Digital Equity
DIGITAL INCLUSION WEEK 2024
Monday, October 7
Computer Lab Open Hours and Internet Access at Evergreen Park Public Library
Date: Monday, October 7
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Evergreen Park Public Library
Organization: Evergreen Park Public Library
About: Computer Lab Open Hours for the Public - The Computer Lab is staffed for assistance. Services include internet access, printing, faxing scanning and copying.
Email Basics & Internet Safety
Date: Monday, October 7
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Evergreen Park Public Library
Organization: Evergreen Park Public Library
About: Learn to set up a free email account to send messages and attachments, forward, and more. Navigate the Internet using search engines safely.
Book-a-Librarian for Tech Help at Evergreen Park Public Library
Date: Monday, October 7
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Evergreen Park Public Library
Organization: Evergreen Park Public Library
About: Library Events related to computers or digital learning - If you are looking for help with a specific task related to a computer, phone, tablet, or any other device, Library staff will schedule a time to offer one-on-one help. Simply visit https://www.evergreenparklibrary.org/ and fill out the form for Device/Technology Assistance.
Tuesday, October 8
Affordable Internet & Online Access: Community Listening Session
Date: Tuesday, October 8
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Forest Park Public Library: 7555 Jackson Blvd. Forest Park IL 60130
Organization: Wright to Learn
About: Join our free four-day Neighborhood Digital Literacy online workshops for Digital Inclusion Week! The Advancing Broadband Equity through Learning Intermediaries in the Neighborhoods of Chicago (ABE-LINC) wants to support members of the community with digital access and skills to promote a culture of transformative connectivity in the City of Chicago. We are looking for participants that to would like participate in our online workshops.
During Digital Inclusion week we will offer various workshops in the following areas:
Digital Literacy - Monday, October 7th at 10:00am -11:00am
Career Readiness - Tuesday, October 8th at 10:00am -11:00am
Financial wellness- Wednesday, October 9th at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Cybersecurity - Thursday, October 11th at 11:00am -12:00pm
Facebook for Beginners Workshops
Date: Tuesday, October 8
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Irving Park YMCA
Organization: YMCA Chicago
About: This workshop will every Tuesday for a duration of a Month to teach learners how to creating a Facebook account, post updates, and safely expand their network by adding friends. We hope to serve at least 3-4 people per workshop and will measure this with a post-survey asking for feedback and what other things they would like to learn in our Tech Hubs.
Wednesday, October 9
Pop-up Computer Skills Workshops and more
Date: Wednesday, October 9
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Multiple locations (Pilsen, Chicago Heights, and Truman College)
Organization: scaleLIT
About:
* 3 hour long classes with snack time and Chromebook raffle
* skills evals and practice (Basic Computer Skills Internet Basics, Using Email, Career Search Skills, Accessing Telehealth Appointments, Your Digital Footprint)
* 10 Northstar Certificates/Badges proctored and awarded per site
* sharing free resources to continue practicing in native language and more (https://edu.gcfglobal.org/, https://chipublib.digitallearn.org, https://training.digitallearn.org, https://alison.com. Google for Education - Applied Digital Skills, https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/initiatives/web-literacy/, https://www.techlifeunity.com)
* 5 referrals per site - referring and helping to enroll for computer devices, internet service and other programs: working with these resources and more (Compudopt, PCsForPeople, HumanIT, Comcast Internet Essentials, other Internet providers, workforce training programs, adult education and more)
Digital Training: Preparing and Equipping for Access
Date: Wednesday, October 9
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Transformation United Methodist Church, Harvey, IL
Organization: City of Harvey Second Ward Office
About: Our main goal is to prepare and equip youth and families, ranging from 10-90 with digital skill sets and preparation with Microsoft suite, financial management, and increased communication skill sets.
Senior iPad/iPhone 3
Date: Wednesday, October 9
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Schaumburg Township District Library
Organization: Schaumburg Township District Library
About: Learn how to download and remove unwanted apps. Please bring your iPad or iPhone to class. Please create an Apple account before class and bring your login and password to class.
Microsoft Excel for Beginners
Date: Wednesday, October 9
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St, Skokie, IL 60077
Organization: Skokie Public Library
About: This hands-on class for adults introduces the essentials of Microsoft Excel 2021: tabs, rows, columns, functions, formulas and more. We'll help you understand the basics of spreadsheets. Registration is required.
Computer Lab Open Hours and Internet Access at Evergreen Park Public Library
Date: Wednesday, October 9
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Evergreen Park Public Library
Organization: Evergreen Park Public Library
About: Computer Lab Open Hours for the Public – The Computer Lab is staffed for assistance. Services include internet access, printing, faxing, scanning, and copying.
Computer Center Open Hours for the Public
Date: Wednesday, October 9
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Oak Lawn Public Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave., Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Organization: Oak Lawn Public Library
About: We provide computers and internet access and other technical services like copying, scanning, and faxing. Our main goal is to provide computer and internet access to the public. We hope to serve anyone who wants to use our technology or internet services. We will know it is a success if we are able to provide access to even one patron.
Library Catalog
Date: Wednesday, October 9
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Oak Lawn Public Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave., Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Organization: Oak Lawn Public Library
About: At this library event, discover how to search the shared collections of 100 libraries in the Chicagoland area using the SWAN library catalog online. Learn how to place holds on items and have them delivered to your nearest SWAN library to pick up and check out!
Intro to 3D Printing for Youth
Date: Wednesday, October 9
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Fuerza Youth Center - 5339 W 25th St, Cicero, IL
Organization: Corazon Community Services
About: youth based workshop that will focus on a beginner friendly lesson on how to use 3D printing models and prepping them to print. They will learn how to use basic digital learning tools with our computer lab.
Virtual Art Factory Demonstration
Date: Wednesday, October 9
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Columbia College Chicago, 600 S Michigan
Organization: Youth Sports Science Institute
About: In partnership with Columbia College Chicago, our program immerses both youth and adults in the dynamic fusion of art and technology through virtual reality (VR). The Virtual Art Factory demonstration invites participants to use advanced VR tools and software to create immersive art projects, blending creativity with technical skill.
One-on-One Tech Training Sessions
Date: Wednesday, October 9
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave, Evanston IL 60201
Organization: Evanston Public Library
About: Get individual help with specific technology problems, computers, phones devices, and more. Appointments available in English and Spanish. Mon's, Wed's, Fri's, Sat's and Sun's (ongoing).
Thursday, October 10
Senior iPad/iPhone 4
Date: Thursday, October 10
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Schaumburg Township District Library
Organization: Schaumburg Township District Library
About: Learn how to use Siri, get directions and find a misplaced device. Please bring your iPad or iPhone to class. Please create an Apple account before class. Prerequisite: Senior iPhone/iPad 3
CTN’s Day of Equity Webinar Series
Date: Thursday, October 10
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Virtual Webinars
Organization: Community Tech Network
About: In 2023 we held the first Day of Equity webinar event and were met with rave reviews. We continued offering a free monthly webinar series and generally see anywhere from 150-300 registrants per month. All webinars are recorded and posted to our YouTube channel and all webinar materials (including the recording) are emailed to all registrants post event. At the end of every webinar, we raffle off a training resource to three lucky winners, with an average value of $300 / course. We choose up to the minute subject matter with a focus on equity in the digital inclusion landscape. Previous topics have included: How to Support Your Digital Navigator, Culturally Inclusive Digital Equity Curriculum, AI & Digital Inclusion, Celebrating Librarians: The Original Digital Navigators!, Mental Health Matters, PRIDE in Digital Inclusion, Professional Graces: Working with Social Anxieties, and this month's hot topic is: Digital Inclusion and College Students.
Computer Lab Open Hours and Internet Access at Evergreen Park Public Library
Date: Thursday, October 10
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Evergreen Park Public Library
Organization: Evergreen Park Public Library
About: Computer Lab Open Hours for the Public – The Computer Lab is staffed for assistance. Services include internet access, printing, faxing, scanning and copying.
Book-a-Librarian for Tech Help at Evergreen Public Library
Date: Thursday, October 10
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Evergreen Park Public Library
Organization: Evergreen Park Public Library
About: Library Events related to computers or digital learning - If you are looking for help with a specific task related to a computer, phone, tablet, or any other device, Library staff will schedule a time to offer one-on-one help. Simply visit evergreenparklibrary.org/using-the-library/book-a-librarian and fill out the form for Device/Technology Assistance.
Computer Center Open Hours for the Public
Date: Thursday, October 10
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Oak Lawn Public Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave., Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Organization: Oak Lawn Public Library
About: We provide computers and internet access and other technical services like copying, scanning, and faxing. Our main goal is to provide computer and internet access to the public. We hope to serve anyone who wants to use our technology or internet services. We will know it is a success if we are able to provide access to even one patron.
Computer Basics
Date: Thursday, October 10
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Oak Lawn Public Library
Organization: Oak Lawn Public Library
About: We will introduce participants to the basics of computers, including how to use a mouse and keyboard, navigate the desktop, and other general information about commonly installed software. Our main goal is to acquaint attendees with computer fundamentals, so they feel confident using this technology.
Tech and Tea Computer Distribution/Resource Fair Event
Date: Thursday, October 10
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Arturo Velasquez Institute, 2800 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL
Organization: Chicago Housing Authority
About: Distribute devices to 75 - 100 CHA residents and have other vendors I.e., ISPs and CHA internal department in attendance to share information about programs and services.
Community Writers Workshop
Date: Thursday, October 10
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Fuerza Youth Center- 5339 W 25th St, Cicero, IL
Organization: Corazon Community Services
About: There will be a one on one coaching session for adults and youth that want a 30 minute session about professional development: (create resumes, create cover letters, set up LinkedIn profiles, and navigate job search engines), or Basic Digital Literacy skills: (basic hardware and software for computer, covering fundamental computer usage, internet navigation, and essential software like word processors and email). There will be 12 slots available, and will be for those who want an intimate learning lesson, especially for those who are insecure/ need help with their digital learning skills. Slots are open for English and Spanish.
Using iCloud with your iPhone or iPad
Date: Thursday, October 10
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Via Zoom - Evanston Public Library
Organization: Evanston Public Library
About: If you remember the old days of running out of space, iCloud makes that an issue of the past. Now it’s easy to backup your files, receive files, or share files with others. Apple’s Cloud service, is already on your iPhone or iPad! The goal of this virtual program is to teach patrons about the cloud and how they can use their devices to back things up.
Digital Equity Community Conversations
Date: Thursday, October 10
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: Atlas Regional Senior Center, 1767 E. 79th St, Chicago, IL
Organization: South Shore Unified Block Club/Business Organization
About: Engage members of the community in discussions about barriers to broadband use.
Chamber 57’s 12th Annual Anniversary Breakfast
Date: Thursday, October 10
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Shandelier Room, 22348 Governors Highway
Organization: Chamber 57
About: Bring Digital Equity Awareness to elected officials from surrounding communities. Key note speakers like Donna Miller and award winners, Monica Gordon will be in attendance. As well as other respected trustees, mayors, aldermen and others.
Friday, October 11
Sphero Battlebots: Intro to Coding
Date: Friday, October 11
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Evanston Public Library
Organization: Evanston Public Library
About: Get ready to dive into robotics and coding with Sphero BOLT. This round, programmable robot is perfect for coders of all levels, from beginners to pros. Use your creativity to build your very own BattleBot using plastic cups, craft sticks, skewers, and other materials. Do not miss out on the chance to claim victory in the BattleBot showdown! Chromebooks will be provided!
Digital Skills Basics
Date: Friday, October 11
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: PODER, 3357 W. 55th St, Chicago, IL
Organization: PODER
About: A 9-week digital skills class focusing on basic awareness and resources of digital tools, offered in Spanish or English.
Digital Equity Resource Fair
Date: Friday, October 11
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: ROC ED
Organization: ROC ED
About: A resource fair aiming to serve around 150 attendees.
Community Device Giveaway
Date: October 22, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Harper College
Organization: United Palatine Coalition
About: A device giveaway event to distribute devices to households with limited technology access. Success measured by registrations and attendance.
Past Events
Saturday, October 5
CTC Community Kickback
Date: Saturday, October 5
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: The Quarry Event Center (2423 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60649)
Organization: Chi Tech Collective
About: Chi Tech Collective is partnering with the Internet Equity Initiative and Blacks In Technology to host our Tech and Community Expo. This event will provide a unique opportunity for small business owners, residents, and tech professionals, or those seeking tech opportunities, to connect, learn, and contribute to closing the digital divide in our community. Join us in this collective effort to empower and uplift our local community through technology.
Forest Park Sustainability Fair
Date: September 28, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd, Forest Park, IL
Organization: Forest Park Public Library
About: Sustainability is our broad term for spotlighting our belief in a Forest Park that is a creative learning community striving to engage with green, sustainable practices; an inclusive community that is taking action towards towards digital and other forms of equity and inclusion. With this event, we hope to excite and empower the community about issues from energy use to composting to reducing plastic, offering opportunities to get involved in activism, to do crafts and learn, and also personally cross the digital divide or help others cross it. We are hoping for at least 100 people to come out. In order to add a little incentive to the community to participate, we'll have a drawing for several free computers sourced through partner PCs for People.
President Preckwinkle Announces First-Ever Digital Equity Action Plan to Bridge Digital Divide in Cook County
Action Plan and Interactive Digital Equity Map Released in Celebration of Digital Inclusion Week
In celebration of Digital Inclusion Week 2023, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle released Cook County’s first-ever Digital Equity Action Plan. The plan offers a strategic framework to ensure that all Cook County residents have equitable access to the digital infrastructure, devices and tools to thrive in today’s economy and society. It also invites residents, businesses and community organizations to collaboratively build impactful solutions in the areas of digital accessibility, confidence, safety and security, and infrastructure. To kick off Digital Inclusion Week, Cook County’s Bureau of Technology also released an interactive Digital Equity Map which allows residents to gain insights about digital access in their communities.
