Letter to NTIA on Digital Equity Act of 2021
May 1, 2023Advancing Justice| AAJC, NCAPA, and JACL submit comments in response to the NTIA’s request for comment on the digital equity grant programs.
In defining the metrics of success for engagement for the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, the NTIA should include the percentage of people who participated in digital equity programs from an organizations’ base membership or audience, rather than just the raw number of people who participated. Many Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community organizations that work directly with individuals and communities affected by the digital divide are local, grassroots organizations that have a smaller but closely connected community base. Local organizations often have a deep understanding of the specific challenges faced by their communities, which means they are in a better position to tailor their digital interventions to meet those specific needs of the AANHPI community. They are more likely to have established relationships with community members, which can help in building trust and ensuring that the community is fully engaged in the process of closing the digital divide.