About DEC
Empowering Every Community Through Digital Inclusion
Photo Credit: SBCAG
What is DEC?
Recognizing that digital access is a fundamental right in today’s world, the Digital Equity Coalition (DEC) formed in 2021 as a response to the growing need to address the digital divide in our community. As lead convener, the Santa Barbara Foundation chartered the DEC to unite community organizations, educational institutions, local governments, nonprofits, and other stakeholders dedicated to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status, has access to the digital tools and skills necessary to thrive. As part of a larger statewide and national conversation, the DEC assesses opportunities and amplifies initiatives to address the digital divide.
The Santa Barbara Foundation convenes the Digital Equity Coalition (DEC), which includes the BCPC and around seventy representatives from sectors like education, health services, public housing, governance, and community resilience. The DEC aims to close the digital divide in Santa Barbara County by aligning resources and building partnerships, focusing on affordability, device access, digital literacy, technology support, empowering digital equity content, and countywide leadership.
As part of a broader statewide and national effort, the Coalition evaluates local initiatives to tackle the digital divide while coordinating with regional and statewide digital equity programs. This strategy aims to position Santa Barbara County for state and federal funding to enhance digital equity.
Why Digital Equity Matters
The digital divide represents the gap between those with reliable internet access, digital devices, and digital skills, and those without. This inequity disproportionately impacts underserved communities, including low-income households, rural residents, seniors, and people of color, limiting their access to essential opportunities in education, healthcare, employment, and civic participation. By improving digital equity, access to opportunities for self-reliance and participation in the 21st-century economy is extended to all community members.
Shared Commitments & Goals
- Expand Access: Advocate for access to high-speed internet throughout Santa Barbara County, highlighting the need in underserved communities.
- Improve Affordability: Promote programs that offer affordable internet services and devices to low-income households and other vulnerable populations.
- Advance Digital Literacy: Provide comprehensive digital literacy training to empower residents with the skills needed for personal and professional success in the digital age.
- Strengthen Community Capacity: Support local organizations and initiatives that address digital equity challenges, fostering a collaborative approach to bridging the digital divide.
Digital Equity Bill of Rights
The Digital Equity Bill of Rights, signed into law in October 2023, makes California the first state to recognize digital access as a civil right and leading the nation as a champion for digitally disadvantaged communities and unconnected households.
To insure Digital Equity for all Californians, residents have the right to broadband that:
- Is Sufficient & Reliable
- Is Ubiquitous
- Is Affordable
- Provides Educational Opportunities and Supports Digital Skills Proficiency
- Ensures Public Safety and Maintains Peace of Mind
- Improves Quality of Life
- Supports Economic Prosperity
- Attracts Capital Investment
- Supports Innovation and Research
- Empowers and Enables Participation in the Democracy