Internet Safety Training for Community Members

We are coordinating free Internet Safety 101 training at two Parks and Recreation Technology Centers, Delridge Community Center (June 21st, 10-12) and Rainier Community Center (July 19th, 10-12).  Michael Hamilton and David Matthews of DoIT's Office of Information Security will educate community members on threats to the home computer, and specific ways to be safe using email and the Internet. The two-hour course will also include tools, tactics and information for the lay user. Our community center partner is RecTech, the group out of the Associated Recreation Council, that runs programming and supports the community center computer labs. If you are interested in attending the classes, please call Vicky Yuki at (206) 233-7877, or by email.

Summer Programs

City of Seattle Offering $ for Summer Youth

On March 12th, the Washington Legislature completed passage of Bill 6438 and the state budget. The bill provides for two complementary programs, including the first state grant program for community technology!

The new legislation establishes: 1) a planning process for broadband development and mapping; and 2) the state’s first Community Technology Opportunity Program. With strong legislative support, $500,000 has been allocated for the new program, which will provide grants and capacity building assistance. There will be well over 100 organizations in Seattle likely eligible for this program and hundreds more across the state.

The broadband portion of the bill calls for local planning teams with local government, business, education and non-profit community organization participation. The bill also requires the state to publish a web directory of community tech programs, similar to the city’s local directory.

The City of Seattle’s Community Tech team, along with representatives from local programs, including the STAR Center, NPowerSeattle, Metrocenter YMCA, were instrumental in getting this passed by working with the state Communities Connect Network to share their successes and needs. Seattle Representative Zack Hudgins led the effort towards passage of the final bill. Rep. Claudia Kauffman sponsored the community tech bill. Sen. Kohl-Welles sponsored the initial broadband legislation. Rep. John McCoy was also instrumental in passage of the bill.

South Park community uses game show voting to set priorities

Residents and businesses of South Park used a game show tool to set their priorities for the coming year at a community open house on November 15th. Each person had a handheld radio voting box (like a tv remote control) and voted on which projects were priorities for the coming year. The questions were provided in three languages (English, Spanish and Vietnamese). The Sharp Decisions electronic software displayed the group's preferences right away.     (photo: Lora Suggs and Khai Nguyen with their voting pads in hand.)

Find classes and community computer centers (or other multi-media programs) on our Technology Center Directory

The directory makes it easy to find appropriate programs and services. It lists more than 160 sites in Seattle, King County and surrounding areas that offer access and training. Centers are organized by geographic area and contain information about programs, facilities, community served and availability.

You can find sites by location or use the search page to look for specific training, languages or programs. If you know of a program not listed here or have updates, let us know.

Seattle Free Wifi Pilot Project

The City of Seattle provides free public wireless Internet service in Columbia City and the University District as well as four downtown parks (Occidental, Freeway, Steinbrueck and Westlake) as a pilot project. Free wifi is also provided at Seattle Public libraries and the Seattle Center Center House. Learn more about our Seattle Wi-Fi project. If you have questions or problems with service, you can email communitytechnology@seattle.gov or leave a message on our WiFi infoline at 684-8070.

Seniors and Youth Present Community Perspective

See the results of a Technology Matching Fund Electronic Civic Engagement project, which brought together limited English speaking elders and youth in the International District to use pda's, community mapping, and photojournalism as tools to raise voices and foster discussion about the current status and future development needs of the neighborhood. Developed by the Internal District Housing Alliance (IDHA) WILD program in partnership with Sustainable Seattle and Photovoice.

See an eleven minute overview of the project or the video presentation to City Council
See presentation slides