Context: The City of Chicago is set to release an RFP for city-wide wireless Internet. Community groups are mobilizing to make sure that the Digital Inclusion provisions of the RFP are more than lip-service, and that appropriate community partnerships are formed for the long term. Community Technology is the path to Economic Opportunity and Civic Empowerment. Our time is now.
Please spread the word on the following appeal. We can use in-kind donations as well as cash. We'd also welcome anyone ready to roll-up their sleeves to build this effort. We want to have meetings in every community of Chicago.


Contact:
Michael Maranda mmaranda (at) ctcnetchicago.org,
Pierre Clark pclark (at) englewoodlink.org or
Lowry Taylor lowrytaylor (at) yahoo.com to get involved.



Appeal: Chicago Community Benefits Agreement Campaign - Sept.'06

*http://www.dropcash.com/campaign/Tropology/chicago_community_benefits_campaign_/

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*We're Community and Technology Advocates in Chicago ... *

We're fighting for Digital Literacy, Access & Opportunity for Every Community and we need your support!

Leaders in more than 34 (we're shooting for 77!) Chicago communities have signed on to an outreach and community education campaign and together we demand a community benefits agreement as part of any and all communications infrastructure initiatives in Chicago, and for true community participation in planning and development across the city.

Join us Thursday, Sept 14 at Noon as we launch this campaign: Pui Tak Center 2216 S. Wentworth Ave. Chicago, IL 60616

Our citywide grassroots coalition needs resources for printing materials for distribution to the general public and for general operations.

We are committed to this effort for the long haul and view this as our collective evolution to the next stage of the movement for access and
equity. We acknowledge the grassroots leadership in cities such as Minneapolis and elsewhere that have advanced Community Benefits Agreements and raised the bar for civic engagement.

*This can be done because it has been done. *

We must do this here and only you can make it happen.

Whether you have a CTC or Technology Learning Center or are trying to form one or just want to support the movement in a meaningful way....
now is the time to come together.

*Give what you can, and give now.*

*The following is a link to a PayPal dropcash box
<http://www.dropcash.com/campaign/Tropology/chicago_community_benefits_campaign_/>:

www.dropcash.com/campaign/Tropology/chicago_community_benefits_campaign_/
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Checks payable to the Chicago Digital Access Alliance are welcome.
Contact us for postal address.

Contact us directly if you can donate in-kind equipment, material, or services!

In Solidarity,

Michael Maranda

773-456-7737