Host a Digital Equity Outreach Listening Session in Your Church
Remember in March 2020 when churches had to become online ministries almost overnight? Three years later, we have regathered in physical space, but the digital ministries started during the COVID pandemic continue in most congregations.
Services are broadcast online. Pastors share stories of serving as a help desk for church members learning new technology. Church committees and small groups now have the ability to meet online and access new resources that are not locally available. Internet access is vital to both life in the Church and for so many other daily activities. Yet there are barriers to access for many in our communities, whether that be slow internet speeds, the cost of internet service and/or devices, internet security, or just the comprehension of how to engage with the multitude of online activities.
As the state of Wisconsin works to expand internet access across the state, United Way of WI and Wisconsin Council of Churches are excited to announce that they were selected as a grant recipient of the Public Service Commission’s Digital Equity Outreach grant.
This grant will empower community conversations that can help to inform state planning for digital equity and broadband access and deliver informed insights into digital equity needs and opportunities among WI’s covered populations. These conversations are designed to understand local experience and barriers related to the availability and affordability of high-speed, reliable wired or wireless internet service. They will also explore whether individuals have the necessary information, support, and skills to navigate internet service and technology tools, and understand basic security and internet safety.
We are looking for churches who would like to participate in this project! You are invited to host a listening session with your congregation or the wider community. Funding is available to provide snacks, childcare, and a small stipend to the church and each participant. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the digital needs of your congregation and/or community through a one-hour listening session led by WCC staff or a volunteer. These sessions can be a launching point for your church to think about its digital ministry, whether complex as a livestream team and hybrid campus or as simple as a phone set on a music stand.
If you are interested in participating, please contact Rev. Breanna Illéné.
This project is supported by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin as part of a financial assistance award totaling $158,248.00 with 100% percentage funded by Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official view of, nor an endorsement, by Public Service Commission of Wisconsin or the U.S. Government.
