When I was in grad school, working toward a Master’s in Sociology, my dad would ask “What are you going to do with that?" -- a very reasonable question. As part of my studies, our research team conducted a project in which we asked the nonprofit organizations in the region what types of assistance they would like from the University. Technology was consistently one of the major issues for which community and regional groups needed help.
From that project, I helped form the Coalition to Access Technology and Networking in Toledo (CATNeT). And thus my professional career as a community technologist was born.
I am not a techie. I cannot code an application in PHP or deploy a community wireless network. I do understand the benefits of technology. I have worked for and fought for equal access to technology and tech training, affordable broadband, nonprofit internal use of technology and nonprofit use of the internet as a promotional tool. Having run both nonprofits and a small business, I have experienced the challenges technology poses and the struggles it can help overcome. I understand the learning curve issues and that cost can keep some people from participating in the current culture, current business practices and current communication methods - to the detriment of society as a whole. I pay enough attention to internet policy to know that those of us who do understand internet policy must stay informed and participate in discussions at every level, from our neighborhood to our nation. I am a community technology advocate.
I am now building my own dream. I've found a way to wrap my passion for digital equity into a new business teaching other
s how to make use of social networking. For most of my career I have been promoting the use of technology, testing out what is available and making recommendations. I know I have the ability to bring the power of online apps to those who shy away from it and I am jazzed about what those folks will do with their new found abilities.
It doesn't make a lot of sense to my dad, how I got here from a Sociology degree, nor probably to most folks. But I see how I got here, and all I have learned on the way. And I very much appreciate the journey.
