S U M M E R 2 0 1 0 N E W S L E T T E R
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ONE ECONOMY: SUSTAINABLE BROADBAND ADOPTION PROJECT
Partners on
all sides of technology have gathered to support One Economy Corp.'s
Sustainable Broadband Adoption Project (SBAP). The two-year project is far
reaching. It will enhance digital literacy skills and provide technology
training throughout West Virginia. One Economy's goal is "creating a digital
information ecosystem that drives demand among local businesses, community
organizations and individual consumers."
"As a project partner," explains Marcel Fortin, Alliance Executive Director, "the Alliance will be helping to set up advisory panels in each community to plan local outreach strategies and ways to sustain the project's training components." Other partners include Workforce West Virginia, the Education Alliance,
  Executive Director of the Alliance of WV Champion Communities |
"This project is so important to our
communities because it addresses core issues that prevent our residents from
embracing technology and enjoying its benefits," said Mr. Fortin. Here are some
highlights of the SBAP:
A. "Make It Easy Where You Are"
Regardless of income levels, people
demand access to information on a 24/7 basis in ways that accommodate their
schedule, location, language and skill level. One Economy's approach considers
available internet content, technology training and affordable connection
options.
B. Digital Connectors
In other One Economy projects,
youths from 14 to 21 have been serving as technology trainers and ambassadors
in underserved communities for the past seven. As a result, 2,800 youths have
provided more than 56,000 hours of training to others in their communities. The
SBAP will use this proven model to put 825 youths to work training 81,000
people across 55 West Virginia counties as Digital Connectors. C. Digital Educators Three full time Digital Educators
will be hired to train at least one resident Digital Educator in each public
school. By educating teachers, administrators, students and parents about
technology, ongoing learning from school into homes will be stimulated. D. Relevant Content One Economy has established a series
of websites, called "Beehives," that provide information about healthcare,
jobs, finance, education and local government. The website for West Virginia
information (wv.thebeehive.org) is kept
current by the Family Resource Network offices. The SBAP will allow One Economy
to improve relevance by creating a zip code-based resource locator function and
public-purpose applications for computers and mobile devices. E. Public Awareness Through a statewide public education
and awareness initiative, a media campaign and on-the-ground activities, will
be conducted to reach about 350,000 homes. Project partners will be involved in
developing and delivering the message to West Virginia communities. F. Access @ Home Most people wish to access the
internet from their homes. If SBAP receives the federal grant applied for, One
Economy will wire 7,000 units of low-income housing in West Virginia with
affordable broadband service. The role of the public library system
in the SBAP is to provide service and training locations. "In the 173 public
libraries across the state there are 1,286 patron internet terminals. There are
fewer than 20 public libraries without wireless networks. Every public library
has at least one T1 service line," said James Waggoner, Executive Secretary of
the West Virginia Library Commission. "The SBAP's use of laptop computers will
allow training to be mobile throughout the public library facilities." According
to the library system's reporting, there were 1,608,829 users of electronic
resources in 2009. The number of patrons using computers at public libraries
increases consistently each year. "Citizens will immediately benefit from SBAP
by having access to training in their local public library," said Mr. Waggoner.
"No matter how rural the community, or what its economic situation may be, the
local public library provides access to unlimited resources." The WV
Department of Commerce
has worked with One Economy over the past three years. "One Economy has been
active in the state pursuing its initiatives and enhancing sustainable
broadband adoption during that time," said Kelley Goes, Commerce Secretary. "The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration
(NTIA)
has awarded WorkForce West Virginia
a $1.9 million Recovery Act grant
to enhance and expand public-use computers, connection speeds and wireless
capabilities at 20 of their field offices across the state," Ms. Goes
continued. "WorkForce WV will purchase new equipment for each Public Computer
Center (PCC), upgrade to faster broadband connections, and add video
conferencing at each site." "In
the short-term, WorkForce WV's public computer centers will provide access to
job opportunities and job training for unemployed or under-employed residents.
Specifically, West Virginians will be able to utilize the video conferencing
capabilities at the centers to participate in job interviews or training, and
connect to specialized medical care. Each PCC will have special equipment to
provide broadband access to the disabled," said Ms. Goes. "In the long-term,
these Recovery Act investments will help bridge the digital divide in West
Virginia, improve access to education and healthcare services, and boost
economic development for communities held back by limited or no access to
broadband." WorkForce
WV has shown its commitment to technology training by offering its participants
vouchers for the Microsoft Elevate America
training program, which provides free online training for Microsoft Office
applications. People can access the training from home computers, at WorkForce
WV centers, public library computer centers or Mission West Virginia technology
centers. The end of the program is coming up – get your
vouchers before AUGUST 23, 2010. "Of particular note, the Elevate
America program targets West Virginians who may not have access to a home
computer," explained Russell Fry, Acting Executive Director of WorkForce WV. "Our
data indicates we are reaching unemployed or under-skilled workers. An initial
breakdown of the vouchers issued indicates that 38.5 percent of participants
are unemployed. Twice as many women participate as men. Most participants are
between 36 and 65 years of age, with a cluster in the 76 to 85 age group." "Commerce
at the state level is served every time broadband is adopted and incorporated
into the lives of our citizens," said Ms. Goes. "Adoption improves the quality
of life of our citizens and creates demand for broadband, which in turn brings
investment for technology." Project
partner Mission West Virginia (MWV) initially
connected with One Economy when the Claude Worthington
Benedum Foundation (Benedum)
called several technology stakeholders together to discuss ways to increase
broadband adoption in the state and improve resident's technology skills. "In
2009 MWV was approached to become involved with the Digital Connectors
program," said David Rogers of MWV. "From the moment we started training in
Washington, DC I have been sold on its benefits." MWV
established 53 community technology centers in counties the Appalachian
Regional Commission (ARC) designated as distressed. These counties faced high
unemployment, low per capita earnings, and other barriers to success. "In those
labs we experimented with using local mentors, then AmeriCorps members, to
teach classes and keep the labs maintained," explained Mr. Rogers. "We were
able to serve 60,000 people. A result of the labs was a 7 percent increase in
demand for broadband. Ours was a very small and diffused effort when compared
to the focused approach of the Digital Connectors program. The training these
youths receive, not just in technology, but in other core areas of development
such as team building, financial literacy and leadership, is incredible." "We
will link MWV's network of computer technology centers with the SBAP, providing
places to hold training and hopefully, Digital Connector sites," said Mr.
Rogers. "We have had young volunteers working in our senior centers and with
summer youth programs. The kids really love teaching. It gives them a sense of
worth and validates that they have nurtured skills in technology that others
don't have. For the first time in many of their lives, these youths are looked
up to for guidance." Mr.
Waggoner agrees with the value of the Digital Connectors program. "Libraries
often use the multi-generational approach, especially with technology. Because
young people are so comfortable with using technology, the older library
patrons become more at ease and it becomes easier for them to learn. The young
teachers are excited about being the ‘authority' on a particular subject. Too
often they feel they are not listened to and their opinions are disregarded. In
these situations, youth quickly develop pride for the knowledge they can share." How
will this project roll out? West Virginia Community
Development HUB (HUB)
will provide logistical support for the SBAP, housing for the One Economy
project team, mapping of technology assets in each community and information
updates and project promotions across the state. Its focus
communities
will be the first to experience the SBAP and will assist in fine-tuning the
process. "We work to build effective partnerships that can bring the HUB's
focus communities real value in their community development efforts," said Kent
Spellman, Executive Director for the HUB. "As we work with communities, we hear
and see the challenges they face through 1) a lack of understanding the
opportunities technology can bring, and 2) their frustration with inadequate
access to broadband service." "A
number of low income residents will benefit by gaining broadband access
(initially free, then affordable) that they lacked before," said Mr. Spellman.
"The Digital Connector teams in each community will learn valuable skills --
and even more important – valuable lessons about personal character development,
civic engagement, community service and more. The adoption of technology as a
tool for community development will lead to increased access, then to increased
entrepreneur development (hopefully among Digital Connectors) and ultimately
diversification of our economy." "The
Alliance will keep everyone informed of the SBAP progress," promised Mr.
Fortin. "Watch our website for postings
once funding has been received to start the project. We will work closely with
the pilot communities in helping to develop strategies that can be easily
adapted as the SBAP spreads across the state." For more information or to become a project participant or
partner, contact Marcel Fortin at 304-756-2264. ________________________________ Summers
County is near completion of a comprehensive plan, which will provide an
overview of the county's current situation and establish a vision and goals for
its future. "I did some research when we started this project," explained Rick
Moorefield, WVU Extension Agent for Summers County." I was surprised how few
counties in West Virginia had prepared comprehensive plans." Summers County has
a strategic plan in place, which provides an action plan to address the vision. The
Commissioners decided to run the comprehensive planning process from within the
county rather than hiring an outside firm to conduct a study. "By doing this
project ourselves, we believe we will achieve a plan that is well suited to our
county's needs," explained Mr. Moorefield. "We also know that it will take
longer to accomplish than if we invested in an outside firm. My role is to
provide leadership and technical assistance throughout the process." The
project was started in 2007 when the Summers County Commission decided to
examine their strategic plan and measure the progress that had been made since
its last update. "Our analysis was presented to the County Commissioners," said
Mr. Moorefield. "We also presented the analysis at a series of public meetings
so our residents could make comments and contribute their ideas." A
retreat was held at Twin Falls State Park where the volunteer committee could
focus on the discussions. People who were involved in making the original
strategic plan were invited to participate. Those who were no longer available
were replaced with new people who provided similar knowledge and experience.
"We used the feedback from the County Commissioners and the public meetings to
plan discussions and activities for the comprehensive plan retreat," said Mr.
Moorefield. Terrell Ellis facilitated the retreat's discussions. Some
of the goals identified for the comprehensive plan are to protect the county's
beauty and natural environment, to provide guidelines for the appearance of the
towns, and to preserve property values. One way to approach these goals is to
consider establishing zoning laws for the county. A steering committee of community
volunteers was formed. Mr. Moorefield is Co-Chairperson along with Anna
Ziegler, a local attorney specializing in real estate law. "Ms. Ziegler's
expertise has been invaluable to our committee and her dedication to this
project is admirable," said Mr. Moorefield. Other members of the steering
committee include: Chris
Chanlett, Debbie Darden, Dwight Emrich, Patrick Fern, Jamie Fields, Joe Garcia,
Thomas Key, Proctor Kirk, Randall Kleit, Ted and Cheryl Lowry Kula, Steve
Lipscomb, Fred Long, Cleo Mathews, Toni and Wendell McQuaig, Richard Segars,
Andy Steele, Steve Trail, Geof Tuckerman, and John Vuolo. "Because
our committee volunteers have other obligations to work and families, it does
take some staff to accomplish a big project like this," explained Mr.
Moorefield. "We hired an intern who has been invaluable in compiling
information and assisting our committee members. " As the Summers County Intern
Brandon Saddler drafted the comprehensive plan document, which was presented
for County Commission input early in July. Mr. Saddler is a Concorde University
Student majoring in Geography and Mapping. Once
the County Commissioners have provided their input, public meetings will be
held to solicit feedback from residents. A final draft will be submitted to the
Summers County Planning Commission for approval and recommendation for adoption
by the County Commission. "Counties
are not required to have comprehensive plans," explained Mr. Moorefield. "But
if they do, then West Virginia law requires updates every five years." People
who want to find out more about state laws can visit the West Virginia Code Chapter 8A, Land Use and Planning.
According to state law, comprehensive plans must meet the following objectives. -
Statement
of goals and objectives for a governing body, regarding present and future land
development -
Timeline
for both short and long term goals -
Action
plan for implementation strategies (a strategic plan) -
Recommend
to the governing body a financial program for goals and objectives -
Recommendations
concerning future land use and development -
Program
to encourage regional planning, coordination and cooperation with other
governing bodies, etc. -
Maps,
plats, charts and descriptive material present basic information on land in
jurisdiction, including present and future uses. In
this case, community volunteers chose topics to research and led subcommittees
to get the work done. "Staff often gets involved with subcommittee tasks
because the volunteers have limited time available," said Mr. Moorefield. "Some
groups worked faster than others, and some topics had more information to
gather than others. Our staff helped to complete some loose ends and now we
have our draft document complete." Mr.
Moorefield welcomes questions or advice from other cities or counties regarding
comprehensive or strategic planning. He can be reached by phone at 304-466-7113
or by email at Rick.Moorefield@mail.wvu.edu. ________________________________ The Sheltered Workshop of Nicholas
County, Inc. (SWNC) trains people to work and provides jobs for disabled people
of all ages. "We currently employ 80 people in such jobs as water delivery,
making and delivering bundled firewood, commercial lawn care and snow removal,"
explained Bob Johnson, Executive Director of SWBC. Mr. Johnson is also Vice
President of the Alliance. Workshop Service Center, an auto
repair and detailing shop, is the latest expansion of SWNC's job training
programs. It will be used to train workers through the SWNC and students from
Nicholas County VoTech. The shop is located at 16194 Webster Road (Hwy. 55) in Craigsville,
near the Ranch House Restaurant. "Our expansion into auto repair
services opens opportunities for people to train for jobs in high demand within
Nicholas County," said Mr. Johnson. "The shop also provides a new resource to
the public for oil changes, air conditioning repair, tune-ups, brake work,
detailing and hand washes." A surprise green benefit, instead of
paying to send used oils to an incineration service, the Workshop Service
Center plans to heat its facility with an oil furnace using recycled engine and
transmission oils from cars it maintains and repairs. Barry Mullens, owner of Barry's Used
Cars, leased the auto shop building to SWNC. "I'm very pleased to lease to the
Sheltered Workshop," Mr. Mullens said. "My daughter had a brain tumor. She
worked at SWNC during her recovery and it helped her quite a lot." Because the car lot is just next
door to the Workshop Service Center, they will be sending cars to be repaired
as needed. "SWNC has a fleet of 8 vehicles that will be maintained by our auto
shop," said Mr. Johnson. "We also have a contract to maintain Federal vehicles
that are assigned to the Summersville area." The auto shop is open to the public
on Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. "We invite you to come and get
your car fixed, maintained or cleaned," said Mr. Johnson. "All trainees are
fully supervised by experienced mechanics." Workshop Service Center employees
include: Duane Bragg, SWNC Director of
Operations; Jodi Bailey, Job Coach Supervisor; Kevin Hall, Mechanic; J. D.
Hanna, Service Writer, Mechanic Assistant and Job Coach; Kim Thomas, Office
Manager; Logan Bailey, Detailer; and Diana Hinkle, Custodial Services
Supervisor and Job Coach. "For those wishing to help our auto
repair training succeed and grow," said Mr. Johnson, "we could really benefit
from additional equipment and resources." Anyone with questions or wanting to
help the job training effort at SWNC, call Bob Johnson at 1-800-404-0053 or
email him at swnciwvstateuse@verizon.net.SUMMERS COUNTY DEVELOPS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
are co-chairs of the Summers County
Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee.
shake hands at the Workshop Service Center
where job training will take place for years to come.JOB TRAINING FOR AUTO REPAIR CAREERS
the air conditioning system in this
SWNC fleet vehicle.
