Innovative Outreach Methods for
Bridging the Digital Divide

The digital divide was expedited exponentially during the COVID pandemic due to the growing reliance on virtual platforms and limited in-person engagements. Although technology has enhanced access to information and public participation opportunities, it has had the opposite effect when it comes to reaching underrepresented communities with limited access to the internet and electronic devices. Addressing this issue is pivotal for ensuring that all impacted stakeholders continue to have a voice in the planning process to align community’s interests with the project goals.

This session will detail the hybrid outreach solutions and CBO partnerships that Arellano Associates (AA) has employed for enhancing access to participation opportunities for underrepresented communities during periods with limited in-person engagements and as part of the overall increasing shift to virtual engagements. The proliferation of online communication solutions offers an opportunity to bridge the digital divide by bringing online tools to communities with limited access to internet. Virtual outreach campaigns must consider options for replicating access to online resources via in-person approaches.

Besides promoting equitable outreach, this approach will contribute towards boosting digital literacy within underrepresented communities and help tear down the virtual walls that are limiting participation.

Takeaways:

You will leave this session with an understanding of:

• Creating virtual outreach campaigns that replicate access to online sources via in-person approaches, and vice versa;
• Employing hybrid approaches that offer a variety of access and participation options based on accommodations needed by the target audiences;
• Developing virtual literacy particularly in underrepresented communities, to help tear down virtual walls limiting participation.