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The policy salon meets the First Monday of each month for an issue-driven discussion on the concerns of the day. The salon is an opportunity for participants to gain a multi-sector perspective, foster connections, and expand their knowledge.

Digital Inclusion in Fragile Communities from NYC to Cité Soleil

This month's discussion will follow our April 27th workshop on extending digital inclusion in fragile communities, from fully-resourced but under-accessed areas of urban and rural America to growing but struggling informal settlements in developing countries. We will discuss the ideas generated at the workshop and solicit new solutions for expanding digital capacity and access in these special needs environments.

Here are suggested readings to guide our discussion:

Failures of our Global Imagination
How technology is critical in fragile communities for accessing essential services, such as clean water, as well as information about health, employment, and educational resources.

Bridging a Digital Divide that Leaves Schoolchildren Behind
As more schoolwork requires students to use resources on the Internet, children whose families cannot afford access are being left behind in communities across the U.S. 

The Digital Inclusion of Women and Girls
Columbia alumnus Jason Riffe discusses how lack of access to relevant technologies restricts girls and women from professional development, a livable wage, and a strengthened community in Port-au-Prince’s Cité Soleil. 

Getting to Equal: How Digital is Helping Close the Gender Gap at Work
Accenture report on how digital access is a key enabler of women to achieve parity in the workplace

Additional articles will be posted on our Facebook page.