Earlier this week representatives from the Blandin Broadband Communities (BBCs) met in the Twin Cities to talk about what was happening in their communities (inspirational!) and share tips on programs that have worked to boost broadband adoption (instructional!). I know this is a long post – but I wanted to archive the event and share the notes with everyone because I think there’s info here to inspire and instruct other communities.
On a very high level almost everyone spoke about the power of getting together to tackle an issue such as digital inclusion or lack of technology – both in term of this cross-community event but within their local communities as well. And while each community has gained access to funding through the BBC program, it seems like the reason to convene was at least as valuable as the money itself. Local programs have brought people together and provided an opportunity for more resources to emerge – in a Stone Soup sort of process.
We started the day with updates from each community. There are more videos – I tried to include at least one update from each community…
The communities then gathered in an Open Space to discuss topics of interest topics included the following. I’ve included the written notes and video summaries from each group…
Working together with ISPs
Caller: John Witte
Participants: Beth, Karl, Bill, John
Summary:
School agreements – read to get an idea of what’s possible.
Courthouse, public parks approach –
Decent access speed/ access
Start small and grow demand / Different with stimulus funding when you can start big.
Start out using a politic approach
Cell – not enough spectrum, data caps
Read the agreement
Look at marketing standpoint .. “Provided by…”
How do we stir emotions so they become broadband evangelists
Caller: Chris Swanson
Participants: Theresa, Karl, Bernadine, Ann, Chris
Summarize:
- Great stories are important but it needs to be practically applied by that person (example of beekeeper searching on jars)
- Have a tool box of apps/services to share with the public
- Getting people to the meeting to show them how this works is important. Using gatherings where folks are already at
Next Steps
Set up meetings and promote
Community WiFi
Caller: Kristin Lee
Participants: Paula, Sam, Jason, Keith, Kris Lee, Keith
Summarize:
- Filtering is an issue – how do you filter/do you filter? Are there any legal issues to providing ide open internet
- Outside broadcasting on public buildings versus in-house broadcasting within businesses. Tech specs
- Community portal to announce WiFi – looking for more solutions, splash pages
Next Steps:
- Talk to Ann about web design
- Re-look at the public buildings and outside locations
- Talk with Keith from Kanabec about WiFi and community portals
Promoting High Level Technology Skills and Use
Caller: Bill Coleman
Participants: Bill, Theresa, Fred, Kurt, Curt
Summary:
- Identify existing tech opportunities with companies and organizations
- Recruit participants – ties to local schools and tech schools
- Utilize experts locally
- Transform grades 11-12
- Build an image! Quality of Life plus technology
- Social Media Breakfasts
- Flexible work/life balance
How to Better Tell Our Story
Caller: Roxy
Participants: Renae, Fred, Sam, Jamie, Kurt
Summary:
- Use pictures to tell the story, with captions
- Advertise the good things, colored envelopes with newsletter/newspaper
- Find a champion for topics and stories that market story
- Use the schools to distribute info and education
- Video/channel/media – find the social butterfly and empower them to do the work
WiFi Hotspots on School Buses
Caller: Renae
Participants: Roxy, Renae, Karl, Kris, Beth, Paula, Keith
Summary:
- Steve Bistrup from Milaca IT is a good resource for tech questions. So is Marc Johnson from ECMECC.
- Needed to block downloading and streaming of movies
- Verizon is definitely finessing this type of project
Community Portals
Caller: Kris Lee
Participants: Keith, Karl, Beth, Renae, Roxy
Summary:
- WordPress vs Google calendars and how it is engineered – who maintains it?
- Ways to get content providers to contribute – keep it up to date
- Promote web pages from one location, work in cooperation. Get training for local businesses.
Next Steps:
Look into adding webpages for businesses classes – touch base with our community ed director
How to Improve Blandin Support for BBC
Caller: Bernadine
Participants: Sam, Jamie, Jason
Summary:
- TA is really helpful – help in finding non-Blandin resources
- Webinar on public WiFI spots
- Facebook has been better than Ning
- Multiple cohort meeting (MIRC & BBC) – world café
- Big push or grand vision such as every 5th grader in the state getting a laptop or device
Next Steps:
- Involve FdL in deployment group
- Email Jason about e-democracy
- Revisit MIRC communities
