Digital Equity Ecosystems: How Community Coalitions Reduce Inequality and Strengthen Democracy

"A must-read for those invested in achieving real, lasting digital equity and inclusion in the United States! Through meticulous research and sensitive prose, Colin Rhinesmith gives us a road map for how to address technological injustice. The solution is as powerful as it is beautiful: a model that links communities and community organizations together as coalitions in an ecosystem of change."—Christopher Ali, Pioneers Chair and Professor of Telecommunications, Penn State University "Critical in this moment yet also poised to become part of the scholarly canon, Rhinesmith's book offers historical context on the digital equity movement and a guide for advancing healthy digital equity ecosystems. An essential resource for scholars and practitioners alike."—Amy Gonzales, Associate Professor of Communication, University of California, Santa Barbara "Digital Equity Ecosystems brings rare conceptual clarity and empirical depth to one of the most urgent issues of our time. Drawing on rich case studies, Rhinesmith shows how community coalitions function as vital civic infrastructure, offering a compelling, equity-centered vision for addressing digital inequities and strengthening democratic life."—Mega Subramaniam, Professor at the College of Information, University of Maryland Digital Equity Ecosystems introduces readers to the groundswell of community coalitions that work to alleviate technological inequity and social injustice. Through a comprehensive review of theories and concepts across the fields of information, communication, technology, and public health studies, Colin Rhinesmith reveals how the digital equity ecosystems framework is essential for addressing urgent digital inequalities. Investigating five original case studies of digital equity ecosystems across the United States, Rhinesmith shows how community coalitions serve as vital infrastructure to tackle digital inequality and strengthen democracy. By focusing on these ecosystems as sites for community engagement, civic participation, and social justice organizing, this book helps us make sense of the current moment, arguing that it is crucial to bridge both the digital divide and other social divides more broadly at a time when democracies are in decline worldwide.