Help needed to create Southeastern Indiana’s Digital Inclusion Plan
Could you or somebody you know make a difference in Southeastern Indiana’s broadband availability, digital literacy, and access? The Purdue Center for Regional Development and Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission are working with communities to develop a Regional Digital Inclusion Plan by the end of 2021.
As we well know, broadband is not a luxury, but has become essential to the economic and social well being of our citizens. The COVID-19 crisis has amplified the visibility of societal problems that result from not only insufficient broadband, but lack of access to existing broadband. These issues must be addressed holistically for our entire community to thrive.
PCRD and SIRPC are seeking a Digital Inclusion Fellow to assist in developing the plan. The position details are below, with a link to apply.
Digital Inclusion Fellow
with the Purdue Center for Regional Development with the Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (SIRPC) and Serve Indiana / AmeriCorps
Position Title: Digital Inclusion Fellow
Program: Digital Inclusion Fellow with the Purdue Center for Regional Development and Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (SIRPC)
Site Location: Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (SIRPC) headquartered in Versailles, IN
Website: https://www.pcrd.purdue.edu/; https://www.sirpc.org
Purpose: Produce and further the digital inclusion plans developed in partnership with the Purdue Center for Regional Development. Project deliverables and/or support in small businesses and the economy, education and e-learning, tourism, digital skills, and housing.
Description of Duties: Members will be responsible for a variety of duties, including developing and implementing regional digital inclusion plans. Member will be the primary point of contact for the digital inclusion plan. Develop, facilitate, and conduct workshops and trainings to 1) increase awareness on digital inclusion; 2) lead to the development of a digital inclusion plan; 3) help in the implementation of the plan focusing on but not limited to digital literacy workshops, online presence strategies for small businesses, improve e-learning capabilities throughout the region, and intelligent community action items, and housing among others in the SIRPC Region. The digital inclusion fellow would also work on resiliency planning efforts to strengthen small businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, including developing a collection of information and resources for small businesses to use to help build resiliency strategies. Assist in project development as additional need arise. All members will receive an orientation and ongoing training on digital inclusion and community and economic development.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree; evidence of commitment to service; successful completion of all required criminal history and medical checks; excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong research abilities; knowledge of Microsoft office applications. Excellent interpersonal skills and attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to problem solve and take initiative on assigned projects; ability to work independently and in teams with remote supervision. Unimpeachable ethical standards and personal integrity.
Terms of Service: Approximately March 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021; Position dependent upon funding
Time Requirements: 40 hours a week; typically within normal business hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Some evening and weekend hours may be required. Must have broadband capabilities.
Orientation and Training: Participate in AmeriCorps training throughout the year
Benefits: Living allowance stipend, post-service education award, health care, intensive training and career development program, powerful service experience, Serve Indiana/AmeriCorps network
Evaluation and Reporting: Mid and final performance reviews, weekly reports to supervisor, weekly timesheets, quarterly interviews with program staff to assess progress, monthly calls with other members to discuss program progress
Supervisor: Purdue Center for Regional Development and SIRPC regional representative
Start the application process: https://tinyurl.com/digital-inclusion-fellows