Our Work
Expanding computer ownership for a digital future.
The Challenge: Eliminating the Digital Divide
In an increasingly digital world, access to technology is essential for participation in education, work, healthcare, and social connection. In the U.S., however, 36 million people lack a home computer, limiting their opportunities. A single computer can help a student apply to college, enable someone to find work or gain certifications and skills to advance in their careers, or connect an older adult to vital services. Yet, millions remain disconnected. At Digitunity, we believe everyone who needs a computer should have one.
Our Vision
We envision a world where anyone, in any community, can obtain a computer, free from barriers to ownership. Through integrated, sustainable systems, we are working to create long-lasting solutions that ensure access to the tools people need to thrive in a digital society.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple, yet profound: to make owning a computer possible for everyone. As a field catalyst, we aim to eliminate the digital divide and empower communities across the nation by reshaping and strengthening the systems that make computer ownership possible.
Our Approach
If existing systems served the needs of everyone, our work would not be necessary. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Unlike direct service providers, Digitunity works at the systems level, employing a holistic approach to address barriers to computer ownership.
Theory of Change
Our Theory of Change outlines the systemic shifts needed to ensure equitable computer ownership, focusing on transforming the structures, policies, and partnerships that make this possible:
- In order to advance the greater good and ensure that everyone in the United States has the ability to obtain a computer, changes to the existing systems that enable computer ownership, formal and informal, are required.
- New or reshaped systems are essential to enable a reliable supply of computers that is sourced, prepared appropriately, and made available through trusted organizations to individuals impacted by the digital divide.
- Shifts in policies and practices, identifying and engaging local catalysts, and utilizing a holistic, long-term approach are critical aspects of the stewardship and sustainability of such systems.
- External guidance may be necessary, on a short-term or long-term basis, to support the development and resilience of such systems.
Core Beliefs and Assumptions
Our work is guided by a set of core beliefs and assumptions that shape our approach to expanding computer ownership among those impacted by the digital divide:
- We are committed to enabling transformative change that benefits society as a whole, rather than prioritizing short-term gains.
- We take a macro-level, systems-based approach while never losing sight of the importance of local impact.
- We are an independent counter-force to the existing systems and structures that perpetuate the digital divide.
- We must be reliably and successfully adaptive as we work to drive systemic change.
- Collaboration is core to systems change, and we align ourselves with like-minded peer organizations.
- We start from an abundance mindset, believing that there are enough resources available to achieve universal computer ownership.
- We center the perspectives of residents, ensuring they are the architects of their own future.
- We believe in the pivotal role of local catalysts, empowering them with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to spark change.
- System integration is critical, and we work to embed computer ownership solutions in adjacent systems such as education, healthcare, libraries, and government.
- We view technology reuse as both a responsible environmental choice and a direct pathway to expanding computer ownership.
What the Future Looks Like
Digitunity is implementing a high-impact action plan, striving to achieve the following:
- The act of donating technology will be a normalized IT asset management practice within the corporate sector, government, and other large institutions.
- Government at all levels will commit to supportive, long-term actions, policies, and practices to expand computer ownership.
- Philanthropy will identify computer ownership as a meaningful aspect of funding portfolios.
- Solutions to support computer ownership, informed by the experiences and insights of local residents, will be evident in communities everywhere.
- Data regarding computer ownership will be widely collected, analyzed, and used for decision-making.
- Demand will be thoroughly understood and fulfilled, and people impacted by the digital divide will become computer owners.
- Sustainable device ecosystems will serve residents of communities across the country.
Building a Sustainable Device Ecosystem
Digitunity’s Methodology for a Sustainable Device Ecosystem outlines the key elements and conditions that must be in place to ensure that affordable devices and related supports are available to those who need them.
©Digitunity 2024. All Rights Reserved.
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