Mid-year retreat: Building our collective future
ConnectUS Coalition Ecosystem Mapping Exercise
Introduction
This month, coalition members came together for a half-day of hands-on work. Conversations aligned with how our community shows up both locally and nationally, knowing we have national peers joining us in Columbus for Net Inclusion 2027.
What we learned
The biggest gaps aren't about programs that don't exist. The retreat’s conversations revealed many opportunities: Most organizations are already doing digital inclusion work without realizing it's part of a larger movement. The coalition is eager to make that visible and multiply our collective impact.
What’s next
Coalition members committed to:
Storytelling as infrastructure — sharing 90+ impact stories by the end of the year to fuel funding and visibility
Visibility expansion — positioning Central Ohio as a national digital inclusion model through speaking, press, and peer networks
Better data systems — building shared infrastructure so residents and funders can benefit from the full ecosystem
Local & national recognition — pursuing awards and speaking opportunities
Join the coalition
80+ organizations now aligned around digital access. Fill out the interest form to join ConnectUS.
