Christopher Welch’s Post

Sign-up here for the Future Public Services Summit on 4th Dec and learn more about a new cross-cutting public service reform strategy 👇

I was an invited panelist at the Virginia Governors Housing Conference on November 13th. The title of the session was "Show Me the Money: How Virginia Can Close the Digital Divide" Here is the program description: BEAD is Virginia’s opportunity to get the job done on closing the digital divide around gaps in broadband infrastructure in almost every county and city, both urban and rural across the Commonwealth, and also to begin to make meaningful investments in efforts to expand digital literacy and the use of internet in a safe manner. Participants learned about DHCD’s plans to finish the job on broadband access across the state, and how we are gearing up to tackle broadband adoption and digital literacy! This session featured a facilitated discussion about how local community organizations and government leaders can address access and adoption needs in their communities. I was asked to discuss the importance of partnering with public libraries with digital literacy in closing the digital divide. 

New Case Study! 📖 Discover how Multnomah County, OR simplified its benefits application process by 80% with FORWARD’s Integrated Eligibility Solution! Learn how this innovative platform addressed fragmented access, underutilized benefits, and administrative burdens, making a real impact on the community. 📖 Read the full case study to see how we did it and schedule a demo to explore the features that made it possible: https://lnkd.in/g5pi8Vn3

Great to talk with Deepa Fernandes of NPR’s Here and Now about the implications of ending the federal Affordable Connectivity Program for 23 million US households. Have a listen. Later this week, the Senate will vote to continue the #ACP with short-term funding paid for by the proposed sales of spectrum bands. Even so, a sustainable and permanent solution is needed. #digitaladvancement #internetforall #digitalequity

We stand with our SHLB Coalition partners, calling for local control over social media policies in schools: ALA President Emily Drabinski: “So far, the swiftest way to bridge the digital divide has been empowering community anchor institutions like libraries and schools to connect their own residents, and they need local control to do that. More restrictions on E-rate from the federal government means more barriers to connectivity, needlessly widening digital gaps. We need to keep our eyes on the prize – a reliable broadband connection for students to learn and fully participate in the digital world.” #DigitalEquity

Curious about how to secure government grants for defibrillators? 🦺 In our latest blog post, we break down everything you need to know about defibrillator grants – from eligibility requirements to application tips. Discover how you can access funding to equip your organisation with life-saving devices that make a real difference in your community. https://lnkd.in/eSGZ8Xz4

ICYMI: #Blacknewsscom Here’s Why It Will Become Easier To Find Federal Grants: It will now become more accessible to find federal grants through the government. The four dozen grant-awarding agencies will streamline how federal grants are advertised and promoted. In the past,…http://dlvr.it/TGCs82 The post Here’s Why It Will Become Easier To Find Federal Grants first appeared on Blacknewss.com Media Solutions in African American Culture. http://dlvr.it/TGDWfT

Public service renewal needed The crisis in public services is visible to everyone in Britain today and we feel it in Aotearoa too. This means waiting lists, crumbling infrastructure, exhausted professionals - to mention just a few of the signs of this crisis. A public services renewal is needed. The aim of Demos’ Future Public Services Taskforce is to help deliver that renewal. They use the term ‘liberated public services’ and they imagine: - Citizens as a resource for service, not a problem to be fixed. - Professionals no longer having tight specifications defined from the centre. - Communities partnering with public service. - Government as a whole bringing a broader strategic role, supporting learning and best practice. It is about governments providing the conditions for public service renewal. It is worth following the work of Demos. https://lnkd.in/egc8xHvQ #policymakers #publicservice #liberatedpublicservices

🚨 We’ve Launched Our 2023 Annual Report! 🚨 We've officially launched ALONE's 2023 Annual Report. This past year, we’ve proudly supported over 38,000 older people across Ireland to age at home with dignity and independence. 🏡💚 Commenting on the 2023 report, Sean Moynihan, ALONE, CEO said, “What we are most proud of as an organisation is the fact that were able to deliver 86% of the supports people requested from us in 2023, and 78% of those within 3 weeks. Our strategy is built around the actual needs and priorities of older people and delivering them in the locations they are needed. These results show that we are on track and delivering what is needed. ALONE’s support covers a wide range of areas, and in some ways, we are a single source for everything you need to access to age at home. Our supports range from helping older people to adapt their bathrooms, to addressing social isolation, and everything in between. These results are a tribute to the efforts of our volunteers, staff and board members, and we would like to give them all our deepest thanks.” https://lnkd.in/ep7c7NGA Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/exnqxdqw

Check out this article in The American Prospect which describes the critical need for continued ACP funding and support: https://lnkd.in/gT_eVG2U