DC.

ERTECH is the first community-based collaborative in the District of Columbia with a sole focus on technology. Over 40 diverse community and professional organizations have participated in ERTECH, including representatives from the Kimsey, AOL, Good Samaritan, and the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer foundations, Barry Farm Community Center, Covenant House, Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, DC School Board representatives, the East of the River Community Development Corporation and others.

MISSION

To address the Digital Divide in the East of the River region of Washington DC ERTECH will:

Map and assess current technology initiatives and programs in the region and identify gaps in services;

Advocate a public policy agenda that favors technology resource distribution and development for underserved communities;

Educate and inform communities on the importance and relevancy of technology as a tool in personal and community development;

Work collaboratively to leverage technical support, resources and assistance for organizations providing technology services;

Ensure that children, youth and families have access to technology by creating and building partnerships with libraries, schools, universities, organizations, businesses, faith and community centers, etc.;

Provide youth and families with opportunities for exposure to technology work experiences and training;

Assist community planning efforts that prepare the region for economic development by providing technology information, input and expertise;

Conduct relevant technology research that strengthens other community efforts towards enhancing residents¹ quality of life;

Empower the region by sharing information on new and emerging technologies, initiatives, grant opportunities, etc., with families, communities and organizations;.

GOALS

Create a membership association of community-based organizations, institutions, funders and corporate partners;
Develop informational web site;
Publish a newsletter, both print and electronic;
Create a model collaborative for implementation in other communities;
Collaborate with regional technology councils.

STAFF/ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

ERTECH is an advocacy project of the 2M Center. The current staff consists of two volunteer co-chairs, Ambrose I. Lane, Jr. and Don Murray. The 2M Center provides additional administrative support.

ERTECH is a collaborative with representatives from:

East of the River community-based organizations/institutions
Professionals and experts in the field of technology
Foundations
Technology businesses
Local government

COMMITTEES

Four Committees have been created: Program, Research, Public Policy and Membership. Some of their most recent/current activities include:

Program: Establishing a program to showcase tech savvy, successful individuals East of the River

Research: Developing survey instrument to map current technology programs and identify gaps

Public Policy: Working with government officials to include technology agenda in community development projects

Membership: Recruiting organizations/institutions to become part of the collaborative.

For more info or to join our Collaborative contact:

Ambrose I. Lane, Jr.
PH: 202.678.8500
EMAIL: ambrose2m@hotmail.com