Southern Tier Digital Equity Coalition
2024 – 2026 Strategic Plan

About STDEC: The Southern Tier Digital Equity Coalition (also referred to as “STDEC” or “the Coalition”) was established in 2023 to address digital equity and identify opportunities to improve participation therein for all residents of the Southern Tier region of New York State.

STDEC’s primary counties are Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Schuyler, Steuben, Tompkins, and Tioga. Its membership consists of organizations and individuals residing within or providing services to those counties, though it also may cover contiguous counties not served by a digital equity coalition or by STDEC digital equity projects.

MISSION STATEMENT

STDEC is a community-centered group that encourages the exchange of information and sharing of resources to foster digital equity for all residents of the Southern Tier. 

Plan’s Purpose

This plan is intended to guide STDEC through its initial years of governance and operation to: 

  1. Advocate for residents to have equitable access to digital resources. 
  2. Convene diverse stakeholders who are invested in and affected by digital equity issues
  3. Share digital equity opportunities with stakeholders and residents

Goal #1: Advocacy and Social Justice

  • Participate in New York State Digital Equity Network (NYSDEN) to learn from other regions of the State, and serve as representatives of the Southern Tier.
  • Maintain communications with the New York State ConnectALL Office to stay informed on current practices and projects that could benefit the region.
  • Meet with local, state, and federal elected officials to advocate for legislative and funding priorities that position the region to best serve its residents.
  • Promote digital equity as a form of social justice.  

Goal #2: Community Connections and Partnerships

  • Host meetings and information sharing sessions for stakeholders across all fields and industries to keep practitioners informed about the type of work they do and resources they provide.
  • Foster networking opportunities that encourage partnerships between stakeholders.
     
  • Facilitate community conversations on the topic of digital equity.

Goal #3: Education and Information Literacy

  • Implement a learning and networking event that fosters a big picture understanding of digital equity across all fields and industries while including a wide range of perspectives from individuals and communities.
  • Explore a potential medium for the sharing of information and ideas among practitioners and stakeholders.
  • Partner with cultural, educational, governmental, and human service institutions to share information about the resources available for digital participation.
  • Develop a website as a platform to provide vetted resources, share information, and inform community members about STDEC’s mission and activities.

Approved 6/7/2024