HR0717 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0717 LRB094 15068 RAS 50220 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, On November 16, 2005 and November 17, 2005, the Illinois Community Technology Conference and the Sixth Annual Telecommunications Conference will be convened in Springfield at the University of Illinois at Springfield Public Affairs Center to address rural connectivity and digital literacy issues; and

WHEREAS, Basic technology skills (digital literacy skills), such as understanding common technology terminology and equipment, understanding how to use productivity software to organize and create information, and understanding how to utilize electronic mail and the Internet, are fundamental in preparing Illinois' citizens to be successful in school and the workforce; and

WHEREAS, Digital literacy is essential for Illinois' future and requires a consistent, long-term investment from the public, private, and voluntary sectors in order to achieve and sustain a healthy quality of life for individuals, families, and communities; and

WHEREAS, Community Technology Centers provide computer access and digital literacy training services to individuals, communities, and populations that typically would not otherwise have places to use computer and telecommunications technologies; and

WHEREAS, Digital literacy matters in the provision of daily Internet access for all Illinoisans and especially for youth, adults, and seniors who benefit from public access to low-cost or no-cost Community Technology Centers in low-income areas throughout Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Digital literacy and technology access are essential for the equitable use of government and public services; people in all communities should have the opportunity to be connected to the world and to each other through a variety of technologies and platforms, regardless of location, age, economic standing, or linguistic or physiological constraints; and

WHEREAS, Digital literacy matters as a way in which individuals, families, and community enterprises "learn" digital literacy skills, including learning-by-doing, learning-by-teaching, learning-by-delivering vital goods and services, both paid and unpaid, and participating in learning communities that strengthen family and social networks, which sustain lives and build supportive community environments; and

WHEREAS, In times of local safety and health emergencies, such as in hurricane Katrina or tornados in Illinois, digital literacy is a key element in restoring communications and in helping to link persons with families and vital services; and

WHEREAS, Outreach and public awareness efforts must highlight how digital literacy matters by saving time and money in daily tasks, in learning and communicating, and in connecting with digital government and consumer services; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that November 16, 2005 and November 17, 2005 shall be known as Digital Literacy Matters Days in Illinois, a time to applaud the work of Community Technology Centers and highlight the importance of digital literacy skills for all Illinois citizens.