Community Technology Network

CTN initiates and manages partnerships with public technology center managers and constituents to equip low-income San Francisco Bay Area residents with the technological tools and resource they need to explore educational, professional and social opportunities in and beyond their communities. CTN supports computer centers that serve vulnerable populations by providing them with resources, networking opportunities, and volunteers.

CTN's vision is to create a better society by empowering people to participate fully in communities that flourish through an exchange of knowledge and information.

n August 2001, at a regional community technology meeting of the America Connects Consortium, CompuMentor (now called TechSoup Global) first established CTN. As a CompuMentor program, CTN thrived as a regional collaboration of informed technology and community empowerment professionals. In its first five years, CTN hosted several successful events and, as a byproduct, produced valuable resource materials. CTN also established Best Practices Guides using accumulated feedback from community technology practitioners. In 2006, TechSoup Global’s national and international focus prompted its transition away from CTN. Subsequently, a committee led by Barrie Hathaway, Chairman of the Board at CTN, gathered to assess community needs and determine CTN’s direction. This committee’s interviews and surveys of more than 25 community technology agencies, yielded results proving CTN’s continued relevance and viability. In June 2008, with funding from the Full Circle Fund, CTN received 501(c)3 status.

Today, a 12-member Board of Directors and a part-time Executive Director manage CTN. Leadership consists of community and business leaders, including directors and technology advocates from Bay Area non-profits. This committee directs organizational priorities, including curricular and business activities, content development and events.

Volunteer Orientation, June 21: http://www.ctnbayarea.org/calendar/volunteer-orientation

Many people go without basic services and digital communication that we take for granted. If you're interested in learning more about the digital inclusion movement in San Francisco and how you can help, please attend our free orientation. Click here to read a full description of the event and for instructions about how to register.

Please contact winifred@ctnbayarea.org for more details about our program and how you can become involved, or visit our website for more information.