What about people who don’t have access to the Internet?
Anonymous writes:
Yes this is all very well, but what about the millions who don’t use computers. What are we doing about them, eh?
Well, Anonymous, the answer is: much as we’ve always done.
There’s splendid work being done by Race Online 2012 and their team (and UK Online Centres too) to get people without access to computers or the skills to use them confidently, to get online.
But if you’re worried, for example, that getting input into a consultation via Twitter is going to disenfranchise the non-Tweeters, then just make sure there are other ways to respond alongside it. These tools don’t necessarily replace other methods, but they may complement them or help you save money on them (for instance, holding fewer of the evening meetings that parents or commuters struggle to attend, and keeping in touch with them via social media they can use on the train or during nap-times).
Nobody doing digital engagement hates the grannies and others who aren’t on Facebook. It’s not that sort of club.
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