Dear friends of openairboston.net,
Last week marked the 40th anniversary of the first test of the technology that would become the Internet. The engineers working back then could never have imagined the incredible impact that their work would have on our present day world. Internet access has shaped both my career and my personal life. I ask you to take a moment and reflect on the Internet's value to you.
Know that, even in Boston, one of the most innovative cities in America, Internet access is simply unaffordable for the majority of low-income residents and this lack of access has profound and lasting effects. The students in our Boston Public Schools, who without home computers resort to typing assignments on their cell phones, become the job seekers, who without Internet access, cannot complete job applications for even the most unskilled jobs. Without Internet access, these residents rarely find the opportunities to develop the skills they need to succeed in today's workplace.
openairboston.net is a non-profit organization working to erase this inequality and help ALL our residents thrive in an increasingly online world. We bring free Internet connectivity, training and low-cost computers to residents currently left at the sidelines of our connected world. Through our efforts, we have brought an open-source community wireless network in the Fenway and Mission Hill neighborhoods and aim to expand our work to other much-in-need communities. We bring not only connection but also the education necessary to create self-sustaining support and training programs that allow neighbors to help neighbors and fostering true community ownership of these networks.
The word is getting out and our momentum is building. From features in both the Boston Globe Magazine and Mass High Tech to our recognition by the IRS as a 501 c 3 tax-exempt organization, openairboston has both a local and national mandate to expand our work to all the many communities still in need.
Everyone deserves the same opportunity to succeed, to have the access to the technological skills and resources so necessary in today's world. We are working to make this equality a reality and ask for your help in our efforts. Think what it means to you to be connected and consider making a donation to our work. Please consider making a contribution to openairboston with your time as a volunteer to help build our network or train residents, with your connections by forwarding this email to those who may want to join our cause, or with your financial assistance. All donations are welcomed at our website and we encourage you to follow our progress on facebook and twitter.
I hope you will join us. The future of Boston lies before us - let's connect.
Brian
Brian Worobey
888.344.OPEN
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