Emily changed the description of the committee Connect Midwest Committee from “The Connect Midwest Committee is a public group within TechSTL dedicated to addressing critical issues around digital opportunity, broadband access, and digital literacy in the St. Louis Metro. Meeting monthly, this committee brings together passionate advocates, industry experts, and community leaders to drive initiatives that bridge the digital divide and empower equitable access to technology. The primary focus of the committee is to launch Connect Midwest as a self-sustaining 501(c)(3) organization, actively serving the 15-county bistate of the St. Louis Metro.

Through collaborative events, resource sharing, and targeted advocacy efforts, the Connect Midwest Committee works to:

Expand broadband infrastructure and connectivity throughout the region.
Enhance digital literacy programs to equip individuals and communities with essential tech skills.
Advocate for policies and funding that promote equitable digital access and opportunity.
Build partnerships that support digital inclusion and workforce readiness.

The Connect Midwest Committee Group & Forum is a public space brings together advocates, experts, and community leaders working to bridge the digital divide across the St. Louis Metro region’s 15-county bistate area.

GROUP PURPOSE
This group serves as a platform for:

Coordinating digital inclusion initiatives and programs
Sharing broadband access resources and opportunities
Discussing regional connectivity challenges and solutions
Building partnerships for digital literacy programs
Advancing policy advocacy and funding initiatives
Supporting community-driven tech education efforts

MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY

Digital inclusion advocates and professionals
Broadband infrastructure experts
Community organization representatives
Education and workforce development partners
Government and policy stakeholders
Technology access program coordinators
General public interested in digital equity

POSTING GUIDELINES
DO:

Share digital inclusion resources and programs
Post updates on broadband initiatives
Contribute to policy discussions
Share community success stories
Promote digital literacy events
Offer partnership opportunities
Post funding and grant information

DON’T:

Share politically partisan content
Post commercial promotions without approval
Engage in discriminatory behavior
Share private community information
Post unverified technical claims

INTERACTION GUIDELINES

Foster inclusive and respectful dialogue
Consider diverse community perspectives
Provide constructive policy input
Support collaborative problem-solving
Maintain focus on community benefit
Respect varied technical expertise levels

CONTENT MODERATION

Content should support digital equity goals
Posts may be reviewed for accuracy
Community guidelines strictly enforced
Members can flag concerning content

PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY

Respect community privacy needs
Protect sensitive program information
Follow data sharing protocols
Maintain grant discussion confidentiality
Adhere to partner privacy policies

EVENT PARTICIPATION

Share events that are:
Digital literacy programs
Community tech training
Policy advocacy meetings
Infrastructure planning sessions
Digital inclusion workshops
Include accessibility information
Provide virtual participation options

RESOURCE SHARING

Share verified digital access resources
Provide multilingual materials when possible
Credit original sources
Include implementation guidance
Focus on practical community benefit

ADVOCACY GUIDELINES

Focus on evidence-based advocacy
Share policy research and data
Maintain non-partisan approach
Support community-led initiatives
Document impact and outcomes

VIOLATION CONSEQUENCES

First occurrence: Educational conversation
Second occurrence: Temporary posting restriction
Third occurrence: Membership review
Severe violations may result in immediate removal

CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions or concerns about these guidelines, contact:

TechSTL Director of Digital Equity: Gage McCallister, Gage@TechSTL.com

These guidelines are subject to updates and revisions. Members will be notified of any significant changes to these rules.

Last Updated: January 2025″ to “The Connect Midwest Committee is a public group within TechSTL dedicated to addressing critical issues around digital opportunity, broadband access, and digital literacy in the St. Louis Metro. Meeting monthly, this committee brings together passionate advocates, industry experts, and community leaders to drive initiatives that bridge the digital divide and empower equitable access to technology. The primary focus of the committee is to launch Connect Midwest as a self-sustaining 501(c)(3) organization, actively serving the 15-county bistate of the St. Louis Metro.

Through collaborative events, resource sharing, and targeted advocacy efforts, the Connect Midwest Committee works to:

Expand broadband infrastructure and connectivity throughout the region.
Enhance digital literacy programs to equip individuals and communities with essential tech skills.
Advocate for policies and funding that promote equitable digital access and opportunity.
Build partnerships that support digital inclusion and workforce readiness.

The Connect Midwest Committee Group & Forum is a public space brings together advocates, experts, and community leaders working to bridge the digital divide across the St. Louis Metro region’s 15-county bistate area.

GROUP PURPOSE
This group serves as a platform for:

Coordinating digital inclusion initiatives and programs
Sharing broadband access resources and opportunities
Discussing regional connectivity challenges and solutions
Building partnerships for digital literacy programs
Advancing policy advocacy and funding initiatives
Supporting community-driven tech education efforts

MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY

Digital inclusion advocates and professionals
Broadband infrastructure experts
Community organization representatives
Education and workforce development partners
Government and policy stakeholders
Technology access program coordinators
General public interested in digital equity

POSTING GUIDELINES
DO:

Share digital inclusion resources and programs
Post updates on broadband initiatives
Contribute to policy discussions
Share community success stories
Promote digital literacy events
Offer partnership opportunities
Post funding and grant information

DON’T:

Share politically partisan content
Post commercial promotions without approval
Engage in discriminatory behavior
Share private community information
Post unverified technical claims

INTERACTION GUIDELINES

Foster inclusive and respectful dialogue
Consider diverse community perspectives
Provide constructive policy input
Support collaborative problem-solving
Maintain focus on community benefit
Respect varied technical expertise levels

CONTENT MODERATION

Content should support digital equity goals
Posts may be reviewed for accuracy
Community guidelines strictly enforced
Members can flag concerning content

PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY

Respect community privacy needs
Protect sensitive program information
Follow data sharing protocols
Maintain grant discussion confidentiality
Adhere to partner privacy policies

EVENT PARTICIPATION

Share events that are:
Digital literacy programs
Community tech training
Policy advocacy meetings
Infrastructure planning sessions
Digital inclusion workshops
Include accessibility information
Provide virtual participation options

RESOURCE SHARING

Share verified digital access resources
Provide multilingual materials when possible
Credit original sources
Include implementation guidance
Focus on practical community benefit

ADVOCACY GUIDELINES

Focus on evidence-based advocacy
Share policy research and data
Maintain non-partisan approach
Support community-led initiatives
Document impact and outcomes

VIOLATION CONSEQUENCES

First occurrence: Educational conversation
Second occurrence: Temporary posting restriction
Third occurrence: Membership review
Severe violations may result in immediate removal

CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions or concerns about these guidelines, contact:

TechSTL Director of Digital Equity: Gage McCallister, Gage@TechSTL.com

These guidelines are subject to updates and revisions. Members will be notified of any significant changes to these rules.

Last Updated: January 2025″ a year ago

a year ago