The Connect Hampden County Coalition: a social movement for the people, by the people
What’s it like to be part of a resident-led, resident-driven initiative to advance digital equity in Holyoke and Springfield—specifically through education, advocacy, and action? Introducing the Connect Hampden County Coalition, which convened with the support of Way Finders’ Community Building and Engagement (CB&E) team in March 2023.
“The members of Connect Hampden County Coalition inspire me! I love social movements and seeing how a group of ordinary people come together around an issue and really advocate and bring that awareness,” said Nydia Hernandez, who recently completed two years of service as a Digital Equity AmeriCorps VISTA with the CB&E team and was instrumental in supporting the Coalition. “It is so easy to just create a policy for the few and not for all. That’s why grassroots organizing is so important. It’s important for policy to reflect the needs of the community.”
To understand what drives the Coalition, consider these questions: Are you or a loved one unsure how to navigate the digital world? Experiencing internet issues? In need of a computer to access the internet? Unable to afford internet access in your home?
In recognition of those who answer yes to the above, the Coalition is resolved to advocate for universal access to affordable and quality broadband internet for all residents. Members also promote digital training and equal access to computers and internet connectivity. Because accessing the internet is an integral part of daily life—we need it to participate, navigate, and advance in all parts of life. We need it to thrive.
The Coalition—about two dozen members of all ages, many of whom are older adults—comes together every month or so, depending on what projects they are working on. The initiative builds on Way Finders’ Flexing Civic Muscle program, funded since 2019 by Point32Health Foundation, which focuses on building digital literacy, advancing digital equity among older adults, and building the capacity of residents as advocates.
In February 2024, the Coalition launched a social media campaign and hosted a press conference at the Springfield Housing Center to spread an urgent message to lawmakers: Continue to fund the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The program, which subsidized broadband for 23 million low-income households in the United States, was ultimately defunded by Congress this spring. Sonia Ramos and Willie Mae Palmer, both older adults, were among the Coalition members who spoke at the event.
“At one time, I had to park outside the library so my daughter could have access to the internet. It wasn’t comfortable and we weren’t safe,” said Ramos, a resident of Way Finders’ Library Commons in Holyoke. “Losing ACP means I’m going to have to cut back on some of the essentials to make it work financially. Having internet in my home is like having food, we need it.”
“For many of the elderly, using the internet is the only way they’re talking to their family members. They connect with the world and access so many things through the internet,” said Palmer, a resident of Springfield. “We order food online, we get deliveries online, visit the doctor online. There’s so much. By taking this affordable access away, you’re taking away many of our freedoms.”
In July 2024, the Coalition took part in the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Challenge Process, an initiative of the Massachusetts Broadband Institute to ensure that every resident in the state has access to reliable high-speed internet. The process presented an opportunity to correct inaccuracies in the state’s broadband map, ahead of determining which locations are eligible for funding.
“Coalition members really got the word out, especially in areas we know are underserved or not served, so residents could do a speed test on the map portal,” said Hernandez, who noted with pride that in August Comcast boosted internet speeds in several cities, including Holyoke and West Springfield.
Also this summer, the Coalition toured Holyoke Media to check out their facilities and equipment, which are available for free to residents. Members are working on a video advocacy campaign around digital equity, and possibly a podcast, to highlight stories about how inequity impacts the community.
“We had an overwhelming amount of Coalition members join us. Seeing them with the equipment and excited to share their stories was a wow moment,” said Hernandez. “I think that’s what I loved most about my role. Seeing older adults engaged in something that wasn’t part of their life when they were younger. With such commitment to bridging that digital divide for people in the community.”
When asked what she hopes for the Coalition as it moves forward, Hernandez emphasizes sustainable solutions.
“I hope for them to continue to organize, to identify policies that will address these issues instead of band aid solutions. We want long-lasting solutions that will help people stay connected. And I know that it’s going to come sooner than Coalition members realize, they’re making such a huge impact with what they’re doing. They are really helping to inform the power keepers, to make the change we need.”
Ramos shared a personal reflection on her involvement with the Coalition, which she describes as “a beacon of hope.”
“Before joining, I didn’t have a voice. I was afraid. Now I’m bold and brave. The group is a family, it is a space for me to grow. It has ignited me and given me a foundation and wings. We are only just starting! It will progress as we navigate for equity and inclusion,” said Ramos. “I have learned so much, I navigate the internet now to go even further, to look up laws and everything. And my daughter is in college, she’s studying criminology and psychology.”