Boston Community Computers

A Boston Area Social Justice, Social Action, 
and Social Assistance Project

Helping people bridge the technology divide

Introduction

In our society today, computers represent a primary division between mainstream and marginalized. There are of course other divisions - race, gender, etc. - that can marginalize people. But not having easy access to a computer and the expertise to use it effectively makes it almost impossible to perform both mundane and complex necessary tasks in our society: creating a resume, finding and applying for jobs online, filing taxes, even making medical appointments (with covid questionnaires).

There are thousands of families and individuals in the Boston area who lack any computer equipment - either desktop PC or laptop. Even the most basic computer system - even a refurbished one - with operating system and word processing software is typically far out of reach of these families. Buying used equipment online is still expensive and chancy as well - you never know when it's going to break - and shipping costs are usually very high.

Boston Community Computers is attempting to bridge that technology divide, by providing technical support and the training - through simple user guides, videos, and online clinics and classes - to empower people to use them effectively.

Keywords: Social Justice Project, Social Action Project, Social Assistance Project,
Empowerment, Computer Skills Training, Computer Equipment Donation, Printer Donation