June 2006 Newsletter

In this Issue

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Dear Members,

Have you made your plans to join us at the July 2006 CTCNet conference? Come on out to meet old friends and new -- and take back invaluable knowledge for your CTC work!

We've got a strong lineup of content this year and are excited to be celebrating our 15th annual meeting.  We'll kick off with a pre-conference day on Capitol Hill, where members will get training on how to get your message across to decision makers. The conference then continues with workshops led by your peers, discussions from leaders of like-minded organizations, engaging networking events -- and celebrations that include marking 15 years of coming together.

Don't miss it... register now!

-- Kavita Singh, Executive Director

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Member Spotlight

In this edition of CTCNetwork News, we highlight Computer C.O.R.E. (Community OutReach and Education) in Alexandria, Virginia. Computer C.O.R.E.’s mission is to help low-income adults acquire the technological and life skills they need to pursue career aspirations. CORE provides basic computer training combined with personal and professional development to assist students in becoming proficient in the skills needed for employment success in today's economy.

CTCNetwork News spoke with Debra Roepke, Executive Director, to learn more.

What services does CORE provide to the community?

“CORE offers a 6-month training session, with 48 students in each session. A total of 96 students are trained per year. Training sessions are July-December and January-June. The program is offered for a nominal ($125) fee. The fee is part of helping the student make the appropriate commitment to complete the course. CORE found that when students paid nothing, there was only a 50% completion rate, with the fee, the completion rate jumped to 83%.”

The CORE program includes:

Basic computer skills training: During the term, students develop core skills in basic hardware, Microsoft® Windows, keyboarding, Internet browsing, e-mail, Microsoft® Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Career and life skills training: Success Strategies classes ensure that graduates leave with greater self-confidence, focused aspirations, and the tools needed to pursue future endeavors. Each Success Strategies volunteer works with three students for one hour each week to provide the individualized services in identifying each person’s skills, interests, and goals; developing résumés and cover letters; and supporting students’ use of the résumés and cover letters to pursue their career goals.

A free computer: After completing the first two months of the term, CORE gives all students computers, which are donated by individuals or businesses, refurbished by volunteers, and equipped with software donated by Microsoft® and modems purchased with cash donations. The computer gift enables students to further develop their computer skills at home and provides computing access to their families. For most, this is the first computer in the home.”

What is the community impact of CORE’s services?

CORE’s accomplishments can be distilled into two words: Transforming Lives. CORE graduates are starting new careers in a wide range of fields from office administration to nursing to banking and finance to network administration. All the graduates are better equipped to pursue immediate and long-term goals and to participate in a society that increasingly assumes technology competence and access. In a recent survey, graduates from the previous 8 months reported the following successes":

How is CORE staffed?

“Computer CORE’s program is delivered by over 80 volunteers who do all the teaching, computer reconfiguring and repair, and many of the other program functions. These 80 volunteers are supported by 2 full-time paid staff, 2 part-time paid staff and one full time staff volunteer. The volunteers contribute over 11,000 hours per year. In 2005, the total number of volunteer hours was 11,208, which was valued at $335,102. A similar or greater number of volunteers and volunteer hours are anticipated for immediate future program years.”

If you would like for your organization to be featured in a future edition of CTCNetwork News, please email newsletter@ctcnet.org.

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15th Annual Conference - Early Registration Deadline - Extended

Early Bird registration rate has been extended to Friday, June 23, 2006.  If you haven’t already registered for CTCNet 15th Annual Conference, be sure to do so before June 23 to get the lowest rate!

Visit the conference registration page.

Be sure to also make your hotel reservation by Monday, June 26, 2006 as the CTCNet Hotel Room rate ($125/double room) is only guaranteed through that date. Make your hotel reservation today!

Visit the conference hotel and travel page.Ami Dar, Executive Director of idealist.org

CTCNet's 2006 conference will celebrate 15 years of the CTC Network and will feature an opening keynote address by Ami Dar, Founder and Executive Director of Action Without Borders/Idealist.org.  Other special events include a 15th Anniversary Reception, a Friday evening Youth Media Showcase, and more!

Visit the Special Events page for more information.

The conference will also feature over 40 breakout sessions, feature panels, half-day workshops. 

Visit the Conference Program page to see the list of sessions.

We look forward to seeing you July 27-29, 2006 -- in Washington DC!

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Access to Action Guide - Now Available

The Access to Action Guide is now available to help CTCs better articulate and envision their impact at the community level. A product of the Access to Action initiative, the Guide provides examples and experiences from centers and other community groups, along with a tools designed to help you through some of the process. 

"The Madison Park Development Corporation (MPDC) held two focus groups for adults, and one for children and youth. MPDC discovered that the adult CTC users wanted a professional place for learning, while the youth wanted a fun space to hang out with friends. The CTC space needed to be re-designed to appeal to both populations."

-- Nyvia Colon, Director of Technology Programs; MPDC (MA)

The goals of the guide are to help centers achieve:

Use the Access to Action Guide.

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Member Highlights

 

Massachusetts

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston hosted IDEAS Boston Youth Summit to inspire teens. Sixteen little robots, one giant “I,” and a dozen innovators and entrepreneurs shared the stage at Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston’s first-ever IDEAS Boston Youth Summit on Wednesday, May 3. The giant “I” – for “IDEAS” – set the stage for the thought-provoking one-day event which engaged, educated and inspired an audience of more than 200 Boston-area teens and adult chaperones. With the local CBS affiliate’s meteorologist, Mish Michaels, as moderator, a dozen presenters including scientists, business entrepreneurs, social activists, and performance artists, ranging in age from 16 to 60 showcased Boston as a center for innovation and entrepreneurship. Technology was a recurring theme, with nearly every presenter talking about its use in their fields, from a forensic scientist, to a roboticist, to an electric harpist, to a young entrepreneur launching an event ticketing business.

California

Living Advantage, Inc. is happy to announce its new innovative website that has been redesigned to help assist youth develop and enhance their life through the initiative of the World Wide Web. Living Advantage, Inc.’s mission is to provide direct service to at risk youth in the way of an interactive secured web site community. The youth will have access to their personal information, a personal database, online continuous education and medical resources. They will be offered independent living skills and employment resources. The website will serve as a virtual online community for youth to voice their opinions, achievements and receive rewards.

Illinois

The People’s Resource Center (PRC) was awarded a grant totaling $110,000 by the Microsoft Corporation for its commitment and dedication for bridging social and educational gaps in the community. For over 30 years, PRC has served 36 communities by providing services such as computer training and access as well as food, clothing and referral services. “We are thrilled and extremely grateful to have received this generous Unlimited Potential grant from Microsoft,” said People’s Resource Center Executive Director, Mary Ellen Durbin. "Microsoft’s grant will make technology more available to our community, and provide more opportunities for our citizens to advance their lives. Through this grant, the People’s Resource Center will be able to continue offering technology programs and services that strive to break the poverty cycle.”

Uganda

Woman on laptop, child and other woman watching

The women of Nakaseke Community Multimedia Centre and Nakaseke Community Centre in Uganda partnered with the International Women’s Tribune Centre to create a CD-ROM for Ugandan women to help them learn how to access the internet. The CD features a speech interface and point-and-click instruction. The women who use the CD-ROM click on the text and graphics and hear a voice speaking in their own local language, Luganda. It has empowered the women who are now expanding their ability to make money and experimenting with new small businesses. Women travel from all parts of Uganda to utilize the new CD-ROM by the Nakaseke Women. Very few of these women have had the opportunity to finish more than one or two years of primary school. However, they are beginning to recognize words as they follow the spoken text and graphics.

 

 

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Reflections: Community Technology Centers -- A Family Thing

 

Member:  RECA Foundation (Kennewick, WA)

By Ronda Evans

"In 1992, RECA (Realizing Every Community Asset) Foundation was co-founded by Bruce McComb and Ronda Evans with assistance from children, Nickole and Evan Evans.

Bruce’s contribution: By 1994, RECA had developed The Columbia Free-Net, and gave away over 4500 email accounts by 1998. He developed 10 Community Technology Centers, including one that served the blind, and one managed by the RECA Foundation, and developed a Computer Reuse Program that has served over 1000 low income families. He provides technical assistance to non-profits and repair and maintenance to those in need.

Ronda’s contribution: Between 1992 and 2000, Ronda developed 3 different databases of community resources, but it wasn’t until 2002 that she located the database that truly makes a difference. 4People.org serves 19 counties in eastern Washington, with thousands of services. In 2005, 4People implemented a Multi Agency Case Management system provided to non-profit agencies, faith based organizations, or caseworkers to coordinate services to the less fortunate.

Nickole’s contribution: In1998, Nickole developed her first website Youth Speak Out, which is still being used to inspire youth to volunteer and help their communities. Since then, Nickole has been featured at the United Nations for using technology to promote peace. She continues to donate time to help others--from Katrina evacuees, tsunami victims, teens in crisis, those with HIV/AIDS and cancer survivors--she leaves no one untouched by her generosity and willingness to help. To read more about Nikole's work, visit www.y2kyouth.org.

Evan’s contribution: In 2000 when Evan was 10, he and a friend put together their first web site, “Wolly Bully” with animation. Evan has trained over 30 young children with developmental disabilities to use computers. He has also instructed foster children in how to put together profiles and PowerPoint, and taught many others web design. Evan has received numerous awards for helping children to learn computers. Evan is very adventuresome on the computer and finds new tools daily, which he shows his parents so they can incorporate them into the RECA Foundation programs.

CTCNet has been there for the RECA Foundation over the years and continues to grow and support the technology and community needs to bridge the digital divide.”

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Reflections: Tech Week

 

Member:  Community Preservation Development Corporation (Washington, DC)

By Jessica Venegas

"This year's Tech Week, ACT! Leadership and Technology, at CPDC was a fabulous success. In our 5th year, we reached milestones that exceeded any of our original expectations. Here's a brief history:

In 2001, Tech Week was actually just a day, with two sites participating, (Edgewood and Buckman), competing for bragging rights (and a trophy) for a Black History trivia contest. In 2002, the day was expanded to include adults throughout the week learning new skills with a focus on technology. A resident group sponsored an event on Friday and six sites participated in the Saturday "Youth Jam" where the quiz show first utilized technology and "tech play" was the priority. The following year, 2003, brought the theme of "Celebrating Our Communities" and celebrated the rich histories of our properties and the neighborhoods surrounding them. Highlighting the opening of eSharp in 2004, Tech Week focused on "Technology and the Fine Arts." Our adults and youth alike were exposed to the many ways that technology interfaces with music, dance, and visual arts. We broke the 100 mark with Youth Jam participants that year as well. Last year, Tech Week focused on Media Literacy and brought 150 children to Edgewood for the Youth Jam.

Thanks to the hard work of so many folks... we somehow managed to raise the attendance at the Youth Jam in 2006 to 160 from a record 10 program sites and simultaneously implement the most fluid schedule to date. During the week, adult and youth classes focused on Leadership and Technology. The Friday night Poetry Slam was again a huge success and brought out both youth and seniors alike to show their community spirit through poetry. And let's not forget our wonderful sponsor, Citibank, who funded all of the little things that helped make the week informational and fun.”

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Meet the Board

In this edition of CTCNetwork News, we are pleased to introduce board member, Steven Gutierrez of the Azteca Economic Development and Preservation Corporation.

Background: "The Azteca Economic Development and Preservation Corporation (AEDPC) is a community development corporation that works with the residents of the Azteca neighborhood in Laredo, Texas -- a border community serving as the Gateway to Mexico. For the last 20 years, the organization has brought many improvements to the Azteca neighborhood. In 1995, Azteca Economic Development and Preservation Corporation created the first neighborhood police station for the Azteca neighborhood. In 1997, Azteca Economic Development and Preservation Corporation helped 50 families find affordable housing by building the El Azteca apartment complex. In 2006, our Board is looking for properties in the neighborhood in order to be able to help more people -- especially disabled persons who need to live in nice affordable apartments. AEDPC's primary concern is affordable housing development. In our efforts to maintain a healthy living environment, we strive to promote the lifestyle that completes the affordable housing concept. Technology is consistently being incorporated into every aspect of the American lifestyle. AEDPC intends to bridge the technological gap by providing access to the technological tools needed to compete in school and the workforce. We believe that this initiative will bring the affordable housing lifestyle full circle and allow the people in the community to utilize equipment that they might not otherwise have access to."

Area of Experience: "I hold a BA in English literature with a minor in Geography. I started working at AEDPC in order to fulfill a one-year internship project, involving social work within a low-income section of the community. During my internship, we created El Azteca CTC with ten computers for public use. At that time (1999), only two of our computers had dial-up Internet access. After I completed my internship, I left AEDPC to continue my academic career. The CTC continued to serve the people in the barrio for a full year after I was gone. Unfortunately, due to lack of personnel the CTC had to temporarily close its doors. I was contacted by Rafael I. Torres, AEDPC executive director, to reinstate the CTC. I have been the director of El Azteca CTC for the past four years. Our CTC offers 10 computers for public use. Initially, I was hired to tutor students who were learning English as a second language. Ultimately, I began to learn the technology side of the CTC and was appointed director. As the director, I do grant research and I plan and oversee the projects offered at the CTC. I still tutor on a one-on-one basis and I also prepare meals and snacks for the students who attend the CTC during our after-school sessions and summer program. I monitor the academic development of the students by keeping track of their report cards and developing lessons to strengthen individual weaknesses. There really is a lot more to CTC's than the technology aspect of it. I believe we have interwoven ourselves into the tapestry of the neighborhood and have become a social hub for barrio residents."

Accomplishments as a CTCNet Board Member: "I became a board member in the summer of 2005. I serve on the Member Services Committee. I have really learned quite a bit about technology since I became a board member. I have also learned that there are different ways of running CTC's effectively. What I would like to tell the other board members is that they are truly a knowledgeable group with open minds who are always willing to share their knowledge with anyone wanting to learn. The board is one of CTCNet's most valuable resources. Keep up the good work. It is really an honor to be among such a diverse group of people intent on reaching a common goal."

Note to CTCNet Members: "It is obvious that we all share a common interest in our endeavor to bridge the "digital divide" and create a society in which all people are equitably empowered with the tools necessary to compete in school and the workforce. Being part of a group such as CTCNet can only serve to enhance our vision and provide us with the support needed to carry on our individual projects. The diversity of the membership proves that technology has infiltrated many aspects of our culture or cultures, ultimately creating a technoculture of sorts. It never ceases to amaze me how many of the members are quick to offer help when a question is posted on the email list. It seems to me that CTCNet serves as the adhesive that binds us together to form a powerful network of knowledgeable folks willing to support each other to achieve a common goal. Individually, we can accomplish our own projects; together, as CTCNet members, we can accomplish anything."

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CTCNet Welcomes 12 New Members

 

Welcome to the Network!

Alabama

Helping Others Learn Technology (H.O.L.T.)

 

California

Venice Arts: In Neighborhoods
Media Arts Center San Diego

Connecticut

Partnership for Strong Communities

Florida

Computer Mentors Group, Inc.
Trinity Community Technology Center

Illinois

Sunshine Gospel Ministries

Minnesota

Pillsbury United Community/Brian Coyle Community Center & Waite House Adult Computer Lab
YWCA of St. Paul

New York

The Academy for Career Development

Washington, DC

Nortel LearnIT

International

Fundacion Amancio Ortega

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CTCNet Resources

 

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