Delete – (now called topics)

We have published our experience papers  and plan to do more.

Possible topics for the next experience paper include:

1. Adapting refurbishing and training programs to changing world- mobile devices, apps, changing workplace requirements, etc.
2. Best practices in finding, reusing, and developing training material
3. How organizations use volunteers effectively, or not.
4. How to get a program started in an underserved area.
5. Experiences using Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) loans to sponsor digital inclusion programs. The Federal Reserve Bank will be coming out with a paper in June expanding the use of CRA funds to make it clear that digital inclusion is a part of the community capacity building, though CRA funds have been used to support some digital inclusion efforts already.
6. Describe modes of instruction- six week courses versus single session versus one-on-one tutoring versus on-line training with support (e.g. learning circles)- perhaps recommendations on when each of these is most effective.
7. Literacy and Digital Literacy- experiences teaching computer skills where reading in English is not a strong skill.
8. Sample survey on who is doing computer training,
9. How other organizations (like libraries) fit into a global picture on digital information,
10. Best practices in grant writing.
11. Refurbishing non-Windows equipment–how to get started. Like what businesses are doing when using tablets (even housekeeping at hotels are using them these days.)
12. Being able to convey the impact we have on the community.

    1. For example, San Diego is a refugee hub. Will continue to have new individuals without access. What impact does a refurbisher have on the community as a whole? What does it mean to the environment? (To reuse.) How does supplying computers impact the community. What is the average value of a desktop computer—got asked that question—computer, monitor, software, tech support – $972. Times 22,000. $37 per computer, their costs. How do you convey that to show the impact? The data as well as the stories. Big picture how does the act of refurbishing impact the community? How does the distribution impact? Have technical skills.

       Study ten years ago, 1 out of every 4 jobs today requires a computer. Salary difference. Grant request, 400 characters tell us your impact.

13. Collaboration – assuming you’re providing a service that no one else is supplying. Why compete?  “Collaboration is not taking money away from each other.” Funding is easier. Now a company no longer has to choose between them. They feel they’re getting a bigger bang for their buck.” From Net Inclusion 2018: desire for a model of partnerships that is replicable, sustainable and scalable. Sometimes due to applying for combined funding. How to determine who gets what and who does what. Maybe PBDD could share come good MOUs related to this topic.

Topics we tried, but didn’t get very far with:

1. What other agencies are doing (and recommend) with regard to measurements, particularly measuring impact of programs. This is something many donors, volunteers, and grant-givers would like to see, to ensure that their funds are being used effectively. (stakeholders including potential grant givers). Questions on Measuring Impact