TECHBUILDTM

  

About
Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

Background and Overview

In the winter of 2002, ERTECH began researching information on East of the River Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) and Civic Associations (CAs) as part of a planning process for an outreach effort. In obtaining a current list of commissioners, Internet research found that no Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner has an email listed as part of their contact information on the DC government website. Additionally, no email addresses for members were listed on the contact list for DC Civic Associations.

The DC government site (DC.gov) does provide some links to ANC's that have websites, where you may find email addresses, however, only one ANC East of the River (7B) has a website. During the spring of 2002, ERTECH spoke with other East of the River Commissioners and found that few of them had email addresses or used email or the Internet for any significant communication or organizing with other commissioners. This has led to the creation of TechBuildTM, an initiative to work with ANC Commissioners and Civic Association leaders to utilize email and the Internet as effective tools in communicating and organizing.

About the Program

TechBuildTM is a free community leaders training project available to East of the River Civic Association Presidents and their members, and for elected Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners. The curriculum is drawn from existing models and builds competency in the following areas:

  1. Uses of web-based email, instant messaging, message/bulletin boards and Internet research; and
  2. Uses of email and the Internet for advocacy, organization and outreach by exploring examples of best practices

Participants all come from Wards 7 and 8 with the vast majority near or at retirement age. Each class consists of training sessions that take place once a week over an ten week period. Sessions are held during both day and evening hours to allow both retired and working leaders an opportunity to attend. Three classes are offered per calendar year. The training sessions take place at locations in Wards 7 and 8. Additional training locations will be sought.

Goals

  • Provide participants with email addresses;
  • Teach utilization of various types of online communications;
  • Teach Internet research;
  • Develop simulated advocacy, communications and outreach projects;
  • Explore personal and practical uses of email;
  • Provide presentations on organizing from various advocacy groups

Benefits

  • Creates better understanding of uses of technology among community leaders;
  • Builds a strong community advocacy and communications tool;
  • Fosters teamwork and communication between community leaders;
  • Provides participants with useful tools for personal and community development;
  • Creates framework for further [technology] collaboration between ANC/CA leaders, ERTECH members, and other community-based organizations;
  • Strengthens ERTECH’s community presence and advocacy potential

Partners and Funding

The 2M Center is partnering with the Benning Branch Library for this project. Initial funding for the project was provided by the Moriah Fund and the Fannie Mae Foundation.

 

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