The availability of digital devices, access to affordable broadband, and digital literacy are issues that are critical to creating economic opportunities and improving access to information and services. For communities with a wide “digital divide” – i.e., where there are inequities between those who have access to the internet and digital technology and those who do not – that gap can inhibit the full participation in modern society and lead to educational and skills deficits that prevent people from finding stable employment.

In an effort to close the digital divide in our community, Goodwill Manasota and the Sarasota Technology Users Group (STUG) are embarking on a new collaboration that will supply STUG with computer components to help build new machines, and support Goodwill’s commitment to achieving digital equity for its team members and mission services clients.

As part of the agreement between the two nonprofits, Goodwill has pledged to: supply STUG with e-scrap – at least 100 pounds per month – such as computers, computer components, laptops, hard drives, and miscellaneous electronics, and pick up e-waste from STUG upon request. STUG has agreed to: visit Goodwill once per month to sort through and select desired items, and provide a valid, dated certificate of data destruction for each pick-up of e-scrap.

STUG's mission is to bring to its members quality education in using today's personal technology products, and to provide refurbished computer equipment to qualified citizens of Sarasota County. Founded in 1982, STUG educates its members about the uses of applications, hardware and software through discussion groups, forms, lectures, seminars and other efforts. Its volunteer corps refurbishes computers and provides them to students, qualified individuals, and nonprofit organizations throughout the Sarasota area. For more about the group, visit thestug.org.

“Without sufficient technology, access to affordable internet services, and the skills to navigate the online world, community members are at a significant disadvantage in accessing information and services as well as the ability to search and apply for jobs,” said Goodwill Manasota Vice President Margie Genter. “The Sarasota Technology Users Group addresses all of those issues, teaching community members how to use the technology as well as providing refurbished computers for community members in need. We have at least 100 team members who have benefited from receiving computers from STUG; we are excited for this new collaboration, which not only affirms our commitment to digital equity but also reduces further waste going to area landfills.”

For more about Goodwill’s programs and services, visit experiencegoodwill.org.

About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With philanthropic donations and revenue generated by the sales of donated goods, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and those with other barriers to employment by providing jobs, job skills training, and free career services. For more information or for a listing of locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.