To say I’m a talker is an understatement. I grew up with a father who encouraged my siblings and me not to be shy. It comes in handy as a Gap engager. At events, The Gap team sets up a table where our Digital Access For All banner is displayed, which shares information about who we are and what we do. One of the most important things we do is go where people are in need within one of our four counties: Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota. Whether we attend community events, Pop-Up Neighbor Through Laundry events (where our colleagues in the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading pay for attendees’ laundry wash and dry), school events, or offer our services at the All Faiths Food Bank in Arcadia once a month, we go where we can do the most good and share our resources. And yes, not being shy is an asset, and being a talker comes in quite handy!
Sometimes, we approach people, and sometimes they come to our table. However, the true Aha! moments come when we talk to community members about our services—helping with connectivity by researching and providing low-cost internet options, assisting with obtaining a free or low-cost device, and/or referring them to digital skills training opportunities. When we also explain that our help comes at no cost, the relief is evident on their faces, and they say, “Yes, please sign me up!” I love those moments because I know they will be helped by amazing Digital Navigators who wear kindness on their sleeves and are relentless in their drive to help the community members.
Sometimes, people don’t know what they don’t know, and other times, people don’t have someone to advocate for them (e.g., with an internet provider). Some people are too proud to ask for help, while others just don’t know where to go for information, which is why we go to where they might be versus having them come to us. It can all be so overwhelming.
I’m glad we play a small part in providing guidance and relieving some of our community members’ financial struggles. Yes, some may see approaching people at events as a risk, but my colleagues and I consider it an opportunity to make a difference in our communities. Our time is an investment in the lives of others. It is our honor to be part of such a worthy community endeavor.
