About Technology for Humanity

Building Human and Social Capital By Connecting the Disconnected

Definition
There has always been a gap between those people and communities who can make effective use of information technology and those who cannot. Now, more than ever, unequal adoption of technology excludes many from reaping the fruits of the economy.

We use the term "digital divide" to refer to this gap between those who can effectively use new information and communication tools, such as the Internet, and those who cannot. While a consensus does not exist on the extent of the divide (and whether the divide is growing or narrowing), researchers are nearly unanimous in acknowledging that some sort of divide exists at this point in time.

We Focus on Two Segmented Groups

Minorities


Hispanics
African-Americans
Native-Americans

The Disabled


The Deaf
The Blind
The Physically Disabled

Benefits of Bridging the Digital Divide


Builds Human Capital
Builds Social Capital
Improves Communities
Lowers Crime
Corporate America needs unsaturated markets to sell to
Corporate America needs loyal employees to hire
Shortage of labor within the next eight years
Save Taxpayers Billions in reactive costs
Helps America recycle computer hardware

Of the Recycling Alliance


There is $6 billion in unspent co-op dollars available
Uses minority and disabled employees
Thousands of computers will need recycling in upcoming years
Need large distribution channel to get rid of older (1 – 5 years) PCs & printers
Up to 70 pounds of techno-trash: $20.00 revenue, audit trail confirmation incl., average PC ~ 30 pounds
Need 21 locations nationwide to get low USPS rates (6000 - 8000 ft)
Unicor: added service with prison labor
Current distribution methods are impractical, inefficient

Featured stories

Obama Strategy for Transparency and Jobs/Economic Development Via Federal Chief Technology Officer Model
Sen Barack Obama (D-IL) says that the US is not doing nearly enough to create jobs through technology.

Governor Blagojevich Signs Landmark Recycling and Reuse E-Waste Law
New law is one of the nation's most aggressive in protecting the environment and public from toxic substances in electronic wastes and providing incentives for reuse.

Issue 2 Illinois Broadband Technology News & Updates July 15, 2008
A compendium of broadband-technology news and views.

$199 computer could crack 'digital divide'
Price reflects Wal-Mart's purchasing power and manufacturer's use of open-source software