About DEC
Empowering Every Community Through Digital Inclusion
Photo Credit: SBCAG
What is DEC?
The Digital Equity Coalition (DEC) was formed in 2021 to help close the digital divide in our community. It was created with the belief that digital access is a basic right in today’s world. The Santa Barbara Foundation serves as the lead convener, bringing together community organizations, schools, local governments, and nonprofits. These partners work toward a shared goal: ensuring everyone has access to digital tools and skills—regardless of income or background. As part of broader statewide and national efforts, the DEC identifies opportunities and supports initiatives that expand digital inclusion.
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