Letter to NTIA on Digital Equity Act of 2021

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.