Mozilla Marketing

I know *you* know what a browser is. But help someone who doesn’t.

By DR ⋅ June 15, 2009 ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

Think for a moment about what you’ve used the Web or a computer for in the last 24 hours.   Maybe you paid your bills, skimmed through the latest news and weather, found shopping bargains or good eats.  Perhaps you watched your favorite TV show, took a higher education course, or found directions.  Maybe you chatted, IM’d, and blogged, applied for a job or found a date.

I’m writing this post from the center of one of the leading high-tech hubs in the world. As more of our lives migrate online, what happens to those that can’t migrate with us, either because they don’t have access to the Web or because they don’t understand how to use  a computer?  How big will this digital divide grow?

Fortunately, there are ways that you can help.  One way is to participate in Mozilla Service Week (September 14-21), which is open and taking pledges.  Mary has a great write-up about the program, but the quick version is that Mozilla is encouraging anyone with a technical skill or two to share to donate just a little bit of your time.  It can be as simple as teaching someone how to access the Web with Firefox, or as complex as setting up a network for your local community center.

I’m involved with Community Technology Network, which serves as a resource for computer labs and other non-profits to improve digital literacy.  For those that live in the Bay Area, I’d encourage you to get involved with CTN (watch for more details on the Mozilla Service Week website), or one of the other partner organizations.  No matter where you live, the need for digital literacy is high, and Mozilla Service week aims at bringing together teachers and students alike.  If you’re an organization in need of volunteers, please take a moment to sign-up.

Next time you’re online,  think about those that are at risk for being left behind, and then ask yourself what you can do to help.  Start by making a pledge now for Mozilla Service Week.

Tags: digital divide, Mozilla Service Week, mozservice09, service, Service Week, volunteer