Manson Grange hosts Digital Navigator Training

MANSON - Nineteen members from our community, including 10 members of the Manson Grange attended a “Digital Navigator” training session on June 12 at the Manson Grange Hall. The Digital Navigator Program is a project of the Department of Commerce’s Washington State Broadband Office, our session was facilitated by the Community Health Plan of Washington. Digital Navigators are trusted guides who assist community members to understand the internet, locate affordable internet service and help with the use of computing devices. Digital Navigators can help people navigate the internet, sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program (federal low-income internet assistance), and connect with government and community services that help people acquire digital literacy skills, and more.
Leading the training at the Manson Grange were Vicki Ward- Digital Navigation Training Facilitator, Gerardo (Jerry) Perez-Regional Manager for NCW, Rebecca Mundschenk-Training Facilitator and Sarah Koca-Manager of Telehealth, all with Community Health Plan of Washington.
Jerry Perez stated, “Our training team started developing the training in December 2022 and our first test run of the training was in February 2023 and a second test March 2023. Training available to the public didn’t begin until May 2023 with the bulk scheduled for the month of June. So far, we have trained about 40 people and we are on track to train about 140 before June 30.”
Manon Grange Secretary, Christine Olson said, “Besides the resources we received during our training, one of the highlights of the day was learning more about the 19 community members who came to the training.  These people have diverse backgrounds and they are passionate about helping our community with their technology needs.”
The group used a workbook and participated in several exercises, individually and as teams. We were made aware of the “digital divide”, a term signifying the gulf between those who have ready access to computers and the internet, and those who do not. Over seven million (5.7%) of the 124 million households in the U.S. do not have broadband infrastructure, such as high-speed fiber internet cables in the neighborhood. In Washington State, 12% of the households do not own a smartphone. In Chelan County 6.7% of households do not have a computer and 13.9% are without broadband internet.
Skills required to be a Digital Navigator include, comfortable with technology, have a desire to learn and teach technology, willingness to communicate across cultures and age ranges, the ability to build trust, patient, compassionate and supportive and be approachable.
The goal of the training was to inform the group about the digital divide in North Central Washington and give attendees resources to assist community members in obtaining affordable internet and cell service.  The Grange is hoping to offer open tech nights once or twice a month.  The tech night would either have an area of focus or be open to help community members with a variety of tech needs including email or MyChart setup, Smart phone help, or connecting people with the Link to Care Hotline - https://www.linktocarewa.org/ for accessing affordable internet and cell service.
If you would like to get involved in helping the Grange reach these goals you can contact Norm Manly at 509-293-0225 or normmanly@yahoo.com