Expanding Broadband for Equitable Democracy
Broadband internet is a key component of a community's civic infrastructure. When communities have access to broadband, it can be one of the strengths that provide pathways for residents to participate, have a say in important decisions, and take action to improve their lives. When access is lacking or unequal, it can exacerbate inequities and contribute to social exclusion that prevents all people from fully engaging in civic life and democracy.
A new research brief conducted by CIRCLE explores the connections between broadband and civic participation. Based on previous scholarship and new findings, we make recommendations for how various stakeholders can ensure that broadband expansion both includes and strengthens the existing civic infrastructure and civic culture in communities in order to promote a more equitable democracy.
Related Research
Media Ecosystems
CIRCLE's project on media ecosystems explores the role of broadband in a community's civic infrastructure and its connection to youth voter turnout.
Growing Voters
CIRCLE's Growing Voters framework lays out the ways that various fields and institutions must work together to create equitable pathways to engagement for all young people.
The Role of Local Institutions
Expanded broadband can increase engagement with libraries, local youth groups, and other vital stakeholders and organizations in a community.
Toolkit for Civic Leaders
As part of CIRCLE’s work on broadband access and democracy with theDigital Equity and Opportunity Initiative, we have had opportunities to learnabout and engage with several of these programs, learn from their efforts,and understand how they bridging gaps between connectivity andcommunity. Below, we present brief profiles of six programs, with highlightsthat inform efforts by other organizations and communities.
Read the Profiles Here
We've created two downloadable handouts to help leaders and organizations understand the role of broadband in their work and create advocacy plans to improve digital engagement and equity.
Explore the Role of Broadband
Create an Advocacy Plan
Strategizing Digital Solutions in the South: The Broadband and Democracy Roadshow
Explore insights and recommendations from our work with community and digital equity leaders.
Support for this work was provided in part by the Digital Equity and Opportunity Initiative (DEOI), a project managed by Media Democracy Fund.